Ceratonia siliqua pods (Carob) methanol extract alleviates doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anti-neoplastic therapy, but its use is limited by its deleterious toxic effects including nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. This work aimed at assessing the potential protective effect of Ceratonia siliqua methanol extract (CME) on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in 5 groups of Wistar rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced experimentally by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of DOX (15 mg/kg). DOX increased serum creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium levels. It elevated MDA levels in the renal tissue but decreased the concentration of GSH and the activity of GST, CAT, and SOD. Meanwhile, it decreased the level of immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory mediators: IL-10 and TGF-ß, as well as the activity of MPO but increased the level of IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 in the renal tissue. DOX has upregulated COX-2, caspase-9, and Bax gene expression and downregulated the Bcl-2 gene expression. Immunolabeling of renal tubular epithelium in DOX-intoxicated rats was moderate to strong against Bax, COX-2, and NF-kß and weak against Bcl-2. Treatment with CME significantly restored the levels of kidney function parameters and the levels of oxidative stress markers. It stimulated the production of IL-10 and TGF-ß and decreased the level of IL-6 and TNF-α. CME reverted the gene expression of COX-2, caspase-9, and Bax. Microscopically, CME alleviated the DOX-induced renal damage. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 26 compounds in the CME. No signs of acute toxicity were recorded by CME up to 4000 mg/kg b. wt. orally into mice. Finally, CME could effectively alleviate the deleterious effects of DOX on the kidney. The safety of carob extract encourages its use in the preparation of valuable therapeutic agents.

The effect of exposure to MoO3-NP and common bean fertilized by MoO3-NPs on biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters in rats.

Nanotechnologies has been used to introduce several beneficial tools in the agricultural field. Herein, the effect of molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoO3-NPs) was investigated by evaluating the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in rats orally exposed to MoO3-NPs or fed common beans (CB) fertilized by MoO3-NPs. In the first study, 18 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: G1 (control group) was given water orally, while G2 and G3 were administered 10 and 40 ppm MoO3-NPs by oral gavage tube, respectively. There was a significant increase in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, and total protein; however, there was a a significant decrease in body weight change (BWC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and testosterone levels in G3 compared to G1. In the second study, 24 rats were divided into 4 groups: the control (C) group was fed a balanced diet, and three groups were fed on a balanced diet plus 10% CB that was fertilized with 0, 10, and 40 ppm MoO3-NPs, resulting in nCB, CB10, and CB40 groups, respectively. This revealed a significant increase in BWC and total food intake (TFI) but a significant decrease in relative kidney weight in all the CB groups compared to the control group. In CB10 and CB40 groups ALT, LDH, TSH, FT3, and testosterone levels were significantly lower than the respective levels in the control group. We concluded that high doses of MoO3-NPs caused more side effects than low doses in both experiments.

Current perspective on veterinary drug and chemical residues in food of animal origin.

The marked increase in the demand for animal protein of high quality necessitates protecting animals from infectious diseases. This requires increasing the use of veterinary therapeutics. The overuse and misuse of veterinary products can cause a risk to human health either as short-term or long-term health problems. However, the biggest problem is the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria or parasites. This is in addition to economic losses due to the discarding of polluted milk or condemnation of affected carcasses. This paper discusses three key points: possible sources of drug and chemical residues, human health problems, and the possible method of control and prevention of veterinary drug residues in animal products.

Evaluation of the curative effect of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits ethanolic extract on Haemonchosis experimentally induced in Egyptian Baladi goats: phytoanalytical, parasitological and hematological studies.

