Role of Punica granatum-derived nanosilver in helminth protection

Abstract

Pomegranate is a long-known edible fruit with medicinal properties. Helminth infections are among the most common human illnesses worldwide, due to a lack of suitable sanitary systems and safe drinking water sources. Although these illnesses are seldom deadly, they cause development limitations in children, which damage their school performance and make them susceptible to other illnesses. The present study has been conducted to investigate the anthelmintic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Pomegranate peel extract (PPE-AgNPs). Also, the cytotoxicity of PPE-AgNPs was tested in liver (Huh7), colon (HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB 231) cancer lines. Three doses were used (5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/ml) to study the anthelmintic activity of PPE-AgNPs. Eisenia fetida was used as a model worm. Also, Mebendazole was used as a reference drug. Phytochemical analysis using FT-IR showed the presence of 13 compounds. In all tests, a dose-dependent effectiveness was shown. The most efficient dose, 5mg/ml showed the time to paralysis and death were 8.118 ± 0.26 and 9.338 ± 0.14 min, respectively. In all treated worms, histological examination revealed significant malformation of surface architecture of worms. We conclude that PPE-AgNPs has strong anthelmintic properties and low cytotoxicity, stimulating its use in the biomedical field.