In-vitro protoscolicidal and immunomodulatory effects of Cinnamomum camphora and Ziziphora tenuior against Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices

Objective: Owing to side effects, drug resistance and recurrence of Echinococcus granulosus infestation following conventional therapies, seeking novel therapeutic approaches such as herbal medicines seems necessary. The aim of this study was assessment the antiparasitic and immunomodulatory effects of Cinnamomum camphora and Ziziphora tenuior herbal medicines against E. granulosus protoscolices. Methods: Various concentrations of extracts were prepared including 3, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml. BALB/c mice liver samples were obtained from slaughter house and the protoscolices were taken under sterile conditions. Mouse CD11c + CD11c + dendritic cells were purified from other mononuclear cells and confirmed by flow cytometry. Results: C. camphora and Z. tenuior exhibited dose-dependent and time-dependent antiparasitic effects against E. granulosus protoscolices. Notably, the effect of C. camphora was higher than Z. tenuior. The 5 mg/ml of C. camphora and 25 mg/ml of Z. tenuior killed 100% of protoscolices during 10 min. Extracts had insignificant macrophage cytotoxicity in MTT assay. Z. tenuior at 10 and 50 mg/ml decreased CD86 (P = 0.212) and MHC II (P = 0.0711) markers, but increased CD40 (P = 0.181) and at 100 mg/ml increased CD40 (P = 0.002), CD86 (P = 0.091) and MHC II (P = 0.113). Furthermore, C. camphora at 10 and 50 mg/ml increased CD40 (P = 0.0311) and MHC II (P = 0.0184) significantly. At these concentrations, decreased CD86 nonsignificantly, but at 100 mg/ml decreased all markers significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: C. camphora and Z. tenuior herbal medicines exerted substantial antiparasitic effects against hydatid cyst protoscolices. Future formulations of these herbal medicines will be promising because of low side effects and potential effects.