Phytochemical screening, protoscolicidal activity and mechanisms of action of Taraxacum officinale extract against hydatid cyst protoscoleces

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease resulting from the presence of the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, a species of tapeworm. CE is generally treated with surgery, especially when the cysts are large and in the heart or brain. Several chemical agents are used during surgery to reduce complications, including hypertonic saline solution, cetrimide-C, and silver nitrate. The plant known as Taraxacum officinale has been utilized for its medicinal properties since the 10th century, demonstrating a longstanding tradition of therapeutic application. This study aimed to conduct phytochemical screening, evaluate protoscolicidal activity, and investigate the mechanisms of action of T. officinale ethanolic extract (TOE) against hydatid cyst protoscoleces (PSCs). The metabolites of T. officinalis were extracted using ethanol, and qualitative phytochemical analyses were conducted to detect total steroid glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, sterols, and terpenoids. Various concentrations of TOE (50-800 mg/mL) were prepared for treating PSCs. The eosin exclusion experiment assessed the viability of protoscoleces. PSCs were treated with TOE, and the Caspase 3-like activity assay kit was used to measure the induction of apoptosis. The TOE was most effective at 800 mg/ml concentration, killing all PSCs within 60 minutes. The apoptotic enzyme activity of caspase-3 was 11.4 to 35.7%. In the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of PSCs treated with TOE for 60 minutes, deformities were evident in the tegument and rostellum. The study provides valuable information about the scolicidal properties of TOE. Based on the study's results, it may be proposed that TOE has a significant lethal effect when applied to the protoscoleces of hydatid cysts.

Phytochemical screening, protoscolicidal activity and mechanisms of action of Taraxacum officinale extract against hydatid cyst protoscoleces Keywords:

medicinal plant , Echinococcosis granulosus , Caspase 3-like , protoscoleces