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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Standardized Apis mellifera Propolis Extract (EPP-AF®) Reduces Egg Burden and Granulomatous Inflammation in
Vitor Augusto Ferreira Dos Santos1, Irlla Correia Lima Licá1, Gleycka Cristine Carvalho Gomes Frazão1
1Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, Saint Louis 65080-805, MA, Brazil.
Abstract:
Propolis has potential anthelmintic activity against Schistosoma mansoni, although its mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study evaluated the biological effects of standardized Apis mellifera propolis extract (EPP-AF®) in experimental murine schistosomiasis. In vitro, EPP-AF® reduced adult worm viability and motility. In vivo, Swiss mice were allocated to four groups: EPP-AF® (4.5 mg/kg/day, orally, for 30 days), Praziquantel (PZQ; 50 mg/kg, days 45-51 post-infection), infected untreated control, and uninfected untreated SHAM control. EPP-AF® delayed oviposition and reduced egg production and tissue retention, granuloma formation, hepatic fibrosis, and eosinophilia. It also modulated splenic cytokine production, reducing inflammatory mediators and increasing IL-10. Molecular docking indicated favorable interactions between propolis phenolic compounds and SmCB1. Collectively, EPP-AF® exhibited antiparasitic and tissue-protective effects during experimental S. mansoni infection, supporting its pharmacological potential against schistosomiasis.
