Marked Antigiardial Activity ofYucca baccataExtracts: A Potential Natural Alternative for Treating Protozoan Infections

Abstract

Human Giardiosis is a public health problem in Mexico, where the national prevalence was estimated to be up to 68%. Misuse of antiprotozoal drugs may result in low effectiveness and undesirable side effects. Research on natural products is a good strategy for discovering more effective antiparasitic compounds. This study evaluated the antigiardial activity of extracts of Yucca baccata, which is native to northwestern Mexico. Forty-two gerbils (females) were weighed and orally inoculated with 5 × 106 Giardia trophozoites. Two gerbils were selected at random to confirm infection. Forty living gerbils were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups (8 per group). Gerbils were randomly assigned to be treated with 24.4 mg/mL, 12.2 mg/mL, and 6.1 mg/mL of extracts, metronidazole (2 mg/mL) or PBS, which were intragastrically administered once per day for 3 days. Nine gerbils died during the study course. On day 10 postinfection, gerbils were euthanized and trophozoites were quantified. Yucca extracts reduced, albeit not significantly, the trophozoite counts in the duodenum segment. Only the high-extract concentration significantly reduced the trophozoite counts in the proximal segment and it was similar to that of metronidazole. Extracts of Y. baccata may represent an effective and natural therapeutic alternative for human giardiosis.

Antigiardial Effect of Kramecyne in Experimental Giardiasis

“…Several studies have been conducted to evaluate antiparasitic properties of plant extracts against Giardia intestinalis ; Ponce-Macotela et al in 2006 [ 22 ] studied the effect of oregano (Lippia berlandieri) ethanolic extracts against Giardia trophozoites at concentrations ranging from 58 to 588 μ g and demonstrated ultra-structural lesion in trophozoites, losing shape, size, and damage to the nucleus. Similar studies have been reported to different natural extracts of plants; Yucca baccata exhibited effective antigiardial activity in the proximal segment similar to metronidazole [ 23 ]. The dichloromethane fraction of peppermint presented antigiardial activity in vitro with an IC(50) of 0.75 μ g/mL causing several alterations on plasma membrane surface of the parasite and inhibited the adhesion of G. intestinalis trophozoites [ 24 ], while another study concluded that water soluble extracts of blueberries can kill G. intestinalis trophozoites and modify the cell morphology [ 25 ].…”

Systematic review on medicinal plants used for the treatment of Giardia infection

“… 2006 ( Moon et al, 2006 1 ) Yucca baccata Asparagaceae Stem Aqueous extract Mexico 24.4, 12.2, and 6.1 mg/mL/day for 3 days In vivo (Mongolian gerbils) Trophozoites Yucca extracts reduced, albeit not significantly, the trophozoite counts in the duodenum segment. Only the high-extract concentration significantly reduced the trophozoite counts in the proximal segment and it was similar to that of metronidazole 2014 ( Quihui-Cota et al, 2014 ) Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae Rhizome dichloromethane extracts Egypt 10 and 20 mg/kg/day In vivo ( Balb/c mice ) Cyst The administration of ginger especially at the dose 20 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the excretion rates of dead cysts and intestinal trophozoite (100%) in the faeces of the treated groups similar to that of the 20 mg/kg/day MTZ treatment. 2016 ( Dyab et al, 2016 ) …”

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Extracts of Yucca Baccata, a Plant of Northwestern Mexico, against Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Yucca schidigera is one of the species extensively investigated on its antimicrobial properties [ 14 ]. In addition, Yucca baccata ( Y. baccata ), endemic to Northwestern Mexico, seems to have a high concentration of saponins [ 15 ]. However, information about its antimicrobial activity or antioxidant capacity remains limited; therefore, the goal of this work was to provide evidence of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Y. baccata .…”