Protoscolicidal activity of Atriplex halimus leaves extract against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces

Atriplex halimus: Phytochemical Insights, Traditional Applications, and Pharmacological Promises

Medicinal and aromatic plants are used in traditional medicine due to their diverse bioactive chemicals, Atriplex halimus is a saltbush that has an extensive background in traditional medicine giving it a strong argument for further ethnopharmacological research. We aimed in this comprehensive review by using different databases as to illustrate the phytochemical composition, the traditional uses, and the pharmacological properties of A. halimus. We evaluated the phytochemical composition, the traditional uses, and the pharmacological properties of A. halimus using specific words in the different databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect who served as the foundation to our research, 68 articles were retrieved from those databases out of an initial pool of 180 articles. Our review study revealed the different traditional uses as well as the different families of compounds in A. halimus extracts, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds exhibited various pharmacological effects, notably antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, scolicidal, and cytotoxic properties. The analysis of the gathered publications allowed us to categorize the phytochemicals, traditional applications, and pharmacological actions of A. halimus extracts. This review underscores the importance of A. halimus and highlights the presence of additional bioactive substances that remain unexplored but hold potential for future research. This review can serve as a guide for future investigations in this area.

Phytochemical profile and biological screening of two Amaranthaceae plants: Atriplex halimus and Haloxylon scoparium

In this study, phytochemical and biological properties of Atriplex halimus and Haloxylon scoparium leaves, collected in Algeria, were evaluated. The aqueous extract of the studied plants was subjected to phytochemical screening by biochemical analysis and HPLC. The diffusion assay was assessed to investigate the antimicrobial effect against clinical and reference strains. Moreover, we investigated DPPH and FRAP, as well as the haemolytic activity. The results showed abundance in the phytochemical and mineral components. Notably, A. halimus exhibited the highest DPPH and FRAP values with IC50 = 1.69 ± 0.67 and IC50 = 3.20 ± 0.04 mg/g, respectively. The antibacterial activity was better at the concentration of 25 mg/mL, compared to the standard antibiotics. The inhibition zones varied between 8 and 40 mm. The haemolytic activity did not depict any toxicity. The investigated plants exhibited interesting antioxidant and antibacterial properties and may serve as a valuable source for novel antimicrobial drugs.

Repurposing of a library for high-content screening of inhibitors against Echinococcus granulosus

BACKGROUND

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus), with a worldwide distribution. The current treatment strategy for CE is insufficient. Limited drug screening models severely hamper the discovery of effective anti-echinococcosis drugs.

METHODS

In the present study, using high-content screening technology, we developed a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay by counting the ratio of propidium iodide-stained dead protoscoleces (PSCs) to the total number of PSCs. In vitro and ex vivo cyst viability assays were utilized to determine the effect of drugs on cyst viability.

RESULTS

Using the newly established HTS assay, we screened approximately 12,000 clinical-stage or The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved small molecules from the Repurposing, Focused Rescue, and Accelerated Medchem (ReFRAME) library, as well as the LOPAC1280 and SelleckChem libraries, as a strategic approach to facilitate the drug discovery process. Initial screening yielded 173 compounds with anti-echinococcal properties, 52 of which demonstrated dose-response efficacy against E. granulosus PSCs in vitro. Notably, two agents, omaveloxolone and niclosamide, showed complete inhibition upon further validation in cyst and microcyst viability assays in vitro after incubation for 3 days, and in an ex vivo cyst viability assay using cysts isolated from the livers of mice infected with E. granulosus, as determined by morphological assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Through the development of a novel HTS assay and by repurposing libraries, we identified omaveloxolone and niclosamide as potent inhibitors against E. granulosus. These compounds show promise as potential anti-echinococcal drugs, and our strategic approach has the potential to promote drug discovery for parasitic infections.

