Nanoparticles can act as drug carriers that can modulate pharmacokinetics, increase bioavailability and
target release with minimal toxic effects. The present work aimed to assess the therapeutic effect and
electron microscopic changes of Nigella sativa loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles (NSLCN) on adult
Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. Adult worms were removed from the portal and mesenteric veins of
infected mice after 90 days, and then three to five mature worms including both sexes were cultured.
Schistosoma adult was exposed to NSLCN at concentrations of (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 μg/ml) for 24,
and 48 h. Examination for worm viability was done after 24, and 48 h using a stereomicroscope
comparing with control negative and control positive groups. The mortality rate in worms reached
88.9% in the group treated with 100 μg and 80 and 84.6% in groups treated with 80 and 60 μg
respectively (p-value |