Citrus aurantium extracts tested for killing dog trematode parasites

Abstract

OBECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the antitrematodal activity of Citrus aurantium seed and peel ethanolic extracts and limonene in vitro and in vivo against the dog trematode (Mesostephanus spp). METHODS: In the in vitro study, Adult Mesostephanus spp were exposed to varying concentrations of C aurantium fruit peel and seed ethanolic extract, as well as limonene concentrations, the immobility index was measured, and the morphological changes were studied. In the in vivo study, 30 domestic dogs were divided into 6 groups, with 5 dogs in each group. The infected group was treated with C aurantium peel extract at 150 and 300 mg/kg, and the efficacy was assessed by calculating the percentage of the efficacy reduction in fecal egg count. The study was conducted from January 1 to April 1, 2023. RESULTS: Histological analysis and scanning electron microscope observations revealed distinct surface architecture deformities in treated parasites, including shrinkage, vacuolization, blebbing, and peeling of the tegument of worms. In the in vivo study, C aurantium peels at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg dose dependently showed efficacy rates, reaching 80.92% and 98.56%, respectively. These outcomes were comparable to those obtained with the standard anthelmintic drug praziquantel, which exhibited 100% efficacy by day 28 of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides strong evidence that C aurantium peel extract and its principal component, limonene, exhibit significant anthelmintic efficacy against Mesostephanus spp in dogs. These findings highlight their potential as promising natural alternatives to conventional chemotherapeutics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study presents a natural and cost-effective alternative to conventional anthelmintics. However, since safety and toxicity were not evaluated in this study, the conclusions regarding the therapeutic applicability should be considered preliminary.