Antiparasitic efficacy of worm wood (Artemisia absinthium) alcoholic extract on syphacia obvolata

BACKGROUNDS: Occurrence of resistance against antiparasitic drugs has made it essential for researchers to find new sources for antiparasitic drugs. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to determine the efficiency of alcoholic extract of worm wood (Artemisia absinthium) on Syphasia parasite. METHODS: Artemisia absinthium extract was examined on 3 groups of mice at 2.5%, 5% and 10% concentrations. A group of positive control received pyrantel pamoate, while negative control group was treated by a solution containing no extract. Mice were treated orally 28 days after infection by Syphacia eggs. The efficacy of treatment was determined by Syphacia eggs in the feces. RESULTS: In groups that received either 5% or 10% concentrations of A. absinthium extract or pyrantel pamoate, microscopic examinations of the feces demonstrated no Syphacia eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained from the present study showed that the alcoholic extract of Artemisia absinthium may lead to a decline in the number of Syphacia eggs in the feces with minimal side effects. The extract of this plant can probably be used as a suitable alternative in the treatment of some parasitic diseases.