Scolicidal Agent Research Articles

Effects of Psidium Guajava Leaves Extract on the Viability of Echinococcus Granulosus Protoscolices in Vitro and in Vivo

Echinococcosis is a common parasitic disease in humans and ruminants; it is considered as a health and economic problem in most parts of the world. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo scolicidal effects of Psidium guajava extracts on the protoscolices from hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscolices were aseptically aspirated from the livers of naturally infected sheep. Various concentrations of the extract were used for 6-48hrs. Eosin staining (0.1%) was used to determine the viability of protoscolices. The findings showed that the extract at the concentrations of 100 mg/ml killed 100% protoscolices after 48 hrs. However, the concentrations of 75 and 50 mg/ml were not effective in killing the protoscolices after 48 hrs. of exposure. The results of this investigation demonstrated that P. guajava could be used as a natural source for the production of new scolicidal agents.

In vitro toxicity of cinnamaldehyde and nanoemulsion of cinnamaldehyde on protoscoleces of hydatid cyst.

Cystic echinococcosis is a major parasitic and zoonotic disease and surgery is the most common treatment of this disease which carries the risk of intraoperative leakage and recurrence. Using scolicidal agent to inactivate cyst contents reduces the risk of recurrence. Considering side effects of available scolicidals and growing interests on natural pharmaceuticals, the present study aimed to evaluate toxicity of cinnamaldehyde (CA), the main component of cinnamon essential oil, and a developed nanoemulsion of cinnamaldehyde (nano-CA) on protoscoleces of hydatid cyst. Nanoemulsion was prepared by the low energy system and characterized by dynamic light scattering to confirm dimensions. For evaluation of scolicidal effects, serial dilutions of CA and nano-CA were mixed with protoscolices suspension and mortality were recorded at 10, 30, and 60 minutes by eosin exclusion test. Albendazole was used as the positive control. The mean diameter of nano-CA was characterized as equal to 88.5 nm, and poly dispersity index was 0.09. After 30 min of treatment, nano-CA, at 50 μg/ml, killed 99.33% of protoscoleces. At the same time point and concentration, CA only caused mortality rate of 26.18%. 30 min-LC50 value of 369.39 μg/ml was obtained for CA, while after 30 min of exposure, nano-CA showed promising rapid activity with LC50 value of 3.22 μg/ml. Nano formulation significantly increased scolicidal activity of CA probably by increasing penetration and tegumental disorganization of protoscoleces. Further in vivo safety studies are needed to introduce nano-CA as a clinically applicable scolicidal agent.

In vitro scolicidal effect of Calendula officinalis, Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia absinthium, and Ferula assafoetida extracts against hydatid cyst protoscolices.

Echinococcus granulosus is the etiologic agent of cystic echinococcosis. Numerous research studies have been conducted on natural scolicidal agents to inactivate protoscolices during surgery. This study was undertaken to compare the in vitro scolicidal effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis, Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia absinthium and Ferula assafoetida. The scolicidal activities of the extracts were tested at different concentrations following incubation periods of 10, 30 and 60 min. The chemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The major chemical components of C. officinalis, A. dracunculus, A. absinthium and F. assafoetida were identified as n-Docosane (14.17%), 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 7-methoxy (54.96%), n-Docosane (9.72%) and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-butyric acid, methyl ester (13.9%), respectively. The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. absinthium and F. assafoetida at a concentration of 250 mg/ml resulted in killing 100% of the protoscolices at 60 minutes, while the concentration of 250 mg/ml of hydroalcoholic extract of C. officinalis and A. dracunculus resulted in killing 42.33% and 65.67%, respectively. The findings of the present study showed that A. absinthium and F. assafoetida have potent scolicidal effects. However, additional in vivo studies are required to confirm the efficacy of these plant-derived extracts against hydatid cyst for their clinical use.

Evaluation of the scolicidal activities of eugenol essential oil and its nanoemulsion against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts.

