Schistosomiasis is one of the most significant parasites especially in tropics and subtropics.
The only recognized drug used for treatment of all species of Schistosoma is praziquantel (PZQ).
Worries about drug resistance motivated the quest for novel drug sources. Genistein, which is a
natural product present in soybeans, was assessed for its antischistosomal effects in experimentally
Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice either solely or in association with PZQ.
All groups that were infected subjected to portal and mesenteric veins perfusion, evaluation of
worm burden, liver and intestinal ova count, and the oogram. Moreover, ultrastructural changes
in the worm's tegument and interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β) levels in infected mice were also assessed.
There were significant reductions in the total worm number and egg load of liver and intestine
with significant decrease in immature and mature eggs in all groups received treatment in comparison
with the infected non treated control one. Tegument of adult worms exposed to genistein
exhibited distortion of suckers and erosions with loss of tubercles and spines. There was decrease
in the IL-1β level in all treated groups. The best results, in all parameters, were given by
combined (genistein & PZQ) treatment. Genistein possessed moderate activity against S. mansoni
adults and considered as a good adjuvant to PZQ.