Comparative study of the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Atriplex halimus, the anti-echinococcal plant used in Algeria

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains a major human public health problem in Algeria. Surgical treatment is the gold standard. However, one of the most critical complications of surgery is a recurrence of the disease, which is attributed to the dissemination of protoscoleces during the operation. This study aimed to compare the scolicidal effect of two ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Atriplex halimus, a plant used by the Algerian population against CE. The comparison involved the assessment of the phytochemical content, making screening using GC-MS/MS, and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity using DPPH and the in vitro scolicidal effect of A. halimus extracts. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves contained 19.601 ± 0.016 and 15.406 ± 0.003 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g of extract (GAE/g extract) of total phenolic. However, the flavonoid content in ethanolic and aqueous extracts was 4.350 ± 0.023 and 1.995 ± 0.026 mg of quercetin equivalent per g (QE/g extract), respectively. Four compounds were identified by GC-MS/MS for the ethanolic extract, while twenty-three compounds were determined for the aqueous extract. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of A. halimus demonstrated an antioxidant activity with IC50 = 0.850 ± 0.026 mg/ml and IC50 = 0.897 ± 0.060 mg/ml, respectively. The higher in vitro scolicidal effect was 100% after 90 min and 10 min at 100 and 150 mg/ml, respectively for the ethanolic extract and after 120 and 60 min at 100 and 150 mg/ml, respectively for the aqueous extract. Atriplex halimus could be used as a natural source for the production of a potential scolicidal agent for use during CE surgery and/or percutaneous interventions.

Phytochemical Analysis, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae Juss.)

Mediterranean saltbush Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae) from different bioclimatic arid zones (ten wild populations) were studied. Phenols contents, flavonoids, flavonols, tannins and anthocyanins were determined and then tested for their antioxidants, antidiabetic and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Levels of total polyphenols including flavonoids and flavonols, tannins and anthocyanins were high and varied significantly among analyzed populations. Nine phenolic acids and four flavonoids were identified for the first time in the methanolic fraction and quantified by liquid high-performance chromatography system HPLC (DAD). All extracts showed a substantial antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH assay (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical) (IC50DPPH=147.3for population of Seliena), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP; IC50FRAP=3.2 for populations of Sousse and Kairouan), and Chelation Fer test (IC50FerCh=1.5 μg/mL for populations of El-hamma and Mednine). Atriplex halimus possessed a high inhibitory effect against α-amylase activity (up to 2.6 mg ACE/gE), a moderate activity for α-glucosidase (up to 91.0 mg ACE/gE) and AChE (up to 147.2 μg/mL) compared to standard. The analyzed populations were isolated and subdivided into three distinct groups, without any bioclimatic structuration. Enzymatic activities seem to be associated with the presence, in plant extracts, of other classes of compounds then phenols such as terpenes, sterols, saponins, coumarins and carotenoids.

In vitro and ex vivo protoscolicidal effect of poly(amidoamine) nanoemulsion against Echinococcus granulosus

Hydatidosis causes a serious health hazard to humans and animals leading to significant economic and veterinary and public health concern worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo protoscolicidal effects of synthesized poly(amidoamine), PAMAM, nanoemulsion. In this study, PAMAM was characterized through dynamic light scattering technique to investigate the particle size and zeta potential of nanoemulsified polymer. For the in vitro and ex vivo assays, we used eosin dye exclusion test and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the effects of the prepared and characterized PAMAM nanoemulsion against protoscoleces from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato G6 (GenBank: OQ443068.1) isolated from livers of naturally infected camels. Various concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/mL) of PAMAM nanoemulsion at different exposure times (5, 10, 20 and 30 min) were tested against protoscolices. Our findings showed that PAMAM nanoemulsion had considerable concentration- and time-dependent protoscolicidal effect at both in vitro and ex vivo experiments. Regarding in vitro assay, PAMAM nanoemulsion had a potent protoscolicidal effect when compared with the control group with a highest protoscolicidal activity observed at the concentration of 2 mg/mL at all exposure times, such that 100% of protoscolices were killed after 20 min of exposure. Also, the mortality of protoscolices was 100% after 30 min of exposure to 1 and 1.5 mg/mL of PAMAM nanoemulsion, in vitro. Concerning ex vivo assay PAMAM nanoemulsion recorded the highest mortality rates at the concentration of 2 mg/mL (55, 99.4 and 100% at 10, 20, 30 min, respectively). Ultrastructure examination of examined protoscolices after 20 min of exposure to PAMAM nanoemulsion showed a complete loss of rostellar hooks, disruption of suckers with disorganization of hooks with partial or complete loss of them, and damage of protoscolices tegument with loss of their integrity in the form of holes and contraction of the soma region were observed in 1.5 and 2 mg/mL of PAMAM, in vitro and ex vivo, showing more damage in the in vitro conditions. It can be concluded that PAMAM nanoemulsion is a promising protoscolicidal agent offering a high protoscolicidal effect at a short exposure time. Further in vivo studies and preclinical animal trials are required to evaluate its efficacy and clinical applications against hydatid cysts.

