In vivo and in vitro anti-schistosomiasis effect of garlic (Allium sativum): a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Garlic (Allium sativum) is currently used as a natural supplement for the treatment of various diseases and disorders, because it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aimed to summarize the in vitro and in vivo effects of garlic against Schistosoma spp. METHOD The current study was carried out according to the PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Facility (SyRF) database. Literature search was conducted using five databases; namely Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from January 2008 to January 2021. The search was restricted to articles published in English language. The search was performed using appropriate syntax and specific tags for each database. RESULTS Of 2,600 studies, 10 met the eligibility criteria for review. All studies used Schistosoma mansoni and garlic. Ten studies (90%) were performed in vivo and one study in vitro. The results of studies showed that garlic can remove the parasite through a direct effect on the parasite itself, such as changes in the parasite's coat or destruction of its spines, or indirectly by strengthening the immune response against the parasite. CONCLUSION Effective anti-schistosomal responses of garlic in studies show that the active compounds of garlic can be used as a complement with chemical drugs or as an alternative for them, and this is needed to optimize the consumption of these active compounds for medicinal uses.