Effects of Mirazid(®) and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica under laboratory conditions

In vitro cytogenotoxic and mutagenic effects of Commiphora myrrha essential oil

Commiphora myrrha, located in the tropical zone, is a widely used tree for medicinal purposes in the Arabian Peninsula and a large part of Africa. In this research, cytogenotoxic effects of the commercially available Commiphora myrrha essential oil (myrrh) were studied using micronucleus (MN), comet, and total oxidant (TOS), and total antioxidant (TAS) assays on human peripheral lymphocytes under in vitro conditions. In addition, pure pBR322 plasmid DNA was used to investigate DNA damaging/protecting activity of the essential oil. Finally, a bacterial reversion (Ames) test was performed using Salmonella typhimurium mutant strains TA98 and TA100 to determine the potential effect of the agent in the induction of gene mutations. The high concentration of Commiphora myrrha (0.125 µL/mL) induced MN formation significantly compared to the untreated control in both treatment times (24 or 48 h). Only at the highest concentration, nuclear division index (NDI) values were found lower than the controls. In the Comet test performed on healthy lymphocytes, only the highest concentration of myrrh caused significant increases in the percentage of damaged cells and genetic damage index (GDI) values. Myrrh oil showed no significant mutagenic effect on mutant Salmonella strains. In addition, the substance did not directly damage plasmid DNA but also protected DNA against damaging factors such as H₂O₂ and UV. Finally, in the TAS and TOS assays, no significant differences on the oxidative stress parameters were found in cell culture compared to the control. The results of this study showed that myrrh oil exerts cytogenotoxic risk only at higher concentrations.

HPLC characterization of molluscicidal component of Tamarindus indica and its mode of action on nervous tissue of Lymnaea acuminata

BACKGROUND

Fasciolosis is a water-borne disease with gastropods snail (Lymnaea acuminata) act as key-link is still burden for mankind especially in developing countries. Snail control is one of the important tools to trim down the frequency of fasciolosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the toxic effect and inhibitory potential of plant Tamarindus indica and their active constituent on the key enzyme of nervous tissue of snail L. acuminata.

METHOD

The present study deals with the chromatographic isolation and identification of molluscicidal component from Tamarindus indica bark and its effects on enzymes activities of vector snail L. acuminata.

RESULT

The toxicity study reveals that among all organic extract ethanol extract of T. indica bark (96 h LC50:127.4 mgL-1) was more effective than other organic extracts. The 96 h LC50 of column purified fraction of T. indica bark was 13.78 mgL-1 respectively. Saponin was isolated, characterized and identified as active molluscicidal component in the bark of T. indica by column chromatography, TLC and HPLC chromatographic methods. The in vivo and in vitro treatment of column purified fraction and saponin has significant inhibition in enzyme AChE, ACP and ALP activities. The study of inhibition kinetics indicates that inhibition of AChE and ALP is competitive, while ACP is uncompetitive in both the treatments.

CONCLUSION

Thus inhibition of these enzyme activities by T. indica bark column purified fraction and saponin in the snail L. acuminata may be the cause of its molluscicidal activity which leads snail death.

Comparison of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Commiphora molmol and Sodium Hypochlorite as Root Canal Irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum

Objective

The investigation aims to compare antimicrobial efficacy of the extract of Commiphora molmol, against Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Design

T he dehydrated oleo-gum resin of Commiphora molmol was extracted by using 70% ethanol and was suspended in 99.8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a dissolving agent in a 1:2 volume to produce an aqueous solution at room temperature. Agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution methods assay were utilized to determine both the antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration, of alcoholic extract of Commiphora molmol against E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. The values of the inhibition zones were determined based on the concentration of the investigated material. One hundred and forty extracted human premolar teeth were instrumented and immersed in bacterial suspension of E. faecalis or F. nucleatum (70 teeth in each species suspension). Prepared teeth were then immersed in the myrrh extract solution, 2.5% NaOCl, DMSO, or Cefotaxime and incubated for 30 and 60 minutes.

Results

The largest inhibition zone diameter for both bacterial species was obtained by the 100mg/100μL concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.03mg/300μL for both E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) results showed that 0.03mg/μL myrrh extract and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite significantly reduced bacterial growth at both 30 and 60 minutes of different treatments of root canals, compared to DMSO group (negative control) and the antibiotic group (positive group).

Conclusion

Myrrh extract was proven to have considerable antibacterial activity against both F. nucleatum and E. faecalis.

