Evaluation of Therapeutic Effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus (Lamiaceae) extract on Experimental Giardiasis

Background: Giardiasis is one of the most prevalent protozoan infections worldwide in human, particularly among children. The standard treatment is metronidazole (MTZ) which has various side effects and drug resistance also recorded. Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus-castus (V. agnus castus) extract on experimental giardiasis compared to metronidazole. Material and Methods: A total of 60 pathogens free mice were divided into six equal groups, categorized as a negative control group, drug control group and four Giardia (G.) lamblia-infected groups: positive control, MTZ treated group, V. agnus castus treated group, and combined MTZ & 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 done at the end of the experiment;15th day post-infection (dpi). Results: Results of the presentstudy 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. The best results were observed with MTZ & V. agnus castus combination. Conclusion: V. agnus castus was effective in eliminating Giardia while preserving intestinal cells from histopathological and apoptotic changes. Additionally, it plays a vital role in enhancing local intestinal immunity. These effects can be related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, V. agnus castus has no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects.