Zataria multiflora Bioss: lethal effects of methanolic extract against protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus

The present study was aimed to evaluate the lethal effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae) methanolic extract against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Various concentrations of the essential oil (2.5–20 mg/mL) were used for 10–60 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1 % eosin staining). Obtained results showed that Z. multiflora extract at the concentration of 20 mg/mL after 10 min of exposure killed 100 % protoscoleces. The mean of mortality rate of protoscoleces after 20 min of exposure to the concentration of 10 mg/mL was also 100 %. Lower concentrations of Z. multiflora extract provoked a delayed protoscolicidal activity. The findings indicated potential of Z. multiflora methanolic extract as a natural source for the producing of new scolicidal agent for use in hydatid cyst surgery.