Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a significant zoonotic parasitic disease, is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus . While albendazole is an effective treatment, its adverse effects and resistance necessitate the search for alternative compounds. Caffeic Acid (CA), a phenolic compound with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, holds immense promise in this regard. The current study aims to explore the potential of CA as a treatment for hydatid cysts in laboratory mice and its impact on the mice's liver biochemistry. The present study was conducted with utmost meticulous care. Fifty female laboratory mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1,500 viable protoscolices. Four months post-infection, the remaining infected mice were divided into six experimental groups. These animals were then treated orally with CA and albendazole every 24 hours for 15 days, with 20 μl of coconut oil added to enhance CA absorption. At the end of the treatment period, all mice were euthanized and necropsied. The number and weight of hydatid cysts were meticulously assessed, and cardiac blood specimens were obtained for further analysis. Results showed that the' total number and weight of cysts were significantly lower in the groups treated with CA compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Importantly, no significant differences in liver enzyme activity or bilirubin concentration were observed between the treatment groups and the control group, suggesting CA's potential safety as a treatment for hydatid cysts. The present study shows that CA has an antiparasitic effect in vivo , resulting in a remarkable reduction in the total number and weight of hydatid cysts. • Hydatidosis, a significant zoonotic parasitic disease, is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus . • Caffeic Acid (CA), a phenolic compound with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, holds immense promise in this regard. • Results showed that cysts' total number and weight were significantly lower in the groups treated with CA compared to the control group • The present study shows that CA has an antiparasitic effect in vivo , resulting in a remarkable reduction in hydatid cysts' total number and weight.
Toosi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.