Experimental treatment of cystic echinococcosis: Combination therapy with carvacrol and thymol versus albendazole

Albani, Clara; Patricia, Pensel; Fabbri, Julia; Adriana, Albanese; Antonela, Paladini; Elissondo, Marı́a Celina

doi:10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108430

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…Albani et al demonstrated that the most significant protoscolicidal effect was observed in the combinations of carvacrol and thymol in ratios of 9:1 and 5:5, leading to a notable decrease in viability six days postincubation, consistent with the observed ultrastructural changes. They also reported that the combination of thymol (40 mg/kg) and carvacrol (40 mg/kg) showed a tendency to reduce the weight of the cysts compared to the control group (36). In addition, reviews have shown the high potency of carvacrol-rich plants such as Zataria multiflora, Satureja khuzistanica, Satureja hortensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Syzygium aromaticum, and Origanum minutiflorum against PSCs and hydatid cysts of E. granulosus (37).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unveiling Therapeutic Effects of Thymbra spicata L. on Cystic Echinococcosis

Cheraghipour,

Shakib,

Khudair Khalaf

et al. 2024

Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod

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Background: The hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis) is the larval stage of Echinococcusgranulosus sensu lato, which accounts for significant zoonotic infections worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the essential oil derived from Thymbra spicata L. (TSEO) against protoscoleces (PSCs) and hydatid cysts of E. granulosus. Methods: The components of TSEO were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro effects of TSEO on PSCs were determined using the eosin exclusion test. The effect of TSEO on caspase-3 gene expression and exterior ultrastructure of PSCs was investigated using real-time PCR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. In vivo effects of TSEO at doses of 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg/day were also studied in mice with hydatid cysts. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the main compounds in TSEO were carvacrol (65.88%), γ-terpinene (9.71%), and p-cymene (7.82%), respectively. The results showed the highest lethality of TSEO at 30 µg/mL after 60 minutes of exposure. The IC50 value was 18.60 µg/mL after 60 minutes of exposure to TSEO. After exposing PSCs to TSEO, the expression level of the caspase-3 gene increased over time with increasing concentration (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy images of the cyst treated with 50 µL/mL of TSEO showed ultrastructural damage, rostellar disorganization, alterations in the teguments, and deformation of the cyst structure. In the in vivo assay, it was found that the average number, size, and weight of hydatid cysts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after treatment with TSEO. The maximum efficacy was observed after treatment with TSEO at a dose of 40 mg/kg, resulting in a significant decrease in the number, weight, and size of hydatid cysts by 9.6 ± 1.51, 2.64 ± 0.39 g, and 0.18 ± 0.022 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The study findings confirmed the promising in vitro and in vivo effects of TSEO against hydatid cyst infection. Considering the possible mechanisms, TSEO provoked cell wall damage and induced apoptosis. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the precise mechanisms of action.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unveiling Therapeutic Effects of Thymbra spicata L. on Cystic Echinococcosis

Cheraghipour,

Shakib,

Khudair Khalaf

et al. 2024

Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod

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“…Another study showed that compound 25 in combination with ABZ was more effective against E. multilocularis metacestodes in vitro and infected mice. The combination reduced the weight of metacestodes by 83% (Albani et al., 2023; Lopez et al., 2022).…”

Section: Terpene Combination Therapy Against Echinococcosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Could natural terpenes be an alternative for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases?

Soto‐Sánchez

2024

Chem Biol Drug Des

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Existing chemotherapy for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can often be toxic and ineffective, highlighting the necessity for new treatments. Terpenes are secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential. This aim of this mini‐review is to explore the most promising natural terpenes with anti‐leishmanicidal, anti‐schistosomicidal, and anti‐echinococcal activity, their mechanisms of action, and their efficacy as combination therapy. The study identified a tetracyclic diterpenoid, a sesquiterpene lactone, and a triterpene with the highest biological activity against leishmaniasis. Additionally, a triterpenoid and a tetraterpene showed potent activity against schistosomiasis and echinococcosis, respectively. Compounds have antiparasitic effects by inducing cell death, inhibiting cell stress‐related proteins, degrading extracellular matrix, and modulating immune and inflammatory responses. The employment of combination therapy and terpene nanotransporters appears to enhance the antiparasitic activity of these compounds. Although identifying specific molecular targets is necessary, the use of terpenes in combination therapy presents a safe and highly promising approach for the rational development of more potent and selective antiparasitic drugs.

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Evaluation of the In-Vitro Effects of Albendazole, Mebendazole, and Praziquantel Nanocapsules against Protoscolices of Hydatid Cyst

Soleymani,

Sadr,

Santucciu

et al. 2024

Pathogens

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Cystic echinococcosis still remains a serious health and economic problem worldwide. The etiologic agent is Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, giving origin to a fluid-filled cystic lesion. Therapy faces several challenges. Nanodrugs have shown promise as chemotherapeutics against hydatid cysts. The present study evaluated a highly safe lipid nano-polymeric capsule for its superior efficacy and ability to overcome drug resistance. Nanocapsule drugs were formulated into six groups: Albendazole, mebendazole, praziquantel, albendazole + mebendazole, albendazole + praziquantel, and praziquantel + mebendazole. The protoscolicidal effects of these six groups were assessed at 10, 60, and 120 min in three concentrations (1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL). Drug formulations were evaluated via zeta potential, droplet size, solubility, particle size analyzer (PSA), and scanning electron microscopy. According to the PSA results, the mean size of the albendazole nanocapsules was 193.01 nm, mebendazole was 170.40 nm, and praziquantel was 180.44 nm. Albendazole + mebendazole showed the greatest protoscolicidal activity at a concentration of 1 mg/mL after 120 min. In contrast, each drug’s 0.25 mg/mL single-dose times showed the least protoscolicidal activity after 120 min. With the right application of nanotechnology, it is possible to produce safe and effective drugs, such as the polymeric combination of albendazole and mebendazole, which has promising implications.

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Experimental treatment of cystic echinococcosis: Combination therapy with carvacrol and thymol versus albendazole

Cited by 4 publications

References 46 publications

Unveiling Therapeutic Effects of Thymbra spicata L. on Cystic Echinococcosis

Unveiling Therapeutic Effects of Thymbra spicata L. on Cystic Echinococcosis

Could natural terpenes be an alternative for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases?

Evaluation of the In-Vitro Effects of Albendazole, Mebendazole, and Praziquantel Nanocapsules against Protoscolices of Hydatid Cyst

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