In vitro and in vivo effects of Quillaja saponaria on Blastocystis hominis isolates

ABSTRACT

Blastocystis hominis is a protozoan parasite that inhabits the human intestinal tract. Various epidemiological surveys have recorded 50-60% prevalence in developing countries. Until now, the most commonly recommended drug is metronidazole [MTZ] which can cause undesirable side effects and failures in treatment. To investigate the in vitro and in viva effects of Quillaja saponaria [QS] against clonal cultures of B. hominis and to demonstrate its implemented ultrastructural changes. Two fresh stool isolates of B. hominis were processed for in vitro cultivation using Jones media. In comparison to MTZ, different concentrations of QS were added to assess its lethal dose; QS [500 micro g] was used to assess programmed cell death for both isolates, using transmission electron microscopy [TEM]. Experimental infection of rats was performed to assess QS induced intestinal histopathological changes as compared to treatment with MTZ. With isolate I. QS [1000 micro g/ml] produced a high significant reduction [P cell count [LCC] and hiving cell rate [LCR] on day 1 compared to the control. In isolate II, QS produced mild significant reduction on day I with all concentrations, mild significant reduction [P rats receiving 500 micro g/ml QS was observed in comparison with those receiving MTZ. TEM showed B. hominis programmed cell death with apoptotic-hike features. QS is a promising new herbal therapeutic agent against B. hominis infection