In vitro survey of satureja hortensis on Acanthamoeba cyst and trophozoites

Abstract

Acanthamoeba is a resistant protozoan responsible for severe diseases such as granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Due to the ineffectiveness of many existing drugs against this parasite, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative treatments. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the extract from the S. hortensis plant against Acanthamoeba. Material and method An Acanthamoeba isolate was obtained from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and cultured on non-nutritive agar plates to prepare trophozoites and cysts. The S. hortensis plant was harvested, and its extract was prepared using a hot extraction method. Various concentrations of the extract were applied to both the trophozoite and cyst forms of Acanthamoeba. Results The results demonstrated a significant effect of both time and concentration on the reduction of Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Specifically, the extract of S. hortensis exhibited notable amoebicidal effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At a concentration of 75 mg/ml, a 50% death rate of trophozoites was observed within 90 minutes. Conversely, this same concentration had a moderate anti-amoebic effect on Acanthamoeba cysts over a 72-hour period. At a higher concentration of 100 mg/ml, over 75% of trophozoites were killed within 120 minutes. As anticipated, cysts displayed greater resistance than trophozoites to the extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed structural damage in groups treated with S. hortensis, further supporting its anti-amoebic effects.