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus remains a serious helminthic zoonosis affecting humans and animals in many endemic developing countries. Surgical intervention is the best management choice, although it is associated with high recurrence rates and serious complications. Also, the commonly used chemotherapeutics exhibited serious side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the protoscolicidal effects of eugenol (Eug) essential oil and its nanoemulsion (Eug-NE) against protoscoleces (PCs) of hydatid cysts in vitro.MethodsEug-NE was prepared and characterized. Their cytotoxicity on macrophages was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. E. granulosus PCs were treated with various concentrations of Eug and Eug-NE at different exposure times. The viability of protoscoleces was evaluated by the eosin exclusion test, and the changes in the morphology of protoscoleces were assessed. Albendazole (ABZ) was used as a positive control.ResultsThe cellular cytotoxicity of Eug and Eug-NE on macrophage cells, in minimum and maximum concentrations (0.2 and 1 μl/mL), were nearly negligible ranging from 4.7% to 8.3% and 3.7% to 7.2%, respectively. The results showed highly significant activity of Eug-NE and Eug against hydatid PCs compared to ABZ (P < 0.05). Eug and Eug-NE have similar protoscolicidal effects at all used concentrations. Their highest scolicidal activity (100% mortality rate) was recorded at 1 μl/ml after 30 min incubation (LC50 = 0.298—LC90 = 0.521 and LC50 = 0.309—LC90 = 0.646, respectively). Both formulations showed time- and dose-dependent effects.ConclusionsThis study suggested the potent scolicidal activities of Eug and Eug-NE as promising alternative scolicidal agents. Future studies are recommended to explore the mechanism of action and treatment response in vivo and clinical settings.

Development and characterization of monoterpene loaded microemulsions as novel scolicidal agents.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important zoonotic diseases. The primary treatment is surgery and chemical sterilization of the parasitic layers by injection of a scolicidal agent. Available scolicidals possess side effects, and may cause postoperative complications. Several studies reported the scolicidal properties of monoterpene phenols and alcohols such as carvacrol, thymol, and geraniol. The present study aimed to develop, characterize, and assess monoterpene loaded microemulsions as novel green scolicidals products. For this purpose, microemulsions composing 0.37%, 0.75%, and 1.5% of monoterpenoid(s), thymol, carvacrol, and geraniol, alone or in binary or ternary mixtures were formulated. Samples were analyzed by visual inspection, polarizing optical microscope, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The stability of the samples was evaluated up to a 3-month storage. For the scolicidal bioassay, samples at different concentrations of 200, 100, 50, 25, and 10 μg/ml were added to wells containing 104 viable protoscoleces and mortality rates were recorded at 2, 5, 10, and 20 min after exposure. Results of the present study showed that microemulsions formulated with 0.75% of pure carvacrol or the binary mixture of thymol and carvacrol at 0.375% are promising scolicidal agents.

Silybum marianum ethanolic extract: in vitro effects on protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus G1 strain with emphasis on other Iranian medicinal plants

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE), is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) larvae in liver and lungs of both humans and animals. Surgical intervention is the mainstay for CE treatment, using scolicidal agents that inactivate live protoscolices. This study evaluated the scolicidal effects of Silybum marianum ethanolic extract and its combination with albendazole in vitro for the first time. Moreover, in a literature review, we investigated the effects of a wide range of Iranian medicinal plants on protoscolices of E. granulosus.MethodsS. marianum ethanolic extract was prepared and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to establish the proportions of its component compounds in the extract. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in mouse macrophage cells (J774A.1 cell line) using MTT method. Next, the scolicidal activity of the extract alone and combined with albendazole was tested as triplicate at various concentrations incubated for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. Finally, protoscolex viability was determined using 0.1% eosin as a vital stain. PCR–RFLP and DNA sequencing techniques were used to characterize the genotype of E. granulosus.ResultsHPLC analysis showed that S. marianum ethanolic extract contained mostly silydianin (14.41%), isosilybin A (10.50%), and silychristin (10.46%). The greatest scolicidal effects were obtained with the combination of S. marianum with albendazole (79%), S. marianum ethanolic extract alone (77%) and albendazole (69%), at a concentration of 500 μg/ml for 60 min, respectively (P < 0.05). Molecular analysis showed that all the cysts used were G1 genotype.ConclusionThe data suggest that S. marianum ethanolic extract is a potential scolicide in vitro; however, further investigations are required to determine its efficacy in vivo.