The Effect of Sitz Bath of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Myrrh Gum on Episiotomy Wound Healing in Nulliparous Women

Objective: To investigate the effect of sitz bath of hydro-alcohol extract of myrrh plant on episiotomy wound healing. Materials and methods: the clinical trial was performed on 60 nulliparous women from July 2017 to December 2017. After episiotomy, the intervention and control groups respectively underwent sitz bath of myrrh gum and normal saline for 7 days. Data collection was REEDA scale. Results: Significant difference between the mean score of redness, proximity of wound edges to each other and REEDA scale in both groups on the third, seventh and tenth days after delivery (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between mean scores of bruise on the 10^th day and wound discharge on the 7^th and 10^th days. The mean scores of bruise were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The effect of this myrrh plant on episiotomy wound healing is greater and faster than the effect of usual cares.

Epidemiology and economic loss of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis in Arak, Iran

Aim:

Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis are important parasitic diseases worldwide, causing significant financial losses due to decrease in production and viscera condemnation in animals. We performed the current research to assess the epidemiology of these infections and determine their significance from an economic perspective in Arak, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

In total, we evaluated 118,463 sheep, 207,652 goats, and 43,675 cattle through necropsic analysis at the slaughterhouses. The average weight of sheep, goat, and cattle liver was 1000, 900, and 5000 g, respectively. The average price of liver in the market was 8 USD/kg. Moreover, the elimination of fundamental nutrients and vitamins was evaluated in infected livers. The prevalence of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was determined. Analysis of variance test was applied for the statistical analysis, and the significance level was <0.05.

Results:

In total, Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were detected in 0.56% (confidence interval CI, 0.54-0.59) and 0.77% (CI, 0.75-0.81) of the animals, respectively (p=0.1). The annual economic loss attributed to fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was 26698.4 and 30479.2 USD, respectively. The total economic loss was 10,880, 9079.2, and 10,520 dollars in sheep, cattle, and goats, respectively. On the other hand, financial loss resulting from fasciolosis was 7160, 6098.4, and 13,440 dollars in sheep, goats, and cattle, respectively. In addition, economic loss due to dicroceliasis was 10,880, 9079.2, and 10,520 dollars, respectively.

Conclusion:

Overall, fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis in Iran always remain common in sheep, goats, and cattle that afford major economic loss of all the country also exist in Arak province. The present study could provide basic information for further examination of liver fluke infections in Iran.

Molecular characterization of Fasciola flukes using mitochondrial 28S rRNA gene in Naimi Saudi sheep

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of medical and economic importance. This retrospective study was conducted on 110 Fasciola flukes collected from livers of 14 infected Naimi sheep slaughtered at Riyadh abattoir in Saudi Arabia during winter season of 2016. Collected specimens were analyzed for their species identification on the basis of partial sequences of mitochondrial 28S rRNA gene. Results have shown the presence of both Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) and Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) species. Where Fasciola hepatica was predominate (80%). Both intra-species and interspecies genetic distance was studied and results showed that the intraspecific variability among individuals of both species i.e., F. hepatica and F. gigantica, ranging between 0 and 1% while the interspecific diversity between F. hepatica and F. gigantica was only 1%. In conclusion, mitochondrial 28S rRNA gene is a proved as a good marker in identifying Fasciola of different species. Where, the F. hepatica and F. gigantica are present in sheep breed in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia.

Disruption of egg production by triclabendazole-resistant Fasciola hepatica following treatment with a commercial preparation of myrrh (Mirazid)

An in vitro study has been carried out to monitor changes to the female reproductive system in adult triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Fasciola hepatica following treatment with a commercial preparation of myrrh ("Mirazid"). Flukes were immersed for 6 h and 24 h in myrrh extract at a concentration of 200 µg/ml, then processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the uterus, Mehlis' gland, ovary and vitellaria. Egg production had become abnormal at 6 h post-treatment (pt), with the uterine lumen being filled with free vitelline cells and masses of shell protein material; few eggs were present. At 24 h pt, no eggs were present. Distinct changes to the ovary and Mehlis' gland were only observed after 24 h incubation in Mirazid. The ovary contained numbers of apoptotic oogonia and oocytes. In the Mehlis' gland, the S1 cells were disorganised and the processes from them were vacuolated, although the disruption was not significant. More severe changes were observed in the vitelline cells and follicles. After 6 h incubation in Mirazid, although the gross organisation of the vitelline follicles appeared to be normal, nuclear changes indicative of the early stages of apoptosis were observed in the stem cells and shell protein production by the mature cells had decreased. At 24 h pt, a distinct shift in cell population was evident, with the follicles containing mainly mature cells and spaces were present between the cells. The shell globule clusters in the mature cells were disorganised. In more severely-affected follicles, cells were seen to be breaking down, with karyolytic nuclei and disintegrating cytoplasm. Overall, the results have shown that exposure to Mirazid treatment had a severe impact on egg production by TCBZ-resistant flukes, an effect that was mediated by disruption of the vitelline cells and of the mechanism co-ordinating egg formation in the ootype.

