Javad Ghasemian Yadegari - Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Amal Khudari Khalaf - Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thiqar, Iraq
Massumeh Saadatmand - Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Hossein Mahmoudvand - Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate in vitro and ex vivo antiparasitic activity of Astragalus brachycalyx subsp. brachycalyx. root chloroformic extract against hydatid cyst protoscoleces and its effect on induction of apoptosis. Methods: Various concentrations of the A. brachycalyx root chloroformic extract (۵۶.۲۵, ۱۱۲.۵, ۲۲۵, and ۴۵۰ mg/mL) were treated with hydatid cyst protoscoleces collected from the liver of infected sheep for ۵-۶۰ minutes in vitro and ex vivo. Eosin exclusion test was also utilized to measure the mortality of protoscoleces. Moreover, the extract effect was assessed on apoptosis induction in hydatid cyst protoscoleces by caspase-۳ activity measurement. Results: The mortality rate of protoscoleces in in vitro was ۱۰۰% after being exposed to ۴۵۰ and ۲۲۵ mg/mL of A. brachycalyx extract for ۲۰ and ۳۰ minutes and in ex vivo for ۳۰ and ۶۰ minutes, respectively. Following ۴۸ h treatment of protoscoleces, A. brachycalyx chloroformic extract at the doses of ۵۶.۲۵, ۱۱۲.۵, ۲۲۵, and ۴۵۰ mg/mL, dose-dependently motivated the caspase-۳ enzyme ranging from ۸.۸% to ۲۹.۶% Conclusion: A. brachycalyx root chloroformic extract had a significant protoscolicidal effect; however, extra surveys are required to assess its efficacy and safety as a promising protoscolicidal agent in clinical settings.

Hydatid cyst, Echinococcus granulosus, Scolicidal activity, Caspase, Herbal medicine