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Anthelmintic Potential of Cucurbita pepo Seeds on Hymenolepis nana

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Abstract

Objective

The main drug used against Hymenolepis nana is praziquantel (PZQ), which causes side effects and toxicity. In contrast, natural extracts have limited side effects and are safer. Past researches have proved that pumpkin seeds are effective as natural antimicrobial and antiparasitic treatment. The present study investigates a natural alternative and less expensive treatment against H. nana using pumpkin seeds.

Materials and Methods

Healthy female albino mice were divided into four groups: normal control, infected control with H. nana, infected and treated with PZQ, and lastly, the group infected and treated with pumpkin seeds’ extract.

Results

Pumpkin seeds aqueous extract showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the number and length of H. nana adult worms, number and viability of eggs in comparison to the infected control group and PZQ group. Pumpkin seed aqueous extract is proven to be an effective anthelmintic against H. nana.

Conclusion

We recommend pumpkin seed extract as a natural alternative, less expensive and safe therapy for H. nana. This is the first study in Saudi Arabia to investigate the therapeutic effect of pumpkin seeds’ extract on H. nana.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully thank the managers and workers of King Fahd Medical Research Centre, especially the Special Infectious Agents Unit and the Animal House Unit. Sincere thanks to the specialist and technicians for their beneficial help and cooperation. This study was funded by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Science for Girls, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Anan O. Alhawiti & Fawzia H. Toulah

  2. Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, P. O. Box 80324, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia

    Majed H. Wakid

  3. Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Majed H. Wakid

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  1. Anan O. Alhawiti
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  2. Fawzia H. Toulah
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  3. Majed H. Wakid
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Correspondence to Majed H. Wakid.

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All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. All procedures performed in studies involving animals were in accordance with the ethical standards of King Fahd Medical Research Centre (KFMRC), King Abdulaziz University (KAU) at which the studies were conducted.

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Alhawiti, A.O., Toulah, F.H. & Wakid, M.H. Anthelmintic Potential of Cucurbita pepo Seeds on Hymenolepis nana. Acta Parasit. 64, 276–281 (2019). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-019-00033-z

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