Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 13 4 2018 12 22 643 647 EN Hatem SHALABY Dept. of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt Amira EL NAMAKY Dept. of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt Omnia KANDIL Dept. of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt Noha HASSAN Dept. of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt 2017 05 20 2017 12 18 Background: The effectiveness of anthelmintics may diminish within approximately 10 yr of use relying on several factors such as anthelmintic resistance. This study aimed to assess in vitro effect of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits extract on the cuticle of adult worm of Toxocara canis as naturally alternative therapy. Methods: B. aegyptiaca fruits were procured from the local markets in Aswan, Upper Egypt and authenticated at the Herbarium of National Research Centre. The effect of methanolic extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits on adult T. canis after 24 and 48 h incubating the parasites in Ringer solution containing 240 μg/ml Balanites extract was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Results: The main changes induced by treatment with the tested extract were wrinkled cuticular surface and deformed sensory papillae. This cuticular distortion would undoubtedly disrupt its protective function and might be enough to expel Toxocara worms from dog’s intestine. Conclusion: The use of this plant offers a chance for new nematocidal agent, which is economical alternative for the more expensive anthelmintics. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/1602 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/1602/891