Further investigation of the therapeutic efficacy of Salvia officinalis leaves extract on Trichinella spiralis infection in a murine model.

Albendazole (ALB) is the standard therapy for trichinellosis, although its application is frequently restricted due to adverse effects. This limitation has prompted growing interest in natural alternatives. In our previous study, treatment with Salvia officinalis alone or in combination with albendazole significantly reduced both adult worm and muscle larvae (ML) burdens of Trichinella spiralis and modulated oxidative stress and inflammatory gene expression in intestinal and muscular tissues. Building upon these findings, the present work aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of S. officinalis during T. spiralis infection, focusing on tissue remodeling (MMP-9) and host-parasite interactions, with additional assessment of macrophage activity (CD68). Seventy mice were divided into six groups: non-infected control, non-infected + S. officinalis, infected untreated, infected + S. officinalis (250 mg/kg), infected + ALB (50 mg/kg), and infected + combined ALB (25 mg/kg) + S. officinalis (250 mg/kg). Mice were sacrificed on day 7 post-infection (p.i.) to assess adult worms and hepatic immunopathology, and on day 37 p.i. to evaluate the chronic muscle phase. S. officinalis and the combined therapy induced severe cuticular disruption in adult worms, accompanied by marked restoration of hepatic and muscular architecture. Treatment markedly reduced histopathological alterations in the liver and muscle tissues. Furthermore, immunolabeling revealed a pronounced decrease of CD68-positive macrophage infiltration and MMP-9 expression in both tissues. These findings demonstrate that S. officinalis exerts potent anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective effects during T. spiralis infection, highlighting its potential as a complementary or alternative therapy to conventional anthelmintic treatment.