Anti-echinococcal activity of cannabidiol against Echinococcus granulosus: in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a global parasitic zoonosis caused by infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. CE affects more than 1 million people worldwide, causing important economic costs in terms of management and livestock associated losses. Albendazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of human CE. However, its low aqueous solubility, poor absorption, and consequently erratic bioavailability are the cause of its chemotherapeutic failures. Based on the problematic described, new treatment alternatives are urgently needed. In the present study, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD), the second most abundant component of the Cannabis sativa plant, was demonstrated against E. granulosus sensu stricto. CBD (50 µg/mL) caused a decrease in protoscoleces viability of 80 % after 24 h of treatment which was consistent with the observed tegumental alterations. Collapse of the germinal layer was observed in 40 % of cysts treated with 50 µg/mL of CBD during 24 h. In the clinical efficacy study, treatment with CBD (20 mg/kg) or CBD (20 mg/kg) + ABZ suspension (25 mg/kg) reduced the weight of cysts recovered from mice compared with control group. The co-administration of CBD with ABZ suspension enhance the in vivo efficacy of drugs alone. Moreover, the ultrastructural alterations observed in cysts recovered from mice treated with the combination were greater than that provoked with the monotherapy. Further in vivo studies will be performed by adjusting the dosage and the frequency of treatments.