This study aimed to screen phytochemical components and antioxidant activity of Balanites aegyptiaca ethanolic extract (BAF-EE) as well as to evaluate its curative effect on experimentally induced haemonchosis in goats. Phytochemical constitutes of BAF-EE were screened and identified using Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and antioxidant effect was determined. Infective third larval stage (L3) of Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) were obtained by culturing feces of goat harboring monospecific infection of the parasite. Twelve male goats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 3) as: G1 (infected-untreated) which served as control positive, G2 (infected-BAF-EE treated), G3 (infected-albendazole treated) and G4 (uninfected-BAF-EE treated) that served as control negative. Experimental infection was conducted with a single oral dose of 10,000 L3 at 0-time, whereas treatment with BAF-EE and albendazole were given at a single oral dose of 9 g and 5 mg/kg BW, respectively in the 5th week post infection (PI). Egg count per gram of feces (EPG) was conducted once a week and blood samples were drawn on zero time, 3rd week PI and then biweekly for 9 weeks, for conduction of hemogram. At the end of the experiment, all animals were slaughtered and adult worms in their abomasa were counted. GC-MS analysis confirmed 28 compounds in the extract which revealed presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics and alkaloids, and exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity. Clinical signs observed on the infected animals were signs of anemia, which were gradually disappeared post treatment (PT). A maximum reduction in EPG (88.10%) and worm burden (94.66%) was recorded on 4th week PT due to efficacy of BAF-EE in contrast to 98.29% and 96.95% efficacy of albendazole. All infected groups showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) and presence of microcytic hypochromic anemia compared with G4. Goats treated with B. aegyptiaca and albendazole, exhibited significant increase in Hb and PCV 2 weeks PT and anemia changed to be normocytic hypochromic or microcytic normochromic in G2 and G3, respectively. Total white blood cells (WBCs) were elevated significantly in all infected groups which attributed to increase in lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils on expense of neutrophils. After treatments, WBCs and previously mentioned cells tended to decease. This study demonstrated that BAF-EE has anthelmintic effect against H. contortus and can improve hemogram and health condition of infected goats.

Beneficial effects of antioxidants in improving health conditions of sheep infected with foot-and-mouth disease.

The effect of multinutrient antioxidant treatment on sheep naturally infected with FMD virus was investigated in terms of general health conditions, serum proteins profile, and antioxidant/oxidant parameters. Twenty diseased sheep were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 5) and underwent certain therapeutic protocols for 8 weeks as follows: GI, infected not treated group; GII, infected and treated with the ideal and usual line of treatment against FMD virus infection; GIII, infected animals supplemented orally zinc methionine at a dose of 5 g/head/day and vitamin E with selenium-enriched yeast at the same dose level; GIV, infected animals received both the ideal treatment and antioxidants. The animals under experiment were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were obtained for the comet assay and biochemical examination at zero time and at the 8th week after treatment. Results revealed that DNA damage reduced in both GIII and GIV groups which received antioxidants. In the GI group, the activity of SOD and GPx and the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) markedly decreased. However, in both GIII and GIV groups treated with multinutrient antioxidants, GPx and TAC values significantly increased after treatment in comparison with the values of the same groups before treatment. After treatment with multinutrient antioxidants, α1-, ß-, and γ-globulins levels markedly increased in GII and GIII groups while α2-globulin level decreased. The improvement in healing of clinical signs and general health conditions was clear in the GIV group. Finally, FMD infection in sheep was found to be associated with oxidative stress. The use of antioxidants as therapeutic approaches recovers and improves general health conditions and performance of affected animals.

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex against fatty liver in rat model.

AIM: The current study was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex (CNC) against methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD)-induced fatty liver in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into one of four equal-sized groups (G1-G4). The G1 group was fed a balanced diet and kept under normal conditions; the G2 group received CNC orally at a dose of 0.043 mg/kg body weight, 3 times/week for 4 weeks, and a balanced diet; the G3 group was fed an MCDD for 4 weeks; and the G4 group was fed an MCDD and administered CNC at the same dose and route as G2. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum enzyme activity. After 4 weeks of treatment, liver specimens were collected for the evaluation of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, cytokine gene expression, and histopathological examination. RESULTS: CNC improved MCDD-induced liver dysfunctions by recovering serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities to their normal levels. The glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation (as reflected by malondialdehyde [MDA]) markedly increased in the liver tissue of the MCDD group. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, the GSH level and SOD activity markedly increased and the MDA level significantly decreased to return to normal levels. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, significant downregulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 genes was found. Moreover, CNC reduced fatty liver complications by reducing the number of hepatic vacuolations, degenerative changes in the hepatocytes, and hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: CNC has the potential to limit tissue injury and possibly prevent the progression to severe liver disease caused by an MCDD.

Effect of Egyptian propolis on cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rats with special emphasis on oocysts shedding, leukogram, protein profile and ileum histopathology.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. METHODS: A total of 180 male rats (190-220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1-G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2-G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4-G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α2- and ß-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts, while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group. ß-Globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide. Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium. CONCLUSIONS: Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats. Moreover, propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.

Use of allicin as feed additive to enhance vaccination capacity of Clostridium perfringens toxoid in rabbits.

