Therapeutic Impact of Plant-Derived Extracts and their Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Extracts on the Zoonotic Parasite Hymenolepis Nana Infection.

BACKGROUND: Hymenolepis nana (H. nana) is a neglected zoonotic cestode that commonly infects humans and is typically treated with praziquantel (PZQ). Due to concerns about drug resistance and adverse effects, this study explored the antiparasitic activity of aqueous extracts from Artemisia alba, Moringa oleifera, and Ceratonia siliqua, as well as their corresponding silver-nanoparticles (AgNPs)-loaded extracts, against H. nana infection. METHODS: Ten groups of male albino mice were used: a healthy control group, an infected untreated group, and six infected groups treated with the aqueous extracts of A. alba, M. oleifera, and C. siliqua, along with their silver nanoparticle-loaded extracts. Two additional infected groups received either AgNPs alone or PZQ. The study assessed parasitological parameters, particularly egg count per gram (EPG), alongside jejunal histopathology and liver and kidney function markers. RESULTS: All treated groups exhibited a significant reduction in H. nana infection. Both forms of A. alba, as well as AgNPs and PZQ, achieved a complete (100%) reduction in fecal EPG. In contrast, the aqueous extracts of M. oleifera and C. siliqua produced a 75% reduction. AgNPs and PZQ did not improve renal or hepatic function. All plant extracts demonstrated hepatoprotective effects, while the aqueous and AgNPs-loaded extracts of A. alba and M. oleifera also showed renoprotective activity. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extracts of Artemisia alba, Moringa oleifera, and Ceratonia siliqua, along with their AgNPs-loaded counterparts, exhibited significant antiparasitic effects against H. nana. Among them, A. alba showed the highest efficacy in both its extract and AgNPs-loaded extract.