Standardized Apis mellifera Propolis Extract (EPP-AF®) Reduces Egg Burden and Granulomatous Inflammation in Experimental Schistosoma mansoni Infection.

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.