praziquantel + arachidonic acid

A combination of **praziquantel**, an anthelmintic pharmaceutical used to treat parasitic worm infections (notably schistosomiasis), and **arachidonic acid**, a naturally occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for biological membrane function and with roles in inflammatory and immune processes. This combination has been investigated for synergistic or additive effects, particularly in the treatment of schistosomiasis, where praziquantel is standard therapy and arachidonic acid may enhance host immune responses or directly affect *Schistosoma* species' viability. **Praziquantel** acts by increasing the permeability of the membranes of parasite cells to calcium ions, resulting in spastic paralysis and death of the parasite. **Arachidonic acid** may, through host or parasite metabolic pathways, modulate the immune response, promote type 2 immunity, or activate parasite tegument-associated enzymes (such as neutral sphingomyelinase), enhancing parasite attrition. This combination therapy is experimental and not currently approved for routine use.