Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.): Scolicidal Activity on Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices

Background: Few anthelmintics are available for the treatment of hydatid disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The appearance of resistance to synthetic anthelmintics and the adverse side effects of chemical drugs, stimulated the research of alternatives, such as medicinal plants. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of methanolic extract of sumac (Rhus coriaria) was investigated. Methods: Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep livers containing hydatid cysts. Three concentrations of sumac extract (10, 30 and 50 mg/mL) were used for 10, 20 and 30 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. Results: While the rate of dead protoscolices was 16.93% in the ontrol group, when protoscolices were exposed to sumac extract at the concentration of 10 mg/mL , the rate of dead protoscolices increased to 94.13%, 97.67% and 100% after 10, 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. The mortality rate of protoscolices increased to 98.89%, and 100% when they were exposed to 30 mg/mL concentration of sumac extract for 10 and 20 minutes respectively. One hundred percent mortality rate was observed at concentration of 50 mg/mL after 10 min of exposure. Conclusions: This in vitro study showed that methanolic extract of R. coriaria may be considered as an effective natural scolicidal agent.