Evaluation of therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus-castus (Lamiaceae) extract on experimental giardiasis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia , Egypt

2 Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.

3 Parasitology Department,Faculty of Medicine,Menofia University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: The standard treatment in giardiasis is metronidazole (MTZ) that has various side effects, and recorded drug resistance.
Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of chaste berry (V. agnus-castus) extract on experimental giardiasis compared to MTZ.
Material and Methods: Total of 60 pathogens free mice were divided into six equal groups, categorized as a negative control group, drug control group and four G. lamblia-infected groups: positive control, MTZ treated group, V. agnus-castus treated group, and combined MTZ and V. agnus-castus treated group. To assess therapeutic effects, cyst counts in stool, intestinal histopathology, apoptotic changes in the intestinal tissues and local intestinal immunity (secretory IgA) were implemented. Liver and kidney functions were performed to assess extract safety. All procedures were performed at the end of the experiment;15th day post-infection (dpi).
Results: Results of the present study showed that although MTZ induced more reduction in Giardia cysts count, V. agnus-castus achieved better histopathological, immunohistochemical and immunological enhancement of the intestinal mucosa in comparison to MTZ treated group. In addition, V. agnus-castus extract showed no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects. The best results were observed with MTZ and V. agnus-castus combination.
Conclusion: It was concluded that V. agnus-castus was effective in treating giardiasis

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