Evaluation of the Protoscolicidal Activity of Humulus lupulus Methanolic Extracts on Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto

The larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l) is responsible for cystic echinococcosis (CE), a long-term infection affecting humans and animals worldwide, and constitutes a serious public health concern. If left untreated, CE can cause serious damage to multiple organs, especially the liver and lungs. Regarding the treatment, in the last few years, the use of pharmacological treatment has increased, suggesting that in the future, drug therapy may replace surgery for uncomplicated cysts. However, the only available anthelmintic drug to treat this infection is the albendazole, which has an efficacy that does not exceed 50%. On the basis of the above-mentioned evidence, new and improved alternative treatments are urgently needed. The use of natural products and their active fractions and components holds great promise as a valuable resource for the development of novel and effective therapies. Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a bittering agent in the brewing industry for which the sedative, digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects have been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro efficacy of methanolic extracts from the leaves of hop varieties against E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s) protoscoleces. Varieties Mapuche and Victoria caused a stronger protoscolicidal effect compared to the Bullion, Cascade, and Traful varieties (P < 0.01), coinciding with their highest content of flavonoids, total polyphenols, and saponins. The viability of protoscoleces treated with the varieties Mapuche and Victoria decreased to approximately 50% at days 5 y 8, respectively, showing alterations such as soma contraction and impaired microtriches. After 18 days of treatment with both varieties, protoscoleces were completely altered both structurally and ultrastructurally. In conclusion, the methanolic extracts of the H. lupulus varieties Mapuche and Victoria demonstrated a marked in vitro effect against E. granulosus s.s. protoscoleces. The beer-making industry exclusively uses hop cones, leaving behind large amounts of hop leaves as an agricultural by-product that is not being utilized. On the basis of our study, we propose that hop leaves could also be used as a source of secondary metabolites with anthelmintic activity.

Comparison of the Scolicidal Activity of Two Leaves Extracts of Myrtus communis from Algeria Against Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Lato Protoscoleces

PURPOSE

During cystic echinococcosis surgery, the use of scolicidal agents such as hypertonic saline (20%) aims to reduce the risk of infection recurrence, but most of the used agents are associated with undesirable side effects. Therefore, the use of natural scolicidal agents such as medicinal plant extracts could reduce these medical issues. The present study aimed to compare in vitro the scolicidal activity between two extracts of the medicinal plant Myrtus communis from Algeria against Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato protoscoleces.

METHODS

The ethanolic and aqueous extraction of plant leaves was performed. Phytochemical analysis by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH were evaluated for both extracts. Finally, the in vitro scolicidal activity was tested by different concentrations. The viability was evaluated by the eosin exclusion test.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis revealed 28 components for the ethanolic extract and 44 components for the aqueous extract. The major components were 2'-hydroxy-5'-methoxyacetophenone and 4-amino-2-methylphenol, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 45.9 ± 0.085 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g of extract (GAE/g E) and 16.5 ± 0.004 mg of quercetin equivalent per g (QE/g E) for the ethanolic extract, and 36.5 ± 0.016 mg GAE/g E and 18.2 ± 0.023 mg QE/g E for the aqueous extract, respectively. Furthermore, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of M. communis gave a value of IC50 = 0.009 ± 0.0004 mg/ml and IC50 = 0.012 ± 0.0003 mg/ml for the antioxidant activity, respectively. The in vitro scolicidal activity with concentrations of 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg/ml was tested for 5, 10, 15, and 30 min, and 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min for ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The mortality rate of protoscoleces at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg/ml was 98.8 and 100%, respectively, after 5 min of exposure to the ethanolic extract, while this rate was 100% at the same concentrations only after 60 min of exposure to the aqueous extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethanolic extract showed a stronger scolicidal activity against E. granulosus s.l protoscoleces than the aqueous extract. In the future, other investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanism of action and the possible toxicity on human cells. Moreover, experimental animal studies are required to investigate the efficacy of different extracts of this plant and its components as natural anti-parasitic alternatives for the treatment of human cystic echinococcosis.