Protoscolicidal activity of Atriplex halimus leaves extract against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces

Cystic echinococcosis, an endemic zoonosis in Algeria, is caused by the development of the helminth Echinococcus granulosus. Surgery remains the main treatment despite inducing relapse and several adverse reactions. In this context, natural scolicidal agents seem to be promising tools to overcome these reactions. In our study, we evaluated the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity and scolicidal effect of Atriplex halimus. In this context, the aqueous extract from AH leaves (AHE) was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening by HPLC. The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH test. The cytotoxicity of AHE was evaluated in murine peritoneal macrophages and cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Moreover, different concentrations of AHE (20, 40, 50, 60 and 100 mg/ml) were tested on E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSC) cultures, during different times of incubation (15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min). The viability was evaluated by eosin exclusion test. The morphological and ultrastructural damages were evaluated by SEM. Our results indicate that total phenolic and flavonoids contents were 37.93 μg of Gallic acid equivalent per mg of extract (GAE/mg E) and 18.86 μg of Quercetin equivalent per mg (QE/mg E) respectively. Furthermore, AHE has an antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 0.95 mg/ml. Interestingly, the extracts did not exhibit any cytotoxic effect against murine peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, our study indicated a significant scolicidal activity time- and dose-dependent. At 60 and 100 mg/ml; and after 120 min of incubation; the mortality rate was 99.36 and 100%, respectively. The parasite's tegument is one of the plant's targets as demonstrated by SEM. Our findings show the benefits of Atriplex halimus extract as a new promising scolicidal tool in hydatid cyst treatment.

In vitro scolicidal effects of Sideritis perfoliata extract against Echinococcus granulosus.

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by helminths within the genus Echinococcus, is mainly localised in the liver and lungs of affected hosts. Surgery has been the best choice for the treatment of hydatidosis and using effective scolicidal agents during hydatid surgery is required to prevent secondary infection. Several plant extracts have been shown to exert scolicidal efficacy. This study was designed to investigate the in vitro scolicidal activity of methanol extract of Sideritis perfoliata against the protoscolices of hydatid cysts. The protoscolices were collected from a liver of a sheep slaughtered in Adiyaman city slaughter, Turkey. Three concentrations of the aerial part extract of S perfoliata (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4mg/mL) were assessed at three different exposure periods. All tests were carried in duplicate. The viability of protoscolices was assessed by the eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining). Scolicidal effect of S perfoliata extract at exposure periods of 10, 20 and 30minutes was 29.6%, 32.5% and 43.6% at the concentration of 0.1%, 37.8%, 50% and 58.1% at concentration of 0.2mg/mL, and 57.9%, 71.8% and 79.1% at the concentration of 0.4mg/mL, respectively; indicating a longer time is required to display protoscolicidal effects. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that some phenolic acids, such as fumaric acid (260.13mg/L), syringic acid (27.92mg/L) and caffeic acid (26.84mg/L), and a flavonoid, luteolin (11.23mg/L) were detected in high concentrations in the extract. This study has demonstrated that the methanol extract of S perfoliata has high scolicidal activity in vitro. However, research on the in vivo efficacy of S perfoliata extract and its potential side effects is required.

