Ali Kharazmkia
1 
, Javad Ghasemian Yadegari
1 , Mohammad Mohammadian
2 , Rehman Ali
3 , Hossein Mahmoudvand
4* 1 Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technically Kohat-26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
4 Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The present work aimed to assess the anti-parasitic effects of limonene (LMN) against Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts. Methods: Anti-Giardia activities of LMN (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) were assessed against G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites for 15-360 minutes. The effects of LMN on the apoptosis stimulation G. lamblia parasites were determined by colorimetric protease assay. Results: Giardia trophozoites were more sensitive to LMN than cysts. The best effect of LMN was seen at 100 μg/mL. LMN markedly triggered caspase-3 activity by 10.2%, 25.3%, and 36.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found the potent in vitro anti-giardia activity of LMN against G. lamblia parasites with the maximum activity at 50 and 100 μg/mL. However, additional surveys are necessary to reveal the specific efficacy, mechanisms, and safety of LMN.
Keywords: Giardiasis, Apoptosis, Natural products, In vitro, Herbal medicines
Please cite this paper as:
Kharazmkia A, Ghasemian Yadegari J, Mohammadian M, Ali R, Mahoudvand H. Antiparasitic effect of limonene, a monoterpene compound found in the essential oils against Giardia lamblia. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2023;12(2):327-330. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2023.34.