Impact of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf aqueous extract on immunological response of mice after Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf aqueous extract (DLE) on the immunological response of mice following infection with Schistosoma mansoni. Mice (in groups of 7) were first experimentally infected with S. mansoni and, 6 weeks later, were treated with praziquantel (PZQ) and/or DLE. Control mice were uninfected. In contrast to the untreated group, animals given PZQ and/or DLE exhibited an enhanced immunological response, as indicated by increased serum IFNγ, TNFα, IL4 and IL10 levels, increased numbers of CD4 + and CD25 + cells in blood and spleen and altered expression of apoptosis-related genes (low Bax and caspase3 and high Bcl2) in the spleen. DLE treatment had a significantly bigger impact in all these parameters compared with PZQ alone and combined DLE/PZQ treatment have the largest effect. While DLE treatment alone significantly decreased parasite burden, it did not improve upon the greater protective effect of PZQ, even when given in combination.