Primary Localization of a Hydatid Cyst in the Pancreas via Laparoscopic Treatment: A Case Report

Hydatid disease is mainly because of the Echinococcus granulosus at the larval stage. The liver and lung are its most consequences. The pancreatic hydatid cyst (PHC) incidence is very low (0.14%-2%). A 55- year-old female patient presented with epigastric pain for the last one year that the pain did not continue but during one months ago suffered continually. In physical examination, there was not any abdominal bulb, tenderness and rebound tenderness. A 54×59 mm cystic structure was observed by ultrasonography (USG) and Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) in the pancreatic body with stone in the gallbladder. Amylase, lipase, and LFT levels were normal. The Anti-hydatid antibody was positive. During laparoscopic exploration, a hydatid cyst was found. Partial cystectomy with external drainage and cholecystectomy was performed once irrigation with scolicidal agent and evacuation of cystic contents was conducted. Histopathological biopsy reported Hydatid cyst. A pancreatic, hepatic cyst is a rare event. Hematogenous is the most common spread way. Cysts in the pancreatic head could be found with obstructive jaundice. Usually, cysts in the body and tail are known to be asymptomatic. USG, CT, and Hydatid serology are useful with the clinical diagnosis as well as monitoring the recurrence. An exploration via surgery is an option that includes pericystectomy, partial cystectomy with/without external drainage or omentopexy, marsupialization, or cysto-enterostomy, which is done. What makes this case unique is the laparoscopic method that we used instead of open surgery, which is a treatment of choice. The recommendation is pre-operative and postoperative antihelminthic (Albendazole). PHC could be present as pseudocyst or cystic neoplasm of the pancreas. For patients with endemic regions and laparoscopic surgery, differential diagnosis of the cystic pancreatic lesion should be noticed. Common surgery approach could be considered for such patients.

Lethal in vitro effects of optimized chitosan nanoparticles against protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Exploring safe and effective scolicidal agents for the surgery is an urgent need for the successful treatment of CE. This study aimed to determine scolicidal activity of the synthesized chitosan nanoparticles. Physicochemical properties of synthesized nanoparticles were determined by using DLS, FTIR, and SEM. Different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles from 125 to 1000 μg/ml were examined at different incubation times (10, 60, 120, and 180 min). Scolicidal and cytotoxic activity of chitosan nanoparticles were confirmed by eosin exclusion and hemolysis activity tests. FTIR spectra, zeta potential (+42 ± 2.08) and PDI (0.388 ± 0.034) value revealed that the chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized. Significant differences among the scolicidal effects of chitosan nanoparticles were observed in comparison to the control treatments and highest scolicidal activity was observed at 1000 μg/ml after 180 min exposure time. Hemolytic activity was not significant at all concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles. Our findings support the hypothesis that Chitosan nanoparticles have the potential to be a safe and efficient scolicidal agent candidate at very low concentrations and in a wide range of exposure time. Further in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate chitosan nanoparticle efficacy before clinical application.

Severe hypernatremia in children after surgical resection of hepatic echinococcosis: a rare and potentially fatal complication

BackgroundUsing effective scolicidal agents intraoperatively is essential to lessen the recurrence rate of hepatic echinococcosis. However, severe hypernatremia may occur after hypertonic saline (HS) has been applied as the scolicidal agent. The aim of this study is to report on pediatric patients with severe hypernatremia after hepatic echinococcus surgery.MethodsPatients who presented to West China Hospital between January 2010 and February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Children under 16 years with echinococcosis treated by resection were included in the study.ResultsA total of 26 children were enrolled in this study, including 16 boys and 10 girls with a median age of 8 (2–16). 24 (92.3 %) cases were cystic echinococcosis (CE) and two (7.7 %) were alveolar echinococcosis (AE). According to Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications, the complication rate of all 26 patients was 19.2 %, among which three cases belonged to Grade I, one to Grade III b and 1 to Grade IV. Two children encountered severe hypernatremia (sodium: 155.3 mmol/L and 190.0mmol/L). Data showed classic clinical features of severe hypernatremia: profound and persistent bradycardia, hypotension and coma. After treatment, they recovered well without any neurologic sequelae. All patients were followed up regularly for a median time of 38 months (range 4–89 months); the overall disease-free survival was 100.0 %.ConclusionsHS irrigation of intra-abdominal echinococcosis may cause acute hypernatremia and severe consequences. Diagnostic suspicion and early intervention are vital tools for avoiding morbidity and mortality.

