Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia sacra Extracts on Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice

Background: Cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, creates global health challenges due to costly and toxic chemotherapy. To the authors′ knowledge, Boswellia sacra extracts have not  previously been evaluated against secondary hydatid cysts in murine models.  This study aimed to investigate the in vivo efficacy of various Boswellia sacra oleo-gum resin extracts against secondary hydatid cysts in BALB/c mouse models. Methods: BALB/c mice inoculated with Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were allocated into positive, negative, and vehicle controls, alongside treatment groups receiving ethanolic extract, methanolic extract, or crude oleo-gum resin. Efficacy was assessed via total cyst numbers, weight, diameter, and hepatosplenomegaly parameters. Results: Boswellia sacra extracts treatment induced a highly significant reduction (P≤0.0001) in recovered hydatid cysts compared to the positive control. However, ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences (P˃0.05) in overall cyst weights and diameters. A reduction in hepatosplenomegaly was noted, though this systemic alleviation was not consistent across all treated groups. Conclusion: Boswellia sacra extracts  potently suppress secondary hydatid cyst proliferation by significantly decreasing overall cyst counts. While the extracts did not significantly arrest the diameters or weight, and exerted only a partial reduction, in-consistent effect on related organomegaly, the reduced parasite burden underscores their potential as natural adjunctive agents.