Evaluation of the scolicidal effects of Nectaroscordum tripedale extract and its acute toxicity in mice model

Current scolicidal agents,which have been used for inactivation of protoscoleces during hydatid cyst surgery are associated with adverse side effects. this study aims to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effects of nectaroscordum tripedale l. leave extract against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts and its acute toxicity in mice model. various concentrations of the extract (12.5-100 mg/ml) were used for 5 to 30 min. viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining). in addition,the acute toxicity of n. tripedale extract was determined for 2 days in mice model. the results showed that the n. tripedale extract at the concentration of 100 mg/ml after 5 min of exposure killed 100% protoscoleces. similarly,the mean of mortality rate of protoscoleces after 10 min of exposure to concentration of 50 mg/ml was 100%. the ld50 values of intraperitoneal injection of the n. tripedale extract was 3.36 g/kg body wt. and the maximum nonfatal doses were 2.98 g/kg body wt. the results showed the potential of n. tripedale extract as a natural source for the production of new scolicidal agent for use in hydatid cyst surgery.