From Chemistry to Biology: Applications and Advantages of Green, Biosynthesized/Biofabricated Metal- and Carbon-based Nanoparticles

Metal- and carbon-based nanoparticles (MBNPs/CBNPs) with different nanometric dimensions have unique combinations of physical and chemical properties. The physico-chemical properties, morphology, and interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems differ according to the source of synthesis and the extent and type of functionalization involved, which have many advantages for exciting nanotechnological applications in the fields of chemical and biological sciences. The biosynthesis and biofabrication of nanomaterials are achieved in a myriad of ways using plants and microorganisms. Greener synthesis has been conducted using the extracts of plants or other biological entities. This review focuses on the recent insights in the green and biological synthesis of MBNPs based on cadmium, cerium, copper, gold, iron, manganese, nickel, palladium, platinum, selenium, silver, titanium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium, and CBNPs, such as carbon dots (CDs), as well as their chemical and biological applications, such as chemical catalysis, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antidiabetic, insecticidal, scolicidal, antileshmanial, angiogenesis, and immunostimulant agents, and as tools for bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery.

Chemical Composition, Apoptotic Activity, and Antiparasitic Effects of Ferula macrecolea Essential Oil against Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces

Background: Today, the present protoscolicidals used to minimize the serious risks during hydatid cyst surgery are not completely safe and have various adverse side effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and apoptotic activity of Ferula macrecolea essential oil (FMEO) as well as its in vitro and ex vivo protoscolicidal effects against hydatid cyst protoscoleces. Methods: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed to determine the chemical composition of FMEO. Protoscoleces of hydatid cysts were collected from liver fertile hydatid cysts of infected sheep and were then treated with various concentrations of the essential oil (75, 150, and 300 µL/mL) for 5–60 min in vitro and ex vivo. Then, by using the eosin exclusion test, the viability of the protoscoleces was studied. The caspase-3-like activity of the FMEO-treated protoscoleces was also evaluated through the colorimetric protease assay Sigma Kit based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: According to GC/MS, the main constituents of the essential oil were terpinolene (77.72%), n-nonanal (4.47%), and linalool (4.35%), respectively. In vitro, the maximum protoscolicidal activity of FMEO was observed at the concentrations of 150 and 300 µL/mL, such that 100% of the protoscoleces were killed after 30 and 20 min of exposure, respectively. Based on the obtained findings, the results demonstrate that FMEO required a longer time to kill protoscoleces ex vivo; after 12 min of exposure to FMEO, only 13.4% of the protoscoleces remained alive. After 48 h of the treatment of protoscoleces, FMEO, in a dose-dependent manner and at doses of 75, 150, and 300 µL/mL, induced the activation of the caspase enzyme by 24.3, 35.3, and 48.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the potent protoscolicidal effects of FMEO in vitro and ex vivo; however, further studies are required to assess the safety and the efficiency of FMEO as a promising scolicidal agent in a preclinical model and clinical setting.

Hypernatremia post hydatid cyst resection: case report

Hypernatremia or increased sodium level is defined as the plasma sodium level over 145 m mol/l. The electrolyte abnormality is associated with severe mortality (40-60%). Patients presenting acutely with this entity have varied clinical spectrum ranging from unresponsive state, dysphagia, shortness of breath, vomiting to seizures, coma or to even death. Iatrogenic hypernatremia usually a rare entity ensues after usage of hypertonic saline as scolicidal agent during hydatid cyst resection surgeries. There is a need of high level of suspicion, to be maintained in all patients being managed for clinical conditions requiring use of hypertonic saline (3-20% NS). Here we present a case of iatrogenic hypernatremia, post-surgical resection of hydatid cyst, with clinical manifestation and subsequent management in our tertiary care hospital.