The present study assessed the efficacy of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) toxoid and/or allicin - as feed additive - in rabbits for preventing or minimizing the severity of infection with locally isolated strain of C. perfringens type A. Serum biochemical, immunological and pathological investigations were also done. One hundred rabbits of 6 weeks of age were divided into five equal groups (G1-G5). G1 were kept as normal control. G2 was allocated for C. perfringens type A infection. G3 was vaccinated with C. perfringens toxoid at zero time and then with a booster dose at the 3rd week of the experimental period. G4 was treated with allicin 20% added to the ration (200mg/kg ration) all over the experimental period. G5 was vaccinated with C. perfringens toxoid at the zero time then with a booster dose at the 3rd week of the experiment period, and treated with allicin 20% from the zero time till the end of the experiment. At the 4th week, G2, G3, G4 and G5 were challenged orally (5 ml) and subcutaneously (2 ml) with 24h cooked meat broth containing 1 × 10(7) colony-forming units/ml of C. perfringens type A strain. Blood and tissue samples were collected from all groups po st-vaccination then post-challenge for biochemical analysis, serum neutralization test and histopathological examinations. Results revealed that rabbits treated with both allicin and toxoid vaccine demonstrated high level of antitoxin titre post-challenge, improved liver and kidney functions, and reduced morbidity and mortality rates and the severity of histopathological changes associated with challenge of rabbits with C. perfringens type A strain. In conclusion, vaccination of rabbits with C. perfringens toxoid combined with allicin 20% gave better protection, enhanced immune response and had no adverse effects on the general health conditions against C. perfringens type A infection compared to rabbits vaccinated with C. perfringens toxoid only.

Serological and molecular diagnostic surveys combined with examining hematological profiles suggests increased levels of infection and hematological response of cattle to babesiosis infections compared to native buffaloes in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis threatens the development of the cattle and buffaloes industries in Egypt and improved control is needed. The main objectives of this study are surveying the presence of bovine babesiosis in distinct selected bovine and buffalo populations in Egypt using novel molecular and previously validated serological methods, while also comparing the occurrence of hematological alterations among Babesia infected cattle and buffalos. METHODS: A total of 253 and 81 blood samples from apparently healthy cattle and buffaloes, respectively, were randomly collected from diverse locations in Egypt. All samples were tested for Babesia bovis and B. bigemina infection using blood film examination, competitive ELISA (cELISA) and PCR. Novel semi-nested and nested PCR assays for the detection of B. bovis and B. bigemina respectively, were developed and used to analyze DNA extracted from bovine and buffalo samples. Hematological profiles were studied using a hematological analyzer. RESULTS: Blood films examination revealed 13.8% and 7.4% Babesia infection rates in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. However, in cattle, the cELISA detected 32.8%, 21.3% and 10.7% infection rates with B. bigemina, B. bovis and mixed infection, respectively. In addition, cELISA identified 22.2%, 22.2% and 6.2% infection rates with B. bigemina, B. bovis and mixed infection, respectively in buffaloes. The semi-nested PCR assay showed that 15% of the tested samples were positive for B. bovis in cattle, but just 3% in buffaloes. Infections with B. bigemina were also found in cattle (32.4%), but not in buffaloes upon nested PCR analysis. Sequencing analysis confirmed the identity of the PCR amplicons and showed that Egyptian genotypes of B. bigemina and B. bovis highly resemble sequences previously deposited in GenBank. Hemograms performed on the sampled animals revealed macrocytic hypochromic anemia associated with reduced platelet counts in infected cattle with babesiosis. In addition, marked increases in total leukocyte and granulocytic counts and decreases in lymphocytic counts were found in infected cattle. In contrast, no such hematological anomalies were found in presumably Babesia-infected buffaloes. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent occurrence of babesiosis among apparently healthy bovines in Egypt, suggests the need for appropriately designed prevalence studies in this country. Infected bovine, but not buffalo, populations often present hematological disorders compatible with intravascular hemolysis and thrombocytopenia.

Protective effect of Egyptian propolis against rabbit pasteurellosis.

The present study was conducted to study the protective effect of ethanolic extract of propolis given subcutaneously (S/C) either alone or in combination with inactivated formalized Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) vaccine in rabbits challenged with virulent P. multocida strain. Twenty-eight New-Zealand rabbits, 6-8 weeks old and not vaccinated against pasteurellosis, were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group (1) was kept as nonvaccinated control. Group (2) was injected S/C with propolis. Group (3) was vaccinated (S/C) with P. multocida vaccine only. Group (4) was injected with vaccine mixed with propolis as adjuvant. Groups (2, 3, and 4) received the same doses of propolis and vaccine after 4 weeks as a booster dose. The experiment continued for six weeks during which clinical signs, body weight, and mortality rate were recorded. Blood samples were collected every 2 weeks of treatment for evaluating the erythrogram and biochemical parameters. At the end of six weeks, all groups were subjected to challenge with a virulent strain of P. multocida. Two weeks later, tissue specimens were collected from different organs for histopathological investigation. Results showed that before challenge all rabbits of different groups were apparently healthy and had good appetite. After challenge, control group (1) showed acute form of the disease, 100% mortality rate, and severe histopathological changes. Rabbits of groups (2 and 3) showed less severe clinical signs, mortality rate, and histopathological changes than control. Rabbits of group (4) were apparently healthy with normal histological picture. In conclusion, an ethanolic extract of propolis injected alone or combined with formalized inactivated P. multocida vaccine improved general health conditions, liver and kidney functions in addition to reduction of the severity of adverse clinical signs, mortality rates, and histopathological changes associated with challenge of rabbits with P. multocida strain.

