Immunohistochemical and molecular insights into the anticoccidial, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic activities of <i>Coriandrum sativum</i> leaves extract

Coccidiosis is a significant enteric disease impacting economically important livestock, caused by a multidrug-resistant parasite. This research was performed to assess the immunohistochemical and molecular insights of Coriandrum sativum leaves extract (CSLE) against Eimeria papillata infection in murine models. CSLE subjected to phytochemical analysis. Thirty male Swiss albino mice were included: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Supplemented group receiving CSLE at 300 mg/kg B.W. (CSLE); Group 3: Infected with 1000 sporulated E. papillata oocysts; Group 4: Infected-treated with CSLE at 300 mg/kg B.W. (Infected + CSLE). Group 5: Infected-treated with amprolium at 120 mg/kg B.W. (Infected+Amp). Following 60 min of infection, groups 4 and 5 received daily treatment for five successive days with CSLE and Amp, respectively. Measurements of oocyst suppression and jejunal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were conducted. Concentrations of Caspase-3 (Casp3) as well as jejunal nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and Casp-3 cells were measured immunohistochemically. Gene expression of apoptotic genes was assessed. The CSLE exhibited a substantial concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids, in addition to notable antioxidant activity (48.04 ± 2.98% DPPH scavenging). CSLE treatment exhibited significant oocyst suppression and minimized parasitic stages in the jejunum. CSLE reinstated jejunal GPx activity and mitigated the infection-induced elevation in Casp3 protein levels and its gene expression. Furthermore, CSLE modified apoptotic gene expressions, significantly downregulating BCL-2-associated protein x (BAX) and upregulating B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) following CSLE therapy. These data collectively underscore the significant anticoccidial, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic capabilities of CSLE, indicating its potential as a natural therapeutic treatment for E. papillata infection.