Comparison of the scolicidal effect of Allium sativum and Ferula asafoetida extract on hydatid cyst protoscoleces in vitro

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease and with has a global distribution. Today, much research carries out to inactivate hydatid cyst protoscoleces. In particular, herbal compounds have received more attention due to their cheapness, easy access, low toxicity, and side effects. This study aimed to compare the scolicidal effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium sativum (garlic) and Ferula asafoetida (angozeh) on hydatid cyst protoscoleces in vitro. The scolicidal activity of A. sativum and F. asafoetida extracts were evaluated at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/ml following 10, 30, and 60 minutes of exposure. Each reaction was repeated three times. The viability of protoscoleces was examined with a 0.1% eosin stain under a light microscope. The chemical composition of two extracts was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad software version 5.0. The results of this study showed that F. asafoetida extract, at a concentration of 250 mg/ml after 60 minutes of exposure, killed 100% of the protoscoleces compared to the control group, but the hydroalcoholic extract of A. sativum at the same concentration and time, it was able to kill 98% of protoscoleces. The main chemical components of A. sativum and F. asafoetida identified as allyl methyl trisulfide (12.8%) and methyl ester (13.9%), respectively. The findings of the present study showed that F. asafoetida has more potent scolicidal effects than A. sativum. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the F. asafoetida plant.