In vitro evaluation of the effects of Eremurus spectabilis extract on the protoscoleces of hydatid cyst (Echinococcus granulosus)

Eremurus spectabilis (commonly known as "Çiriş Otu") is an important plant that has been traditionally consumed as food and used in folk medicine in Anatolia for the treatment of various ailments. Its rich phytochemical composition includes phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which are known to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic properties. Hydatid cyst disease is a significant zoonotic parasitic infection that poses a serious threat to human health. This infection, which is also highly prevalent in Türkiye, particularly affects the liver and lungs, forming fluid-filled cysts that gradually enlarge within various organs. The absence of an effective drug therapy and the current reliance on surgical interventions in the treatment of hydatid disease highlight the need for developing alternative therapeutic approaches. Therefore, investigating the therapeutic potential of naturally derived plant compounds with fewer side effects is of great importance. The effective elimination of protoscoleces represents a critical step in controlling the disease. In this study, the in vitro effects of Eremurus spectabilis extracts on the protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus within hydatid cysts were investigated. Extracts prepared at different concentrations (150, 75, 37.5, 18.75, and 9.375 mg/mL) were evaluated at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. No significant mortality was observed in the negative control group, whereas the positive control group (saline) exhibited 98% inhibition at the 24th hour. The extract of E. spectabilis demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent effect, with the highest inhibition rate of 82% at 150 mg/mL and the lowest inhibition rate of 72% at 9.375 mg/mL. In conclusion, E. spectabilis extract exhibited a marked scolicidal effect against E. granulosus protoscoleces. These findings suggest that this plant may serve as a natural and alternative scolicidal agent; however, further in vivo and toxicological studies are required to confirm its safety and efficacy. Keywords: Çiriş Otu, Echinococcus granulosus, Eremurus spectabilis, İn vitro, Protoscolex