Effect of Taxus baccata L. Extract on Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices In vitro.

Hydatidosis is the most important global parasitic infectious disease both in humans and animals, which can lodge at different organs of the host, such as liver, lung (even heart), and brain which may lead to death. Surgery is the main method for the treatment of hydatidosis. In surgical therapy of hydatidosis, the use of sporicidal agents is very important since these agents inactivate live protoscolices and prevent recurrence of infection. Presently, numerous scolicidal chemical agents have been administrated to inactivate the hydatid cyst contents. Recently, there has been a high tendency among researchers to evaluate and present herbal plants as alternative option due to inexpensiveness, availability, low side effects, and toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the scolicidal effect of hydro alcoholic Taxus baccata L. extract in vitro for the first time. The scolicidal activities of the extract were tested in concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/ml following 10, 30, and 60 min of incubation, and the experiments were performed in triplicate. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin vital staining. The data were analyzed in SAS software (version 9.4). The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of Taxus baccata L. at the concentration of 150 mg/ml led to killing 66.6% of protoscolices at 60 min. according to the results of this investigation, it is recommended to use this plant as a scolicidal plant. The findings of the present study showed that Taxus baccata L. had potent scolicidal effects. However, further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of Taxus baccata L. in vivo.

A systematic review of medicinal plants used against Echinococcus granulosus.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic helminthiasis caused by different species of the genus Echinococcus, and is a major economic and public health concern worldwide. Synthetic anthelmintics are most commonly used to control CE, however, prolonged use of these drugs may result in many adverse effects. This study aims to discuss the in vitro/in vivo scolicidal efficacy of different medicinal plants and their components used against Echinococcus granulosus. Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Scopus were used to retrieve the published literature from 2000–2020. A total of 62 published articles met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed. A total of 52 plant species belonging to 22 families have been reported to be evaluated as scolicidal agents against E. granulosus worldwide. Most extensively used medicinal plants against E. granulosus belong to the family Lamiaceae (25.0%) followed by Apiaceae (11.3%). Among various plant parts, leaves (36.0%) were most commonly used. Essential oils of Zataria multiflora and Ferula asafetida at a concentration of 0.02, and 0.06 mg/ml showed 100% in vitro scolicidal activity after 10 min post application, respectively. Z. multiflora also depicted high in vivo efficacy by decreasing weight and size while also causing extensive damage to the germinal layer of the cysts. Plant-based compounds like berberine, thymol, and thymoquinone have shown high efficacy against E. granulosus. These plant species and compounds could be potentially used for the development of an effective drug against E. granulosus, if further investigated for in vivo efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of drug action in future research.

Scolicidal effects of Cassia fistula and Urtica dioica extracts on protoscoleces of hydatid cysts.

Echinococcosis is among the most underestimated parasitic diseases that have universal distribution. The primary treatment is surgery. Hence, the development of new and more effective scolicidal agents with lower side effects is crucial. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Urtica dioica and Cassia fistula extracts as a scolicidal herbal drug in vitro. Suspension of protoscoleces was obtained from the infected livers of sheep in Khorramabad, Iran. Hydro-alcoholic solution was extracted from the leaves and stems of Urtica dioica and the fruit of Cassia fistula. Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were treated with the essential oils at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100mg/mL for 10, 20, 30, and 60min and their viability was evaluated by the eosin staining test. The extract of Urtica dioica at a concentration of 100mg/mL killed 90.51% of protoscoleces after 60min. Cassia fistula also killed 67.74% of protoscoleces after 60min. This study obtained satisfactory results. Urtica dioica and Cassia fistula extracts are promising protoscolicides and can be used in the treatment of hydatid cysts and pre-surgically to prevent secondary infections.