Antiparasitic Activity of Mirazid, Myrrh Total Oil and Nitazoxanide Compared to Praziquantel on Schistosoma mansoni: Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

BACKGROUND

The development of new antischistosomal drug remains a pressing need and a vital challenge in front of many researchers through screening the natural or chemical substances for their potential activity as antischistosomal agents.

METHODS

Five groups of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice (n=10) were enrolled in this study, the G1 was infected non-treated control group. G2 was infected treated with praziquantel 500 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days. G3 was given mirazid 500 mg/kg for 5 days. G4 was given Myrrh total oil 18 mg/kg for 3 days and G5 given nitazoxanide 100 mg/kg for 7 days. Mice perfusion was performed for worm ultrastructural morphology by scanning electron microscopy at 2 WPT.

RESULTS

Praziquantel was superior to any other tested substances as it caused extensive tegumental damages in male worms in the form of rupture of the tubercles and loss of spines followed by mirazid that resulted only in superficial tegumental damage with shrinkage of the outer surface of male tubercles with marked loss of spines. Nitazoxanide resulted in minor tegumental alterations of male worms while Myrrh total oil caused negligible effects on the teguments of perfused worms.

CONCLUSION

PZQ showed more superior antiparasitic effects than all tested substances on S. mansoni worms. Mirazid was more effective than myrrh total oil and nitazoxanide.

Ultrastructural changes to the tegumental system and gastrodermal cells of adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment in vivo with a commercial preparation of myrrh (Mirazid)

An in vivo study in the laboratory rat model has been carried out to monitor changes to the tegument and gut of adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment with myrrh ('Mirazid'). Rats infected with the triclabendazole-resistant Dutch isolate were dosed orally with Mirazid at a concentration of 250 mg/kg and flukes recovered 2, 3 and 7 days post-treatment (pt). The flukes were processed for examination by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A variety of changes to the external surface were observed, culminating in the sloughing of the tegumental syncytium. Internal changes to the syncytium and tegumental cell bodies were more severe and were evident from 2 days pt onwards. Swelling of the basal infolds (leading to flooding of the surface layer) and a decline in secretory body production were the major changes seen. The gastrodermal cells were less severely affected than the tegument, pointing to a trans-tegumental route of uptake for Mirazid by the fluke. Some loss of muscle fibres in the main somatic muscle layers was observed, which may be correlated with the decline in movement of flukes seen at recovery.

Tegumental Effects of Methanolic Extract of Balanites aegyptiaca Fruits on Adult Paramphistomum microbothrium (Fischoeder 1901) under Laboratory Conditions

BACKGROUND

Weak efficacy of different fasciolicidal compounds used for treatment of paramphistomosis has drawn the attention of many authors to alternative drugs. The purpose of this study was to assess, for the first time, the effect of the methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (BAE) on adult Paramphistomum microbothrium.

METHODS

The effect of BAE on adult P. microbothrium after 24 h incubating the parasites in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 10, 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml BAE was determined by light and scanning electron microscopic studies.

RESULTS

Differences in response to BAE action were concentration dependent.The major target organ that was highly affected was the tegument. Maximum anthelmintic activity was found with a dose of 200 μg/ml BAE, at which distinct damage to the whole body surface of the trematodes was very much distinct. Shape and structure of both suckers were deformed due to BAE. This damage would undoubtedly disrupt many of the physiological processes associated with the tegument. Besides, the damage of the tegumental folds of the acetabular region might disrupt its function in drawing the rumen wall tissue of the host into the acetabular cavity.

CONCLUSION

the use of methanolic extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits offers a new dimension and potential for control of such a neglected infectious disease in ruminants, at a time when paramphistomosis has emerged as an important cause of productivity loss.