Chemical compounds, antioxidant and scolicidal potencies of Thymus fontanesii essential oil

Medicinal plants have become a source of new drugs to treat various diseases due to their low cost, few side effects, and wide accessibility. Among these, essential oils are promising natural compounds for use in scolicidal activity. The targets of our current work were to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant and protoscolicidal activities of Thymus fontanesii essential oil. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and chemical compounds were quantified by GC-MS/GC-FID. The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power. Three concentrations of essential oil (4.625, 9.25, and 13.875 mg/ml) were tested for 5, 10, and 15 min against E. granulosus protoscoleces and their viability was assessed by eosin staining essay. The yield of the essential oil was 2.06 ± 0.41 % (w/w). Carvacrol (59.68 %) was the main compound of Thymus fontanesii essential oils. Moreover, Thymus fontanesii essential oil has an antioxidant activity IC50 of 346.08 μg/ml and EC50 of 869.82 μg/ml. Furthermore, 100 % mortality of protoscoleces was observed at the doses of 9.25 mg/ml and 13.875 mg/ml after 5 min of exposure. Our findings show a potency of antioxidant and protoscolicidal activities against protoscoleces of E. granulosus.

Dual mechanism (sunlight/dark) of the self-assembly nitazoxanide drug on cellulose nanocrystal surface for destroying the Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

Destruction of the cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) Oocysts is the main target of the work via the improvement effect of the nitazoxanide (NTZ) drug by increasing the drug adsorption process without changing the cell viability. The synthesis of a self-assembly nanocomposite (NCP) of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and NTZ drug was performed successfully via the chemical precipitation methods without utilizing the temperature. Also, the characterization of the fabricated NCP was achieved by different techniques to confirm the natural formation of the NCP. The efficient loading of the NTZ drug on the CMC surface and the release process of NCP was calculated by a UV-Visible spectroscopy device, and the loading efficiency is 37 %. The release efficiency is displayed at 66.3 % after 6 h, and 97 % after 48 h at pH 7.4 with NTZ pure, while the release efficiency of CNC@NTZ at the same pH is 61 % after 6 h, and 86 % after 48 h at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of NCP was conducted on normal mouse liver cells (BNL) via the quick screening cytotoxicity method (SRB). The effect of NCP on C. parvum was detected with an in-vivo study in the dark and under sunlight conditions. Compared to the NTZ and CNC, the fabricated NCP was able to destroy 89.3 % of the oocyst wall after 96 h. Moreover, a sporulation inhibition percentage of 53.97 % ± 0.63 % was achieved by a maximum concentration of 7 mg/mL after 9.5 h. The results are very encouraging to use the modified NCP as an alternative NTZ drug, although further research is required in terms of clinical trials.

Establishment and application of unbiased in vitro drug screening assays for the identification of compounds against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto

Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. are the causative agents of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, respectively. Drug treatment options for these severe and neglected diseases are limited to benzimidazoles, which are not always efficacious, and adverse side effects are reported. Thus, novel and improved treatments are needed. In this study, the previously established platform for E. multilocularis in vitro drug assessment was adapted to E. granulosus s.s. In a first step, in vitro culture protocols for E. granulosus s.s. were established. This resulted in the generation of large amounts of E. granulosus s.s. metacestode vesicles as well as germinal layer (GL) cells. In vitro culture of these cells formed metacestode vesicles displaying structural characteristics of metacestode cysts generated in vivo. Next, drug susceptibilities of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. protoscoleces, metacestode vesicles and GL cells were comparatively assessed employing established assays including (i) metacestode vesicle damage marker release assay, (ii) metacestode vesicle viability assay, (iii) GL cell viability assay, and (iv) protoscolex motility assay. The standard drugs albendazole, buparvaquone, mefloquine, MMV665807, monepantel, niclosamide and nitazoxanide were included. MMV665807, niclosamide and nitazoxanide were active against the parasite in all four assays against both species. MMV665807 and monepantel were significantly more active against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles, while albendazole and nitazoxanide were significantly more active against E. multilocularis GL cells. Albendazole displayed activity against E. multilocularis GL cells, but no effects were seen in albendazole-treated E. granulosus s.s. GL cells within five days. Treatment of protoscoleces with albendazole and monepantel had no impact on motility. Similar results were observed for both species with praziquantel and its enantiomers against protoscoleces. In conclusion, in vitro culture techniques and drug screening methods previously established for E. multilocularis were successfully implemented for E. granulosus s.s., allowing comparisons of drug efficacy between the two species. This study provides in vitro culture techniques for the reliable generation of E. granulosus s.s. metacestode vesicles and GL cell cultures and describes the validation of standardized in vitro drug screening methods for E. granulosus s.s.

Shelf-life improvement of raw milk using ethanolic extracts of selected medicinal plants (Moringa stenopetale, Artemesia anua and MenthaSpicata)

The current study was designed to examine the Shelf life extension ability and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts processed from Moringa stenopetale, Artemesia anua and Mentha Spicata. The raw milk and preservative plants was collected from Chencha woreda, Arba Minch. Purposive sampling techniques were used for collection of milk and plant samples. The crude extracts were isolated from three plant species using Soxhlet extraction method and characterized for the presence of bio-active compounds qualitatively and quantitatively. He accelerated shelf-life testing method was used to estimate the shelf-life of milk samples. Deterioration was tracked using measurements of the peroxide values and sensory characteristics. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of various extracts, and the absorbance was measured at 517 nm. Mentha Spicata had the highest TPC value of 2.842 ± 0.109 mg GAE/g, while Moringa stenopetale had the lowest at 0.285± 0.0098 mg GAE/g. Similarly, Moringa stenopetale had the greatest TTC value of 69.86 ± 1.25 mg QE/g, while Mentha Spicata had the lowest at 46.2 ± 0.7 mg QE/g. The extracts of Moringa stenopetale, Artemesia anua, and Mentha Spicata showed good antioxidant activities, with IC₅₀ values of 39.490 ± 0.029, 61.189± 0.058, and 68.062± 0.014 g/mL, respectively. The shelf-life of the milk sample improved with Moringa stenopetale was 6.99 days at 27 °C. Generally, Moringa stenopetale had the longest shelf life of all the plant extracts tested for milk samples.

Atriplex halimus water extract: a biochemical composition that enhanced the faba bean plants growth

The burgeoning world population is exerting immense pressure on the agricultural sector to increase yield production, which has resulted in the widespread use of chemical products by farmers. However, these chemicals can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to identify natural solutions that are less harmful to both humans and the environment. This study explores the impact of Atriplex halimus extract on the growth of Vicia faba L. broad vetch plants by testing three different concentrations (0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%) of the extract. The findings reveal that Atriplex halimus extract has a positive effect on various physiological and biochemical parameters of the plants, which ultimately leads to improved growth. Specifically, the treated plants displayed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the content of plant metabolites and photosynthetic pigments. Furthermore, the extract enhanced the activity of enzymes that are involved in carbon-nitrogen assimilation, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31), isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.42), glutamine synthase (EC 6.3.1.2), glutathione-s-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18), and glutathione reductase (EC 1.8.1.7). The most significant improvement was observed in plants treated with 0.25% of Atriplex halimus extract. Therefore, it can be inferred that the application of Atriplex halimus extract has the potential to be an effective biostimulant for improving the growth and yield of faba bean plants.

