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. The surgical treatment of CE is typically indicated when the cysts are of considerable size and located in the heart or brain. A variety of chemical agents are employed during surgical procedures to mitigate complications, including hypertonic saline solution, cetrimide-C, and silver nitrate. The plant known as Taraxacum officinale has been employed for its medicinal properties since the 10th century, reflecting a longstanding tradition of therapeutic application. The objective of this study was to conduct a 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. officinale were extracted using ethanol, and qualitative phytochemical analyses were conducted to detect the presence of total steroid glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, sterols, and terpenoids. A range of TOE concentrations (50-800 mg/mL) were prepared for the treatment of PSCs. The eosin exclusion experiment was conducted to assess the viability of the protoscoleces. PSCs were treated with TOE, and the Caspase 3-like activity assay kit was employed to quantify the degree of apoptosis induction. The TOE demonstrated the greatest efficacy at a concentration of 800 mg/ml, resulting in the complete eradication of PSCs within 60 minutes. The activity of the apoptotic enzyme caspase-3 was observed to be in the range of 11.4 to 35.7%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of PSCs treated with TOE for 60 minutes revealed deformities in the tegument and rostellum. The study offers valuable insights into the scolicidal properties of TOE. In light of the findings, it can be posited that TOE exerts a considerable lethal impact when employed against the protoscoleces of hydatid cysts.