Some Haematological and Biochemical Investigations on Duck Virus Hepatitis following Administration of Glycyrrhizin.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of glycyrrhizin (locally isolated and purified from licorice root) against duck hepatitis virus through the assessment of some hematological and biochemical parameters. One hundred and sixty white Pekin ducklings-one day old-were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group (1) was kept as normal control. Group (2) was inoculated I/P with 10 mg glycyrrhizin/kg BW, three times per week for four weeks. Group (3) was inoculated I/M with 0.5 ml of live attenuated DHV vaccine. Group (4) was inoculated with both glycyrrhizin (10 mg/kg BW I/P, three times per week for four weeks) and live attenuated DHV vaccine (0.5 ml, I/M). Then, all groups of treatment were challenged using virulent DHV except for 20 ducklings from the normal control group which were continued to be kept as negative control. The results revealed that duck hepatitis virus (DHV) caused macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukopenia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and marked elevation of liver enzymes and renal parameters. In conclusion, glycyrrhizin injected alone or in combination with DHV vaccine protected or ameliorated the deteriorating effects induced by DHV vaccine and/or duck hepatitis virus infection by improvement of erythrogram and leukogram, as well as liver and kidney functions.

Immunostimulant effect of Egyptian propolis in rabbits.

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis given alone or in combination with inactivated Pasteurella multocida vaccine on rabbits challenged with a virulent strain of Pasteurella multocida. Fifty-six New-Zealand rabbits, 6-8 weeks old and non-vaccinated against pasteurellosis, were randomly divided into eight equal groups. The first group was kept as a control for the experiment. The other groups received different treatments with propolis extract, inactivated vaccine, or both. The experiment continued for seven weeks during which clinical signs, body weight, and mortality rate were monitored, and blood samples were collected weekly for evaluating the leukogram, serum biochemistry, and immune response in all groups of animals. At the end of the seventh week, the animals were subjected to challenge with a virulent strain of Pasteurella multocida. Two weeks later, tissue specimens were collected from different organs for histopathological examination. Results showed that rabbits of the groups treated with both propolis and the vaccine by different routes appeared healthy after challenge. It has been concluded that alcoholic extract of propolis administrated in combination with inactivated Pasteurella multocida vaccine has no adverse effects on the general health conditions and enhances immune response in rabbits.

Effect of calcium soap of fatty acids supplementation on serum biochemical parameters and ovarian activity during out-of-the-breeding season in crossbred ewes.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium soap of fatty acid (CSFA) supplementation on serum biochemical and hormones and ovarian activity during out-of-the-breeding season in ewes. Twelve crossbred ewes, 2-3 years of age and weighting 45-55 kg, were allocated into two equal groups. The first group was control and the other was treated with 50 g/head of CSFA. All ewes were fed basal diet and treated with 60 mg of medroxy progesterone acetate intravaginal sponge for 12 day. At the third day of sponge removal, the CSFA-treated group was given 50 g/head of CSFA daily for two estrous cycles. During the estrus phase, ovarian activity was detected using ultrasonography in both groups. All ewes were then subjected to natural breeding and conception rate. Blood samples were collected from all ewes during treatment period. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) increases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and progesterone levels with decrease in calcium and phosphorous levels in treated group. In treated group, normal-size ovaries and more than one follicle on the ovaries were detected and pregnancy rate increased. In conclusion, CSFA supplementation was effective to maintain the reproductive performance when ewes were out of the breeding season.

