Effects of Citrus aurantium extracts and limonene on Dipylidium caninum tegument: In vitro and in vivo study.

Dipylidiosis is a common zoonotic infection of dogs caused by Dipylidium caninum. Infected dogs were treated using ethanolic extracts of the peel and seed of Citrus aurantium, as well as its main active compound (limonene). In vitro, peel and seed extracts (12.5, 25, 50 mg/ml) as well as limonene (30, 60, 120 µl/ml) induced worm immobility. Complete mortality of worms (100 %) was achieved 100 % mortality after 4 h for peel extracts and limonene and 6 h for seed extracts. Histological analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed significant structural damage in treated worms, including peeling, vesiculation, ulceration, fissures, and tegumental distortion. In vivo, dogs treated with peel extract at 150 and 300 mg/kg achieved high efficacy rates of 72.33 % and 92 %, respectively, and reached 100 % efficacy, comparable to that of praziquantel, by the end of the experiment. The extract's effectiveness was dose- and time-dependent. In conclusion, these findings suggest that C. aurantium peel extract provides a safe, sustainable, and effective natural alternative to synthetic drugs for treating D. caninum infections in dogs.