Due to the development of praziquantel (PZQ) schistosomes resistant strains, the discovery of new antischistosomal agents is of high priority in research. This work reported the in vitro and in vivo effects of the edible and ornamental pomegranate extracts against Schistosoma mansoni. Leaves and stem bark ethanolic extracts of both dried pomegranates were prepared at 100, 300, and 500 μg/mL for in vitro and 600 and 800 mg/kg for in vivo. Adult worms Schistosoma mansoni in RPMI-1640 medium for in vitro and S. mansoni infected mice for in vivo tests were obtained from Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt. In vitro activity was manifested by significant coupled worms separation, reduction of motor activity, lethality, and ultrastructural tegumental alterations in adult worms. In vivo activity was manifested revealed by significant reduction of hepatic granulomas number and diameter, decreased number of bilharzial eggs in liver tissues, lowered liver inflammatory infiltration, decreased hepatic fibrosis, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Ethanolic stem bark extract of edible pomegranate exhibited highest antischistosomal activities both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, pomegranate showed a good potential to be used as a promising new candidate for the development of new schistosomicidal agents.

A novel alkaloid, clivonidine (4), was isolated from the total herb of C. miniata Regel cultivated in Egypt, and its structure was proved. Alkaloids lycorine (1), clivonine (2), and clivatine (3) were also isolated from this plant. The clivonidine alkaloid has an interesting structure from a biogenetic view-point.Clivia miniata Regel (Amaryllidaceae) is a handsome, ornamental perennial herb usually cultivated for its beautiful flowers. The plant is used to counteract snake-bite, to treat febrile conditions, and to facilitate delivery at childbirth (1). Leven, et al. (2)(3)(4) stated that the folkloric use of C. miniata Regel is due to its antiviral activity. They reported that alkaloid lycorine decreases the growth of polio in VERO cells through its inhibitory action on viral protein synthesis (2)(3)(4). Nine alkaloids were isolated from C. miniata Regel (5-15). RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThe basic chloroform fraction of the ethanolic extract of C. miniata Regel was chromatographed over basic alumina and silica gel columns. Four pure crystalline alkaloids were isolated. Three of them were identified by mp, chemical evidence, and spectroscopic analysis as: lycorine (1), clivonine (2) and clivatine (3).

D De ep pa ar rt tm me en nt t o of f P Ph ha ar rm ma ac co og gn no os sy y, , F Fa ac cu ul lt ty y o of f P Ph ha ar rm ma ac cy y, , A As ss si iu ut t U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y, , A As ss si iu ut t, , E Eg gy yp pt t Punica granatum L. var. nana (ornamental pomegranate) belongs to family Punicaceae. It is popularly planted in gardens for ornament. The root, stem bark and to a lesser extent fruit rind of the edible pomegranate had been commonly used as a vermifugal or taenicidal agent on tapeworms. By reviewing the literature, no botanical studies were done on Punica grantum L. var. nana, so this study aims for characterization and identification of this plant in both entire and powdered forms.

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