IN-VITRO SCOLICIDAL EFFECTS OF GRAPE AND APPLE VINEGAR ON THE HYDATID CYST PROTSCOLECES

At present, surgery remains the preferred treatment for hydatid cyst. Various chemical scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of protoscoleces during surgery, but most of them are associated with adverse side effects. In this study we investigated the effect of two commercial grape and apple vinegar on the viability of hydatid cyst protoscoleces. The protoscoleces of E. granulosus were aspirated from the infected livers and lungs of sheep slaughtered at Tiaret abattoir. 0.5 mL of two commercial grape and apple vinegar was used for 5, 10, and 15 min in the experiments. 0.1% eosin staining assessed viability of protoscoleces. All tests were carried in triplicate. The mortality rates of protoscoleces were 100% after 5min, 10 min and 15 min of incubation with grape vinegar and apple vinegar. To conclude, the results of the present survey indicated high scolicidal activity of apple vinegar and grape vinegar against protoscoleces of hydatid cyst and can be used in hydatid cyst surgery. However, further studies will be needed to confirm these results by checking this scolicidal activity in an in-vivo model.

In Vitro Scolicidal Activity of the Sesquiterpenes Isofuranodiene, α-Bisabolol and Farnesol on Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains an important challenge both in humans and animals. There is no safe and suitable remedy for CE, so the discovery of new compounds with promising scolicidal effects, particularly from herbal sources, is of great importance for therapeutic uses in the treatment and prevention of CE reappearance. Sesquiterpenes are C15 organic compounds made up of three isoprene units and mostly occurring as fragrant components of essential oils. They are of economic importance for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, and recently attracted the attention of the scientific community for their remarkable parasiticidal properties. In the present study, we have focused on three known sesquiterpenes, isofuranodiene (IFD), α-bisabolol (BSB), and farnesol (FOH), as important phytoconstituents of the essential oils of wild celery (Smyrnium olusatrum), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and acacia farnese (Vachellia farnesiana), respectively. Protoscoleces were recovered from fertile hydatid cysts and were exposed to different concentrations of the three tested compounds for different exposure times. The viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. Results of scolicidal activity evaluations showed that IFD possessed the best effect against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (LC50 and LC90 values of 8.87 and 25.48 µg/mL, respectively), followed by BSB (LC50 of 103.2 µg/mL) and FOH (LC50 of 113.68 µg/mL). The overall toxicity of IFD differed significantly from those of FOH and BSB, while there was no significant difference in toxicity between the latter compounds (p > 0.05). The present study showed that IFD seems to be a promising scolicidal agent and can be further tested to become a candidate for CE treatment.

Main compounds and in vitro effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil on protoscoleces of hydatid cyst

Surgery remains the preferred treatment for cystic echinococcosis. On the other hand, one of the side effects of hydatid cyst surgery is recurrence. Many scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of the hydatid cyst content. However, many of these scolicidal agents may cause undesirable complications that limit their usage. The aims of this study are to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro scolicidal effect of S. aromaticum essential oil against protoscoleces from hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil. Protoscoleces were aseptically collected from infected organs (liver and lung) of animals slaughtered at the Tiaret slaughterhouse containing hydatid cysts. Protoscoleces were exposed to two concentrations of essential oil (10 and 15 μl/mL) for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. Eugenol was the major compound of the studied essential oil (78.72%) followed by β-caryophyllene (8.82%) and eugenyl acetate (8.74%). The scolicidal activity of S. aromaticum essential oil at the concentration of 10 μl/ml was 55.99%, 60.05%, 80.37%, and 99.76% after 5, 10, 15, and 20 min of exposure, respectively. S. aromaticum essential oil at the concentrations of 15 μl/ml killed 100% protoscoleces after 5 min of exposure. The present study confirmed that S. aromaticum essential oil has high scolicidal power in vitro. However, further studies (ex vivo and in vivo) will be needed to confirm these results.