Possible antischistosomal activity of the crude saponins of Anagallis arvensis on Schistosoma mansoni

This study was carried out to evaluate the antischistosomal efficacy of the crude saponins isolated from Anugalfis amemis [a medicinal local plant] in albino mice experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Animals were divided into 2 major groups according to the route of drug administration. The first group was orally given the saponins, while the latter one was administered the crude saponins subcutaneously.Different doses of the saponins were used at different intervals of infection. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after the infection. Data obtained from some experimental subgroups showed that significant reduction in total number of worm burden was recorded. The worm reduction was variable according to the dose, time, duration and pathway of administration and it ranges from 1.15-100%. This study gave preliminary promising results that help in finding a new, safe and effective chemotherapeutic drug; however, it needs more comprehensive follow-up study