Vitor Augusto Ferreira Dos Santos, Irlla Correia Lima Licá, Gleycka Cristine Carvalho Gomes Frazão, Ranielly Araujo Nogueira, Maria Gabriela Sampaio Lira, João Gustavo Mendes Rodrigues, Guilherme Silva Miranda, Josivan Regis Farias, Sulayne Janayna Araújo Guimarães, Mayara Cristina Pinto da Silva, Thiare Silva Fortes, Lucilene Amorim Silva, Wallyson André Dos Santos Bezerra, Alexandra Martins Dos Santos Soares, Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra, Flávia Raquel Fernandes Nascimento
Propolis has potential anthelmintic activity against Schistosoma mansoni, although its mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study evaluated the biological effects of standardized Apis mellifera propolis extract (EPP-AF®) in experimental murine schistosomiasis. In vitro, EPP-AF® reduced adult worm viability and motility. In vivo, Swiss mice were allocated to four groups: EPP-AF® (4.5 mg/kg/day, orally, for 30 days), Praziquantel (PZQ; 50 mg/kg, days 45-51 post-infection), infected untreated control, and uninfected untreated SHAM control. EPP-AF® delayed oviposition and reduced egg production and tissue retention, granuloma formation, hepatic fibrosis, and eosinophilia. It also modulated splenic cytokine production, reducing inflammatory mediators and increasing IL-10. Molecular docking indicated favorable interactions between propolis phenolic compounds and SmCB1. Collectively, EPP-AF® exhibited antiparasitic and tissue-protective effects during experimental S. mansoni infection, supporting its pharmacological potential against schistosomiasis.