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

This study evaluated the therapeutic effects ofUrtica dioica andCassia 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 ofUrtica dioica and the fruit ofCassia fistula.Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were treated with the essential oils at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100  mg/mL for 10, 20, 30, and 60 min and their viability was evaluated by the eosin staining test. The extract ofUrtica dioica at a concentration of 100  mg/mL killed 90.51% of protoscoleces after 60 min.Cassia fistula also killed 67.74% of protoscoleces after 60  min. This study obtained satisfactory results.Urtica dioica andCassia fistula extracts are promising protoscolicides and can be used in the treatment of hydatid cysts and pre-surgically to prevent secondary infections.
Source: Journal of Parasitic Diseases - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research