Comparison anti-giardia activity of Satureja hortensis alcoholic extract and metronidazole in vitro

Abstract

<strong>Background and aims:</strong> Giardiasis is known as intestinal infection and created by the flagellate protozoan <em>Giardia lamblia</em>. Some studies showed that phenolic components, present in plant extracts and essential oils, have anti-Giardia activity. The current study was performed to compare anti-Giardia activity of <em>Satureja hortensis </em>(SH) alcoholic extract and metronidazole <em>in vitro</em>.<br /><br /><strong>Methods:</strong> In this Laboratory-experimental study, it was separated cysts from the feces by Bingham procedure with minor modification. The numbers of cysts were calculated with Hemusytumetr and the purified cysts of <em>Giardia lamblia</em> (500 µl) were exposed with <br />500 µl of extract at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 mg/ml and 125 mg/kg of metronidazole for 30, 60 and 120 min. The numbers of dead and live cysts was enumerated with a microscope.<br /><br /><strong>Results:</strong> Findings in the currnt studyshowed an increase in anti-Giardia activity of extract at high concentrations with increasing time. SH, at 100 mg/ml killed 53% in 30 min, 68% in 60 min and 78% in 120 min. Also, the extract killed by 62% in 30 min, about 88% in <br />60 minutes and 92% in 120 minutes. The drug had similar effects in 60 and 120 minutes, but it killed 83% in 30 minutes.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> SH alcoholic extract showed anti-Giardia activity at high rates and more time. Thus, SH extract at 200 mg may be suitable alternative for Metronidazole, without side effects. However, anti-Giardia activity of SH needs to more attentions, especially clinical investigations.