Our work aimed to evaluate the possible effect of Annona muricata (Graviola) leaf extract on Trichinella spiralis in in vitro and in vivo studies. Trichinella spiralis worms were isolated from infected mice and transferred to three
culture media - group I (with no drugs), group II (contained Graviola) and group III (contained
albendazole) - then they were examined using the electron microscope. In the in vivo study, mice were divided into five groups: GI (infected untreated), GII (prophylactically treated with Graviola for seven days before
infection), GIII (infected and treated with Graviola), GIV (infected and treated with
albendazole) and GV (infected and treated with a combination of Graviola plus
albendazole in half doses).
Drug effects were assessed by adults and larvae load beside the histopathological small intestinal and muscular changes. A significant reduction of adult and larval counts occurred in treated groups in comparison to the control group. Histopathologically, marked improvement in the small intestinal and muscular changes was observed in treated groups. Also, massive destruction of the cultured adults' cuticle was detected in both drugs. This study revealed that Graviola leaves have potential activity against
trichinellosis, especially in combination with
albendazole, and could serve as an adjuvant to anti-
trichinellosis drug therapy.