Anthelmintic effect of artesunate in experimental heterophyid infection

Artesunate is a water-soluble semi-synthetic drug derived from artemisinin which is extracted from leaves of the Chinese plant Artemisia annua. This successful basically-antimalarial drug has been proved to be also effective against trematodes like Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni, Fasciola hepatica and Clonorchis sinensis. The present work aimed to investigate the in-vivo efficacy of artesunate against heterophyids in mice, using praziquantel as a therapeutic control. Results showed that artesunate was effective in treatment of experimental heterophyidiasis as proved by a 100% reduction of intestinal adult worm count at a dose regimen of 200 mg/kg/day, given for 3 successive days. Besides, surface tegumental damage of the adult worm was observed by SEM in form of bleb formation, disruption, erosion and peeling. The proved therapeutic efficacy of artesunate together with its reported safety, favor its possible use as a new alternative therapy in human heterophyidiasis.