Abstract
Abstract— Cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, poses significant health and economic challenges globally due to limited treatment options, including recurrence, drug resistance, and toxicity. This study evaluates the in vitro scolicidal potential of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) essential oil against E. granulosus protoscoleces compared to albendazole and a DMSO control. Hydatid cysts were collected from infected sheep livers in Karbala, Iraq, and protoscoleces were exposed to four concentrations (1,250, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 ppm) of each treatment. Viability was assessed using eosin staining over 1–116 hours. Bergamot oil at 10,000 ppm achieved 100% protoscolex mortality within 1 hour, compared to 36 hours for albendazole at the same concentration. Lower concentrations showed comparable efficacy by 48 hours. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p<0.05). Bergamot oil’s rapid action positions it as a promising natural alternative for cystic echinococcosis treatment, though in vivo studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety..