In vitro evaluation on the scolicidal effect of Myrtus communis L. and Tripleurospermum disciforme L. methanolic extracts.

Hydatid disease, a zoonotic disease, is still endemic in many developing countries that is caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus (E.) granulosus. Surgical management is one of the best choices for the treatment of the hydatidosis and using effective scolicidal agents during hydatid surgery is essential to prevent the secondary infection. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the scolicidal effect of the methanolic extract of Myrtus communis and Tripleurospermum disciforme against protoscoleces of hydatid cyst. Protoscoleces of E. granulosus were aspirated aseptically from infected livers. Various concentrations of M. communis and T. disciforme extracts at different exposure times were examined for their scolicidal activity. Normal saline and silver nitrate were used as negative and positive groups, correspondingly. The viability of protoscoleces was evaluated by 0.1% eosin. The result of the current study indicated that the highest scolicidal effect (100%) of M. communis was obtained at 100 and 50 mg/ml concentrations and LC50 in 10, 20 and 30 min were 11.64 mg/ml, 7.62 mg/ml, and 6.47 mg/ml respectively. The scolicidal activity of T. disciforme was negligible even at high concentration. The findings have shown that the scolicidal activity of M. communis against echinococcosis protoscoleces was strong, while the T. disciforme extract showed fewer effects. However, further studies are required for identification of the active ingredients in the extract and its safety on cells in effective concentrations.