Antihyaluronidase and Antioxidant Potential of Atriplex sagittata Borkh. in Relation to Phenolic Compounds and Triterpene Saponins

The genus Atriplex provides species that are used as food and natural remedies. In this work, the levels of soluble phenolic acids (free and conjugated) and flavonoids in extracts from roots, stems, leaves and flowers of the unexplored Atriplex sagittata Borkh were investigated by LC-ESI-MS/MS, together with their antioxidant and antihyaluronidase activity. Phenolic acids were present in all parts of A. sagittata; and were most abundant in the leaves (225.24 μg/g dw.), whereas the highest content of flavonoids were found in the flowers (242.71 μg/g dw.). The most common phenolics were 4-hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids, kaempferol-3-glucoside-7-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-rutinoside and the rare narcissoside, which was present in almost all morphotic parts. The stem extract had the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (611.86 mg/100 g dw.), whereas flower extract exerted the most potent antihyaluronidase effect (IC₅₀ = 84.67 µg/mL; control-quercetin: IC₅₀ = 514.28 μg/mL). Phytochemical analysis of the flower extract led to the isolation of two triterpene saponins that were shown to be strong hyaluronidase inhibitors (IC₅₀ = 33.77 and 168.15 µg/mL; control-escin: IC₅₀ = 307.38 µg/mL). This is the first report on the presence of phenolics and saponins in A. sagittata. The results suggest that both groups of metabolites may contribute to the overall activity of this plant species.

Antiparasitic Effects of Asteraceae Species Extracts on Echinococcus granulosus s.s

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), which is worldwide distributed and causes long-lasting infections in animals and humans. The existing treatment is limited to the use of benzimidazoles, mainly albendazole (ABZ). However, it has unwanted side effects and its efficacy is about 50%. The Asteraceae family includes plants that have therapeutic applications (medicinal species) and has an important role in new drug development. The species belonging to a different genus of this family show a wide range of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antiparasitic activities, among others. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of extracts of four Asteraceae species against protoscoleces of E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). On the other hand, the Stevia aristata extract was assessed on the murine cyst of E. granulosus (s.s.) and the efficacy of S. aristata extract was investigated in a murine model of CE. Stevia satureiifolia, S. aristata, Grindelia pulchella, and G. chiloensis extracts at 100 μg/mL caused a decrease in protoscoleces viability; however, S. aristata extract produced the greatest in vitro protoscolicidal effect. After 20 days of treatment with the highest concentration (100 μg/mL) of S. aristata extract, protoscoleces viability decreased to 0%. The tegumental changes observed by scanning electron microscopy were consistent with the reduction in vitality. The collapse of the germinal layer was registered in 60 ± 5.8% and 83.3 ± 12.0% of cysts treated during 4 days with 50 and 100 μg/ml, respectively. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of the S. aristata extract against E. granulosus (s.s.) cysts was 47.86 μg/mL (96 h). The dosage of infected animals with the 50 mg kg⁻¹ dose of S. aristata extract resulted in a significant reduction in cyst weight in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, S. aristata extract was demonstrated to exert a marked effect, both in vitro and in the murine model.

LC-MS/MS Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant Activity, and Cytotoxicity of the Ethanolic Extract of Atriplex halimus L. against Breast Cancer Cell Lines: Computational Studies and Experimental Validation

Atriplex halimus L., also known as Mediterranean saltbush, and locally as "Lgtef", an halophytic shrub, is used extensively to treat a wide variety of ailments in Morocco. The present study was undertaken to determine the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract of A. halimus leaves (AHEE). We first determined the phytochemical composition of AHEE using a liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using different methods including DPPH scavenging capacity, β-carotene bleaching assay, ABTS scavenging, iron chelation, and the total antioxidant capacity assays. Cytotoxicity was investigated against human cancer breast cells lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The results showed that the components of the extract are composed of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The DPPH test showed strong scavenging capacity for the leaf extract (IC₅₀ of 0.36 ± 0.05 mg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ of 0.19 ± 0.02 mg/mL). The β-carotene test determined an IC₅₀ of 2.91 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The IC₅₀ values of ABTS, iron chelation, and TAC tests were 44.10 ± 2.92 TE µmol/mL, 27.40 ± 1.46 mg/mL, and 124 ± 1.27 µg AAE/mg, respectively. In vitro, the AHE extract showed significant inhibitory activity in all tested tumor cell lines, and the inhibition activity was found in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, computational techniques such as molecular docking and ADMET analysis were used in this work. Moreover, the physicochemical parameters related to the compounds' pharmacokinetic indicators were evaluated, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity prediction (Pro-Tox II).

