Abd El-Laah, A., Marghany, M., El-Sawi, N., Osman, H. (2025). Nigella sativa loaded PLGA nanoparticles effect on murine schistosomiasis mansoni: Worm burden and tegumental ultrastructure. Parasitologists United Journal, 18(1), 43-49. doi: 10.21608/puj.2025.359324.1284
Amany AE Abd El-Laah; Mohammed E Marghany; Nagwa M El-Sawi; Hesham Osman. "Nigella sativa loaded PLGA nanoparticles effect on murine schistosomiasis mansoni: Worm burden and tegumental ultrastructure". Parasitologists United Journal, 18, 1, 2025, 43-49. doi: 10.21608/puj.2025.359324.1284
Abd El-Laah, A., Marghany, M., El-Sawi, N., Osman, H. (2025). 'Nigella sativa loaded PLGA nanoparticles effect on murine schistosomiasis mansoni: Worm burden and tegumental ultrastructure', Parasitologists United Journal, 18(1), pp. 43-49. doi: 10.21608/puj.2025.359324.1284
Abd El-Laah, A., Marghany, M., El-Sawi, N., Osman, H. Nigella sativa loaded PLGA nanoparticles effect on murine schistosomiasis mansoni: Worm burden and tegumental ultrastructure. Parasitologists United Journal, 2025; 18(1): 43-49. doi: 10.21608/puj.2025.359324.1284
Nigella sativa loaded PLGA nanoparticles effect on murine schistosomiasis mansoni: Worm burden and tegumental ultrastructure
1Lecturer of Medical Parasitology,Faculty of Medicine, Sohag university, Sohag, Egypt
2Professor of Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
3Professor of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Sohag University,Sohag, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: Currently, the treatment of schistosomiasis depends on Praziquantel (PZQ). Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is a promising herbal medicine with anti-schistosomal effects. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as a drug delivery vehicle. Objective: To evaluate the effect of NSO alone, loaded on PLGA, and combined with PZQ, on murine schistosomiasis. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, 48 Swiss albino mice were equally divided into six groups. Control negative group: not infected mice and not treated; control positive group: infected and not treated; NS group: treated with NSO only; NP1 group: full dose treated by NSO/PLGANPs; NP2 group: half dose treated with NSO/PLGANPs; NPP group: half dose treated with NSO/PLGANPs and PZQ. Mice were sacrificed nine weeks post-infection (wpi) and porto-mesenteric perfusion was performed for recovery of adult worms. The reduction in worm burden in different groups was calculated. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) tegumental examination of adults was performed. Results: The NPP group revealed the highest reduction (100%) in total adult worm burden; in males mean number and couples. The NP1 group followed with reductions of 68.14%, 74.8% and 67.47%, respectively. Tegumental examination of adult worms in NP1 group showed severe destruction of males' and females’ tegument with severe peeling. There were constrictions in the body of females and blebbing and erosions with vesicle formation in males' and females’ tegument. Although 100% reduction of worms was recorded with NPP treatment, SEM changes were more severe with NPI treatment. Conclusion: It was concluded that PLGANPs potentiated the