Humans are infected with Toxocara. canis by accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs (larvae) from the environment or contaminated food and water. The mechanisms of molecular and immunological development of the symptomatic syndromes of VLMS are largely unclear. Moreover, the presence of antigensecreting (TES) eggs in tissue initiates a Th2-type immunological response that is marked by eosinophilia and high levels of IgE. Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp) has been used as treatment for a variety of inflammatory illnesses. The present study examined the role of Hp in the recruitment of eosinophils as well as the immune response in a murine model of VLMS. Our results demonstrated that Hp led to persistent lower eosinophilia during Toxocara canis infection. The Decrease on the levels of IL-5, IL-4 and IgE was observed after the administration of Hp, suggesting strongly that Hp has therapeutic benefits regarding the eosinophilic inflammation triggered by Toxocara canis.
