Ramadan, B., Ali, A., Rashan, L. (2026). Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia sacra Extracts on Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice. , 23(3), 130-139. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.172464.1235
Baraa Basil Ramadan; Asmaa Abdulazeez Ali; Luay Rashan. "Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia sacra Extracts on Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice". , 23, 3, 2026, 130-139. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.172464.1235
Ramadan, B., Ali, A., Rashan, L. (2026). 'Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia sacra Extracts on Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice', , 23(3), pp. 130-139. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.172464.1235
Ramadan, B., Ali, A., Rashan, L. Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia sacra Extracts on Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice. , 2026; 23(3): 130-139. doi: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.172464.1235

Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia sacra Extracts on Secondary Hydatid Cysts in BALB/c Mice

Iraqi Journal of Pharmacy
Article 5, Volume 23, Issue 3, September 2026, Pages 130-139    PDF (1.23 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.33899/iraqij.p.2026.172464.1235
Authors
Baraa Basil Ramadan1; Asmaa Abdulazeez Ali* 2; Luay Rashan3
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nineveh University, Mosul, Iraq
2Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
3Biodiversity Unit, Research Center, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
Abstract
Background: Cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, creates global health challenges due to costly and toxic chemotherapy. To the authors′ knowledge, Boswellia sacra extracts have not  previously been evaluated against secondary hydatid cysts in murine models.  This study aimed to investigate the in vivo efficacy of various Boswellia sacra oleo-gum resin extracts against secondary hydatid cysts in BALB/c mouse models. Methods: BALB/c mice inoculated with Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were allocated into positive, negative, and vehicle controls, alongside treatment groups receiving ethanolic extract, methanolic extract, or crude oleo-gum resin. Efficacy was assessed via total cyst numbers, weight, diameter, and hepatosplenomegaly parameters. Results: Boswellia sacra extracts treatment induced a highly significant reduction (P≤0.0001) in recovered hydatid cysts compared to the positive control. However, ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences (P˃0.05) in overall cyst weights and diameters. A reduction in hepatosplenomegaly was noted, though this systemic alleviation was not consistent across all treated groups. Conclusion: Boswellia sacra extracts  potently suppress secondary hydatid cyst proliferation by significantly decreasing overall cyst counts. While the extracts did not significantly arrest the diameters or weight, and exerted only a partial reduction, in-consistent effect on related organomegaly, the reduced parasite burden underscores their potential as natural adjunctive agents.
Keywords
Cystic Echinococcosis; Boswellia sacra extract; Methanolic extract; Hepatomegaly; BALB/c mice
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