A potential herbal therapeutic for trichinellosis

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Trichinellosis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis.
• Drug resistance and side effects limit current treatments, necessitating novel therapeutic agents.
• Medicinal plants offer a promising source for developing safe and effective anti-parasitic drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Artemisia annua (A. annua) against experimentally induced trichinellosis.
• To assess the impact of A. annua on T. spiralis infection and associated intestinal pathology.

Main Methods:

• Experimental trichinellosis was induced in BALB/c mice infected with T. spiralis.
• Mice were treated with A. annua extract (300 mg/kg) or albendazole (50 mg/kg) from 3 days post-infection for 3 days.
• Treatment efficacy was evaluated by measuring adult worm counts and examining intestinal tissue histology and inflammation markers.

Main Results:

• A. annua treatment significantly reduced T. spiralis adult worm burden in the intestines.
• The extract improved intestinal architecture, reduced edema, and alleviated inflammation.
• Reduced inflammatory infiltrate and TGF-β expression were observed in A. annua-treated mice.

Conclusions:

• Ethanolic extract of A. annua demonstrates significant efficacy in treating intestinal trichinellosis.
• A. annua holds therapeutic potential as a natural alternative for managing T. spiralis infections.
• Further research into A. annua's anti-parasitic mechanisms is warranted.