Background: Giardia lamblia is one of the most common protozoal infections in
human especially children. Metronidazol (MTZ) is the drug of choice for treatment
of giardiasis; its chemical composition possesses major threats and is becoming less
sensitive. This study aimed to search for natural extracts alternative to MTZ.
Methods: In-vivo effects of dichloromethane extracts of ginger and cinnamon in
doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day separately were studied on 30 experimentally infected
albino rats divided into 6 groups (5 rats each). Plant extracts were started on
the 6th day post infection for 7 successive days. The study was evaluated by fecal
cyst and intestinal trophozoite counts, histopathology, scanning and transmission
electron microscopic examinations of the small intestinal mucosa.
Results: Ginger and cinnamon caused reduction of fecal cyst and trophozoites
counts. Histopathology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM) after exposure to each extract revealed evident improvement
of intestinal mucosal damage produced by G. lamblia infection and direct
structural injury to the trophozoites. However, these results were more obvious
after exposure to cinnamon extracts.
Conclusion: We confirmed the potential therapeutic effects of ginger and cinnamon
extracts on G. lamblia infection in albino rats as a promising alternative therapy
to the commonly used antigiardial drugs.