Journal of Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences

Background: Giardia lamblia, giardiasis causative protozoa, is one of the most common etiologic agents of diarrhea throughout the world especially in Iran. Chenopodium botrys L.  Is one of the medicinal plants that used as anti-parasite agent in the traditional medicine. The aim of this study is in-vitro evaluation of the giardicidal effects of Chenopodium botrys aqueous and alcoholic extracts on Giardia lamblia cysts.

Materials and Methods: 500 µl of each 1.25, 2.5,5,10 and 20 mg/ml concentrations of Chenopodium botrys L. aqueous and alcoholic extracts added to 500 µl of purified Giardia cysts. The mixtures prepared in 3 series and were kept at different temperatures of 4, 24 and 37 degree Centigrade. The giardicidal effect of extracts measured 1,2,3,4 and 5 hours after exposure by 0.1% eosin dye staining and microscopic enumeration method. Data were analyzed by one way variance, Spearman correlation coefficient and Independent T-tests.

Results: The highest giardicidal effect of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Chenopodium botrys L. at 37°C, in 20 mg/ml and 5 hour after experiment were 100% and 66.1% respectively. There was a significant difference between giardicidal effect of ethanol and water extracts of this plant in all concentrations, times and temperatures. (P<0.005). Giardicidal effect of both extracts of Chenopodium botrys L. significantly increased by rising the concentration, time and temperature (P<0.0001).