Development of a novel agent for control of schistosomiasis is a mandate. In-vitro anti-schistosomal activity of the aerial parts of Huernia saudi-arabica were examined. Chromatographic investigations of the ethanol extract (EE) were afforded three compounds. Pregnane glycoside (CI) 12-β-p-hydroxy-benzoyl-20-O-acetyl-boucerin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside, in addition to two flavonoids (CII) luteolin-4'-O-β-D-neohesperidoside and (CIII)quercetin-3-rutinoside were recognized via spectral analysis. The schistosomicidal effects were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). In-vitro bioassays on the viability (mobility, morphological changes and mortality) of Schistosoma mansoni adults, cercariae, miracidia and eggs at different concentrations 2.5, 5, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg/ml of EE and 2.6, 5.2, 13, 26 and 52 μM of CI in incubation times 1,2,4,6,12hrs were carried out. EE and CI evidenced in-vitro anti-schistosomal activity with a dose and incubation time-dependent fashion. The effect of EE and CI was evident by the topography damage showed by SEM. EE proved moderate in-vitro cytotoxicity with IC50 of 8.48 µg/ml.
Keywords: SEM; Schistosoma mansoni; Huernia saudi-arabica; cytotoxicity; pregnane glycoside.