Protoscolicidal effect of oleuropein: an in vitro study

Hydatid disease is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is still endemic in many parts of the world. Scolicidal solutions are generally used in any type of intervention, either surgical or percutaneous, to neutralize the cyst contents, although completeness of their effect is obscure and solid evidence is scarce. On the other hand, the use of these scolicidal solutions is not devoid of complications and many serious complications such as caustic sclerosing cholangitis may be seen in relation with their usage. Recent investigations proved protoscolicidal properties of olive leaf extract although the active ingredient has not been attributed to any component. The aim of this experimental study was to isolate oleuropein and test for in vitro protoscolicidal activity.

Oleuropein, a phenolic compound found in olive leaves, is extracted and prepared in different concentrations. Echinococcal cyst containing livers of sheep are obtained from the government slaughterhouse. Cysts were punctured and live protoscolex suspensions were prepared under aseptic conditions. Different concentrations of oleuropein solutions were prepared and protoscolicidal property is analyzed and compared with positive and negative controls for different exposure times.

Oleuropein 2% concentration was found to be protoscolicidal in all exposure times starting from 5 minutes.

2% oleuropein is a powerful, natural protoscolicidal agent which should be evaluated clinically before its application in routine treatment practice.