in vitro investigation of the comparative effects of hydroalcoholic extract of valerian root and its nanoparticles on hydatic cyst protoscoleces

Hydaticosis is one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases in the world caused by the larval stage of the cestode echinococcus granulosus (1). numerous studies have evaluated the antiparasitic properties of metallic nanoparticles on hydatic cyst protoscoleces in recent years. given the unknown effects of wormwood and its nanoparticles on hydatic cyst protoscoleces, this study experimentally investigated the effects of valerian and wormwood extract and its nanoparticles on hydatic cyst protoscoleces. in this experimental study, hydatic-infected livers and lungs were obtained from a slaughterhouse in sanandaj. protoscolex viability was determined using the 0.1% eosin test under a light microscope. different concentrations of wormwood extract (100 and 200 mg/ml) and its nanoparticles were used for durations of 1, 6, and 12 hr. all stages were repeated three times and the results were analyzed using statistical software. this experiment revealed that both valerian and its nano form had a lethal effect on hydatic cysts and protoscoleces. the mortality rate of the hydroalcoholic extract at a concentration of 100 mg/ml for hydatic cysts after 1, 6, and 12 hr was 9.91%, 25%, and 29%, respectively. the effect of the hydroalcoholic nanoparticles was 11%, 16%, and 22.2%, respectively. at a concentration of 200 mg/ml, the hydroalcoholic extract showed mortality rates of 13.5%, 30% and 35%, respectively, and the nanoparticles showed 13%, 28% and 34%, respectively. the protoscolex survival rate was decreased with increasing time and concentration. although both substances caused the death of protoscoleces under laboratory conditions, the wormwood extract was more effective than its nanoparticles.