Larvicidal activity of camphor and lavender oils against sheep blowfly, Luciliasericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

In this study, the essential oils of camphor and lavender were tested in vitro against the third instar larvae of Lucilia sericata for the first time, following dipping toxicity technique. The toxicity results revealed that L. sericata larvae were susceptible to the applied essential oils. Lavender oil was more effective than camphor in killing of L. sericata larvae. With 32 % concentration, the mortality percentages of larvae were 100 and 93.3 %, respectively. Light and scanning electron microscopic examinations were done to determine the cuticular changes of L. sericata larvae following exposure to the applied essential oils. Larvae showed cuticular swelling and distortion after oil treatment, but its level was greater with lavender oil. The current study suggested that an alternative, effective and natural product can be developed as larvicides against L. sericata using camphor and lavender oils.

Tegumental histological effects of Mirazid(®) and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica

OBJECTIVE

To evaluated the histological changes within the tegument of adult Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) that led to the gross changes that were visible externally.

METHODS

The effects of oleoresin extract of myrrh (Mirazid(®)), myrrh volatile oil and triclabendazole sulphoxide (reference drug) on the tegumental structure of adult F. gigantica following treatment in vitro had been determined by light microscopy.

RESULTS

The internal changes in the tegument observed in this study were compatible with surface changes seen in the previous scanning electron microscopy study, using the same drugs. The swelling of tegumental syncytium was a particular feature of their action, but its level was much greater with myrrh volatile oil, in which vacuolization of the tegument and loss of spines were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated the fasciocidal properties of Mirazid(®) oleoresin extract, and it might be possible to reinforce its fasciocidal activity by increasing its content of myrrh volatile oil.

A retrospective survey of liver flukes in livestock based on abattoir data in Kermanshah, west of Iran

A retrospective study was carried from 2008 to 2013 to estimate the prevalence of liver flukes in ruminants slaughtered at the abattoir of Kermanshah province, west of Iran. A total of 663,633 animals slaughtered in the 5-year period and totally 1.95 % of livers were condemned due to liver flukes. Fasciolosis were responsible for 0.8, 0.7 and 1.5 % of liver condemnations, whereas 1, 0.8 and 1 % of liver were condemned because of Dicrocoelium dendriticum infection in the sheep, goats and cattle, respectively. A significant difference in the prevalence of liver flukes were observed among studied animals (p < 0.001) and the highest and lowest prevalence were detected in cattle and goats, respectively. Data showed significant seasonal pattern for distomatosis in sheep and goat (p < 0.001). Liver condemnations due to fasciolosis were prevalent in sheep and goats and cattle slaughtered during winter, summer and autumn, respectively, whereas dicrocoeliosis were common in autumn season for sheep and cattle and in winter for goats. This survey provides baseline data for the future monitoring of these potentially important parasitic infections in the region.

Anthelmintics Resistance; How to Overcome it?

Many parasitic helminthes of veterinary importance have genetic features that favor development of anthelmintic resistance, this becoming a major worldwide constrain in livestock production. The development of anthelmintic resistance poses a large threat to future production and welfare of grazing animals. Development of variable degrees of resistance among different species of gastrointestinal nematodes has been reported for all the major groups of anthelmintic drugs. It has been observed that frequent usage of the same group of anthelmintic; use of anthelmintics in sub-optimal doses, prophylactic mass treatment of domestic animals and frequent and continuous use of a single drug have contributed to the widespread development of anthelmintic resistance in helminthes. The degree and extent of this problem especially with respect to multidrug resistance in nematode populations is likely to increase. Maintaining parasites in refugia and not exposed to anthelmintics, seems to be a key point in controlling and delaying the development of resistance, because the susceptible genes are preserved. Targeted selective treatments attract the interest of scientists towards this direction. Additionally, adoption of strict quarantine measures and a combination drug strategy are two important methods of preventing of anthelmintic resistance. Experience from the development of anthelmintic resistance suggests that modern control schemes should not rely on sole use of anthelmintics, but employ other, more complex and sustainable recipes, including parasite resistant breeds, nutrition, pasture management, nematode-trapping fungi, antiparasitic vaccines and botanical dewormers. Most of them reduce reliance on the use of chemicals and are environmental friendly. Finally, if new anthelmintic products are released, an important question will be raised about how they should be used. It is suggested that slowing the development of resistance to a new class are likely to be gained by releasing it in combination with one or more of the older anthelmintic classes, especially where efficacy of the older active(s) remains high.