In Vitro Protoscolicidal Efficacy of Boswellia Resin Extract and Its Nanoemulsion Against Echinococcus granulosus

Torabi, Nima; Mousavi, Seyed Mohammad; Mansouri, Atena; Tavakoli Kareshk, Amir

doi:10.32598/ARI.81.2.3476

In Vitro Protoscolicidal Efficacy of Boswellia Resin Extract and Its Nanoemulsion Against Echinococcus granulosus

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.

² Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616914115, Iran

³ Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand 9717853577, Iran

10.32598/ARI.81.2.3476

Abstract

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant zoonotic disease with limited treatment options, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro protoscolicidal efficacy of Boswellia resin hydroalcoholic extract and its nanoemulsion formulation against E. granulosus protoscoleces.
Materials & Methods: Protoscoleces were obtained from liver cysts of infected sheep at Birjand slaughterhouse and treated with serial dilutions (0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001%, and 0.0001%) of both formulations over varying exposure times (5 to 30 minutes). Viability was assessed using 0.1% eosin staining, and data were analyzed with SPSS 22 software using the chisquare test.
Results: The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited protoscolicidal effects only at concentrations above 0.01%, achieving 100% mortality at 0.1% after 30 minutes, though effects at lower concentrations were not statistically significant compared to the control (P>0.05). In contrast, the Boswellia nanoemulsion demonstrated significantly superior protoscolicidal efficacy, achieving 100% mortality at lower concentrations and shorter exposure times (e.g. 0.1% at 15 minutes and 0.01% at 20 minutes), with statistical significance confirmed at these levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of Boswellia nanoemulsion as a promising natural agent for hydatid cyst treatment due to enhanced bioavailability and efficacy compared to the extract alone.

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