EFFICACY OF MYRRH TOTAL OIL EMULSION AGAINST HYMENOLEPIS NANA IN RATS

The study aims investigating the efficacy of Myrrh Total Oil (MTO), formulated as emulsion, in treating naturally acquired Hymenolepis nana infection in rats. White albino male rats were used and different treatment regimens were studied using praziquantel as a reference compound. MTO dose of 834 mg/kg for 3 days, cured the infection in 75% of the rats, while lower doses exhibited less success. The number of worms was around 24 when the infected rats received a dose of 333 mg/kg for one day or for 3 successive days. Increasing dosing duration to 4 days, the mean number of worms decreased to 2 worms. Praziquantel produced a 100% cure of all infected rats in the assigned group. MTO emulsion proved to be effective against Hymenolepis nana. Although the results indicate the superiority of praziquantel, nevertheless the data obtained is promising for the interest of using natural products and warrants further investigation.