In vivo and in vitro activity of oil extract of garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) against Schistosoma japonicum cercariae

The activity of garlic oil extract against Schistosoma japonicum cercariae was evaluated. The in vitro and in vivo cercaricidal activities against S. japonicum larvae were determined. Exposure to ≥ 10-6 (v/v) garlic emulsions for 30 min led to 100% cercariae mortality; pre-exposure treatment with ≥ 10-4 (v/v) garlic emulsions showed 100% preventive efficacy against S. japonicum infection, while pre-treatment with 10-5 and 10-6 (v/v) emulsions achieved 20%-40% preventive efficacy and 35.2%-63.6% worm burden reduction. Garlic oil extract has activity against S. japonicum larvae and a promising preventive efficacy against S. japonicum infection.