Anthelmintic Effect of Cannabidiol against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis is a global parasitic zoonosis caused by infection with the larvalstage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Cystic echinococcosis affects more than 1 million peopleworldwide, causing important economic costs in terms of management and livestock associatedlosses. Albendazole is the main drug used in treating human cystic echinococcosis. In spite ofthis, its low aqueous solubility, poor absorption, and consequently erratic bioavailability are thecause of its chemotherapeutic failures. Based on the described problem, new treatment alternativesurgently need to be developed. The aim of the present research was to study the in vitro and in vivoefficacy of cannabidiol (CBD), the second most abundant component of the Cannabis sativa plant, wasdemonstrated against E. granulosus sensu stricto. CBD (50 µg/mL) caused a decrease in protoscolecesviability of 80 % after 24 h of treatment which was consistent with the observed tegumental alterations.Detachment of the germinal layer was observed in 50 ± 10% of cysts treated with 50 µg/mL of CBDduring 24 h. In the clinical efficacy study, all treatments reduced the weight of cysts recoveredfrom mice compared with the control group. However, this reduction was only significant withABZ suspension and the CBD + ABZ combination. As we could observe by the SEM study, the coadministration of CBD with ABZ suspension caused greater ultrastructural alteration of the germinallayer in comparison with that provoked with the monotherapy. Further in vivo research will beconducted by changing the dose and frequency of CBD and CBD + ABZ treatments and new availableCBD delivery systems will also be assayed to improve bioavailability in vivo.