In vitro evaluation of ethanolic Ficus carica leaves extract against Schistosoma mansoni worms as a treatment strategy high dose: Worm’s ultrastructural analysis (SEM) during 24hr of incubation

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> The purpose of this study was to ascertain <italic>Ficus carica</italic>'s schistosomicidal activity. From 25 to 800 µg/ml of extract were used, at various concentrations. Eight worms were cultured for 24 hours at each concentration in comparison to positive control; praziquantel (PZQ) was used. The efficacy of motility and ultrastructural alterations of adult <italic>Schistosoma mansoni</italic> worms after treatment for 24hr is assessed along with the mortality rate <italic>in</italic> <italic>vitro</italic>. With increasing extract concentrations, movement noticeably decreased; from normal to slow movement, the body appeared stretched before coiling around itself with extremely weak movement. With higher concentrations, the mortality rate rose markedly. Concentration of 400 µg/ml arrived to PZQ effect. Apoptosis plays a significant role in the stress damage response and other biological processes. It is essential for many organisms to maintain a balance between the proliferation of cells and the remodeling of tissues. Apoptosis of worms was cultured at each extract concentration and evaluated by flow cytometry using the Annexin V assay. Additionally, caspase-3 demonstrated distinct alterations at each of the <italic>Ficus carica</italic> leaves extract concentrations.