Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract as natural agent against experimental toxoplasmosis

Background: Toxoplasmosis treatment with the current gold standard combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine or triple sulphonamides, is associated with adverse side effects. There is an urgent need to investigate new natural products with high efficacy and minimum side effects.Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of neem oil against experimental acute toxoplasmosis.Material and Methods: Four hours after infection with T. gondii (RH strain) tachyzoites, mice were treated with neem oil extract, and its efficacy was compared versus Septrin (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Parasitological evaluation included tachyzoite counts in the peritoneal fluid, splenic and hepatic tissue, as well as survival time. Tachyzoites ultrastructural alterations were recorded using both scanning and transmission electron microscope (SEM, and TEM). Immunological study was also conducted by assessment of serum IFN-Gamma level.Results: Treatment improved the outcome of infection as the mice survival time reached 9.7 +/- 1.4 days with reduction in tachyzoites load and viability reaching 77.6% and 44.4%, respectively. Histopathological examination of hepatic and splenic tissue sections showed less lymphocyte infiltration, less necrosis with scanty free tachyzoite in the section. Compared to Septrin-treated mice, IFN-Gamma level showed significant rise.Conclusion: Neem oil extract is a potential therapeutic agent against acute toxoplasmosis.