Anti-parasitic effects of resveratrol on protoscolices and hydatid cyst layers

The main goal of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of resveratrol (RESV) on protoscolices and hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granolosus. Echinococcus granolosus protoscolices and hydatid cyst were exposed to RPMI, DMSO, formalin, mebendazole, and different concentrations of RESV in vitro. Then, viability, GGT, and caspase-3 activity of protoscolices were evaluated using light microscopy, colorimetric, and enzymatic assay, respectively. Tissue changes and expression of caspase-3 apoptosis were analyzed on the hydatid cyst wall by histologic and immunohistochemistry methods. The cell toxicity effect of RESV was evaluated on mouse PBMCs by Annexin V-FITC assay. The RESV-treated protoscolices showed loss of viability, increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and caspase-3 activity with significant differences compared to all control groups (P < 0.05). Dose and time dependence of mortality, GGT, and caspase-3 enzymatic activity was confirmed in the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus treated by RESV. Also, the tissue changes and apoptosis were prominent in RESV-treated hydatid cyst layers; however, tissue changes were only time-dependent, and RESV concentration had no apparent effect on tissue. In cell toxicity evaluation, RESV is safe without any significant apoptosis induction from 31.5 to 250 μg/ml; however, it was significant at 350 and 500 μg/ml in PBMCs.

Herbal Medicines against Hydatid Disease: A Systematic Review (2000-2021)

Echinococcosis is a serious public health issue that affects people and livestock all over the world. Many synthetic and natural products have been examined in vitro and in vivo on Echinococcus species but only a few are used clinically, however, they may cause some complications and side effects. To overcome these limitations, new horizons of herbal drugs to cure echinococcosis are opening with every passing day. To summarize the developments during the last 21 years, we conducted this review of the literature to identify medicinal herbs utilized throughout the world that have anti-Echinococcus activity. From 2000 to 2021, data were carefully obtained from four English databases: Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and OpenGrey. Botanical name, extraction technique, extract quantities, efficacy, duration of treatment, year of publication, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were all well noted. Ninety-one published papers, with 78 in vitro and 15 in vivo, fulfilled our selection criteria. Fifty-eight different plant species were thoroughly tested against Echinococcus granulosus. Zataria multiflora, Nigella sativa, Berberis vulgaris, Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Allium sativum were the most often utilized anti-Echinococcus herbs and the leaves of the herbs were extensively used. The pooled value of IC50 was 61 (95% CI 60−61.9) according to the random effect model and a large degree of diversity among studies was observed. The current systematic study described the medicinal plants with anti-Echinococcus activity, which could be investigated in future experimental and clinical studies to identify their in vivo efficacy, lethal effects, and mechanisms of action.

An overview of the nutritional value, health properties, and future challenges of Chinese bayberry

Chinese bayberry (CB) is among the most popular and valuable fruits in China owing to its attractive color and unique sweet/sour taste. Recent studies have highlighted the nutritional value and health-related benefits of CB. CB has special biological characteristics of evergreen, special aroma, dioecious, nodulation, nitrogen fixation. Moreover, the fruits, leaves, and bark of CB plants harbor a number of bioactive compounds including proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, vitamin C, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins that have been linked to the anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective properties and to the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The CB fruits have been used to produce a range of products: beverages, foods, and washing supplies. Future CB-related product development is thus expected to further leverage the health-promoting potential of this valuable ecological resource. The present review provides an overview of the botanical characteristics, processing, nutritional value, health-related properties, and applications of CB in order to provide a foundation for further research and development.