Schistosomicidal Effects of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil Extract on Schistosoma mansoni‐Infected Mice

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis causes severe hepatic fibrosis, making it a global health issue. Moringa oleifera seed oil extract, which had antiparasitic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, was investigated as an alternative treatment. The 50 mice were divided into control, infected, praziquantel‐treated, M . oleifera seed oil extract‐treated and combined treatment groups. These treatments were examined for their effects on egg granulomas, hepatic enzymes, total protein, albumin, antioxidant enzymes and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. M . oleifera seed oil and/or PZQ significantly reduced egg numbers, granuloma size and liver histopathology. M . oleifera seed oil reduced hepatic enzyme activity, increased total protein and albumin, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity while decreasing malondialdehyde. M . oleifera seed oil reduced the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. M . oleifera seed oil may treat schistosomiasis instead of PZQ due to its antifibrotic, immunomodulatory and schistosomicidal properties.