Therapeutic potential of Matcha Green Tea, Wheat Germ Oil, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine as adjuvants in experimental Trichinosis spiralis

Background: The conventional medications that are used for treating trichinosis have numerous side effects with low bioavailability. Finding effective and safe adjuvants is necessary to obtain better results. The current study evaluated the therapeutic effects of matcha green tea, wheat germ oil, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine against experimental trichinosis alone or combined with albendazole. Methods: Ninety albino Swiss mice were divided into nine groups (10 mice each), and then each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups (5 mice each), intestinal phase (7 days) and muscle phase (45 days). The effectiveness of the materials utilized was evaluated by parasitological, histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical investigations. Results: The highest reduction in mean adult worm and larval count was obtained in (GIX) treated with a combination of albendazole with wheat germ oil and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, then (GV) treated with a combination of albendazole and matcha green tea with efficacies of (94.5 %, 90%) and (92.5, 84%) respectively. The highest reduction in serum IL-4 levels was observed in GIX with 76.5% (intestinal phase) and 78.4% (muscular phase) reductions. GIX and GV showed marked histopathological improvements, mild inflammation, well-formed goblet cells, and restored villi structure. GIX and GV showed the lowest iNOS expression, indicating reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: Matcha green tea, wheat germ oil, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine can serve as effective adjunct therapies alongside albendazole in treating T. spiralis infection.