Background This study aimed to investigate the antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory potential of pumpkin seed oil
in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis by demonstrating its impact on MMP-9 expression and pathogenesis during
the intestinal and muscular phases.
Results In this study, 100 mice were divided into five groups: an infected group, a pumpkin seed oil-treated
group (1.5 mg/kg BW, administered three times per week), an albendazole-treated group, a native control group,
and a pumpkin oil control group. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the pumpkin seed oil revealed
a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds. The pumpkin seed oil treatment led to a significant reduction
in the parasite burden, with a 75% decrease in adult worms and a 66% decrease in encysted larvae. Additionally,
the infected animals treated with pumpkin oil exhibited a marked reduction in intestinal inflammation, characterized
by a progressive increase in goblet cells. The number of encysted larvae in the diaphragm and muscle tissues
was also significantly decreased. Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 levels
in both intestinal and muscular tissues, highlighting its potential to attenuate inflammation.
Conclusion These findings underscore the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic
agent.