In vivo and in vitro activity of oil extract of garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) against Schistosoma japonicum cercariae.

INTRODUCTION:: The activity of garlic oil extract against Schistosoma japonicum cercariae was evaluated.

METHODS:: The in vitro and in vivo cercaricidal activities against S. japonicum larvae were determined.

RESULTS:: Exposure to ≥ 10-6 (v/v) garlic emulsions for 30 min led to 100% cercariae mortality; pre-exposure treatment with ≥ 10-4 (v/v) garlic emulsions showed 100% preventive efficacy against S. japonicum infection, while pre-treatment with 10-5 and 10-6 (v/v) emulsions achieved 20%-40% preventive efficacy and 35.2%-63.6% worm burden reduction.

CONCLUSIONS:: Garlic oil extract has activity against S. japonicum larvae and a promising preventive efficacy against S. japonicum infection.