Therapeutic Effects of Matricaria chamomilla Extract in an Immunosuppressed Mouse Model of Cryptosporidiosis.

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidiosis, caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, is an opportunistic protozoan infection that can lead to severe intestinal pathology in immunocompromised hosts. Despite extensive research, current chemotherapeutic options, such as nitazoxanide and paromomycin, remain suboptimal, underscoring the need for safe and effective alternatives. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic activities, has recently attracted attention as a potential phytotherapeutic agent.

Methods: This experimental study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of a hydroalcoholic chamomile extract in immunosuppressed Swiss albino mice infected experimentally with C. parvum. Animals were divided into five groups: normal control, chamomile control, infected untreated, infected treated with paromomycin (100 mg/kg/day) and infected treated with chamomile extract (100 mg/kg/day). Oocyst shedding, intestinal histopathology and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed at Days 0 (7 days post-infection), and 3, 7 and 11 post-treatment.

Results: Chamomile treatment significantly reduced oocyst shedding compared with the untreated infected group (p < 0.05) and improved intestinal tissue architecture by attenuating villous atrophy, epithelial desquamation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Biochemical assays revealed that chamomile markedly increased TAC and GPx activity while reducing MDA levels. Although paromomycin showed a more rapid reduction in oocyst output, chamomile induced a gradual but sustained improvement with pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla was associated with reduced oocyst shedding, improved intestinal histopathology, and enhanced antioxidant status in immunosuppressed mice infected with C. parvum, supporting its potential as an adjunctive phytotherapeutic approach that warrants further mechanistic, pharmacological and long-term investigation.