The Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Ferula Harmonis and Silybum Marianum on Growth of Entamoeba Histolytica (Trophozoites) in Vitro

Abstract

Background: Entamoeba histolytica is a parasite that causes amoebiasis in humans. The common treatment includes different classes of drugs which were described to produce unpleasant side effects. Therefore the pharmacologist used plant that is frequently used in the popular medicine to treat gastrointestinal symptoms. Objective: This study sheds light on the evaluation of the effects of crude extracts from Ferula harmonis and silybum marianum against E. histolytica on the trophozoite growth and morphology in vitro. Material and Methods: Trophozoites of E. histolytica were cultured under xenic conditions in Locke's egg (LE) medium and then the parasite was treated with different concentrations of ethanol extract from Silybum marianum (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 %) and Ferula harmonis (0.25, 0.5, and 1 %) for 24, 48 and 72 h at 37º during this time they measure the Mortality rate for growth of the parasite.Results The both ethanolic extract of plants showed inhibition activity of trophozoites growth at concentration 0.25, 0.5and1 % after 24, 48and 72 h of incubation, but the extract of Silybum marianum showed the best moderate activity on growth of trophozoite at all concentration and times. The morphological assays showed several alterations on plasma membrane surface of the parasite.Conclusion Our results demonstrated anti- amoebic activity of two medical plants, indicating its potential value as therapeutic agent against E. histolytica infections.