Effect of Alhagi maurorum Hydroalcoholic Extract on Preventing Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice

Background: Surgery is the main treatment for hydatid cyst disease, during which the spillage of live protoscoleces is a major cause of hydatidosis recurrence. Scolicidal agents are used to prevent this problem. However, they may have some unpleasant side effects. Objectives: This study assessed the scolicidal effects of Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract on developing secondary cysts in BALB/c mice infected with Echinococcus granulosus parasites. Methods: BALB/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with viable protoscoleces. One month after the infection, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (7 per group). Group 1 (control group) was orally administered PBS daily. Group 2 was orally administered albendazole daily (150 mg/kg). Group 3 was orally administered Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract daily (500 mg/kg). Group 4 was orally administered Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract daily (250 mg/kg). After 6 weeks of treatment, the weight (g), size (mm), number, and fertility of hydatid cysts were measured after the euthanasia and necropsy of all mice. Results: The weight (g), size (mm), and the number of cysts was significantly lower in the groups receiving 500 mg/kg Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract, 250 mg/kg Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract, and 150 mg/kg albendazole than in the control group (P < 0.05). The fertility percentage of hydatid cysts did not show a significant difference between the four groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the parasitological parameters between the three groups: Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract 500 mg/kg, Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract 250 mg/kg, and albendazole 150 mg/kg (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings demonstrated the effect of Alhagi maurorum hydroalcoholic extract against protoscoleces in BALB/c mice. However, cellular and molecular research should be carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the various effects of this extract on hydatid cysts.