Antiviral and immune stimulant activities of glycyrrhizin against duck hepatitis virus.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin as an immune stimulant against duck hepatitis virus (DHV). In vitro study was carried out to determine cytotoxic and antiviral effects of glycyrrhizin in VERO cells. In vivo study was performed on 40 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings. -and the birds weres divided into 4 groups: control, glycyrrhizin treated, vaccinated with live attenuated DHV vaccine and glycyrrhizin treated and vaccinated; to investigate the changes in immunity and challenge test. Blood samples were collected from each duckling for evaluation of cellular and humeral immunity. The in vitro results revealed that glycyrrhizin had antiviral and no toxic effects till 106 dilutions. Higher antibody titer was observed from the 5th week till the end of experiment in glycyrrhizin and vaccinated group. Treatment with glycyrrhizin alone or with DHV vaccine demonstrated a pronounced lymphocytic proliferation response after 4 days post-inoculation till the end of experiment, while vaccinated group revealed a pronounced proliferation response after 24 days post-inoculation. Treatment with glycyrrhizin alone or combination with DHV vaccine revealed good immune stimulant and antiviral effect against DHV.

Effect of various levels of dietary Jatropha curcas seed meal on rabbits infested by the adult ticks of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum I. Animal performance, anti-tick feeding and haemogram.

The goal of this study was to investigate the use of Jatropha curcas seed meal (JCSM) in different levels as acaricide in diet of rabbits experimentally infested by Hyalomma marginatum marginatum then determining animal performance, anti-tick feeding and its effects on haemogram of rabbits. Thirty healthy mixed-breed rabbits were randomly divided into five equal groups. The first group was kept as a control fed soya bean meal (20%) as a source of protein. Groups from the second to the fifth fed diets contained 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of JCSM instead of soya bean meal as a source of protein, respectively. Feeding and watering were given freely throughout the study. Animal performance for treatment groups were recorded from the 1st week up to the 6th week. Then each group divided into two subgroups, and the ticks were introduced to all of one subgroup and the other kept as control, following them until dropped at the end of the 8th week for all groups of the experiment. Feeding and reproductive performance of the adult tick females were determined. Blood samples were collected and analysed for haematological examination at the 0, 6th and 8th weeks post-treatment from all animals. Result revealed that rabbits received diets containing 5%, 7.5% and 10% had significantly (P < 0.05) lower growth performance than control and 2.5% JCSM groups. Feed intake and body weight gain decreased with increasing the level of JCSM in the diet. The result of anti-tick feeding observed that the highest percentage (60-90%) of rejection was recorded in 10% of JCSM group then the other treated groups (20-30%). Egg mass and reproductive index per female were marked increase (P < 0.001) in groups 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of JCSM. Macrocytic normochromic anaemia was development after 8 weeks of treatment, which changed to microcytic normochromic anaemia after challenge of ticks in groups received 5%, 7.5% and 10% JCSM. Leukopenia, neutopenia and lymphopenia were noticed (P < 0.05) in all treated groups which more drop in the group received 7.5% JCSM. Also, monocytosis was recorded in 7.5% and 10% JCSM groups. In conclusion, JCSM could be use in the treatment of ectoparasites at level less than 10% in diet. Further investigations should be done to detoxification the Jatropha seed meal to decrease the level of its toxicity.

Effect of methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits on enteral and parenteral stages of Trichinella spiralis in rats.

There is a considerable interest in developing new anthelmintic drugs including those from medicinal plants due to increasing evidence of parasitic resistance against present anthelmintic drugs and decreasing activity against encapsulated larval stages of parasites. This study was carried out to assess, for the first time, the effectiveness of methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (BAE) fruits against different stages (pre-adult, migrating larvae, and encysted larvae) of Trichinella spiralis in rats compared with commonly used anthelmintic albendazole. Oral administration of BAE at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg b.wt. for five successive days throughout the parasite life cycle led to a marked reduction of migrating and encysted larval rate by 81.7% and 61.7%, respectively, in the muscular tissue. This treatment was less effective against adults in the gut (47.8%). Albendazole treatment at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt. for five successive days resulted in a marked eradication of T. spiralis adult worms (94.4%) and less reduction of migrating and encysted larval infections of skeletal muscles (62.2% and 26.4%, respectively). BAE-treated groups showed marked decreases in serum-glucose levels, triglyceride concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) activities, and lipid peroxide products (malondialdehyde, MDA) as well as an increase in glutathione level in both serum and muscular tissue compared to albendazole-treated- and infected-untreated groups. This result was confirmed by few numbers of living- and dead-encysted larvae and less destruction of the diaphragm and skeletal muscle tissues in BAE-treated groups compared to other treated groups. It can be concluded that the methanolic extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits has high effectiveness against parenteral stages of T. spiralis than albendazole. Albendazole is more effective against enteral stage of T. spiralis than the extract.