Anthelmintic Activity and Pathophysiological Effect of Allium sativum Extract-Based Copper Nanoparticles Against the Carcinogenic Liver Fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.

Opisthorchis viverrini has a significant role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a leading cause of death in northeastern Thailand. Although praziquantel (PZQ) remains the standard treatment for O. viverrini infections, its use is associated with adverse side effects, and prolonged administration may increase the risk of CCA. In response, the Thai government has been actively promoting research into alternative treatments, including the use of medicinal plants. Allium sativum Lin. (garlic) has demonstrated potent anthelmintic effects against O. viverrini adult worms in earlier studies, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment for opisthorchiasis. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential of garlic-copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) (G-CuNPs) as a novel therapeutic approach for O. viverrini infections by enhancing the delivery efficiency of bioactive compounds in garlic. G-CuNPs were synthesized by the ionic gelation method and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the antiparasitic efficacy of G-CuNPs against O. viverrini adult worms was evaluated through in vitro assays (conducted in triplicate), including assessments of motility and viability rates, the tegumental alteration using SEM analysis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The result of FTIR analysis confirmed stable interactions between garlic extract and CuNPs, while GC-MS identified disulfide derivatives with anti-inflammatory properties as the primary compounds. SEM revealed spherical nanoparticles approximately 226.2 nm in size, suitable for biological applications. Moreover, G-CuNPs effectively inhibited O. viverrini adult worms' motility and caused tegumental damage to the parasites, likely due to increased ROS levels. According to these results, G-CuNPs demonstrate significant potential as an alternative treatment for liver fluke infections. However, additional studies are necessary to thoroughly assess their safety, optimize drug delivery mechanisms, and explore their broader clinical applications.