Potential activity of Ferula macrecolea essential oil for treating Giardia lamblia infection through modulating electrolytes and suppressing NF-κB p65 pathway

Background The pharmacological treatment of Giardia lamblia infection involves the use of chemical agents, such as metronidazole (MNZ). However, these medications are associated with a range of adverse effects, and their effectiveness is not definitively established. In light of the previously discussed information and the recognized antimicrobial properties of Ferula macrecolea , this study aims to investigate both the in vitro and in vivo anti-giardial effects of F. macrecolea essential oil (FME) on G. lamblia infection. Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to analyze the chemical composition of the prepared FME. The MTT colorimetric assay was employed to assess FME’s in vitro anti-giardial and cytotoxic activities. FME’s in vivo effects were evaluated compared to MNZ in mice infected with G. lamblia . Additionally, the effects of FME therapy on serum electrolyte levels and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Results The primary components of FME were identified as terpinolene (78.72%), n-nonanal (4.47%), and linalool (4.35%). FME significantly reduced the viability and growth rate of G. lamblia trophozoites (IC 50 = 21.6 μg/mL) and cysts (IC 50 = 27.6 μg/mL) in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The CC 50 value for FME against normal intestinal cells was determined to be 207.4 μg/mL. In vivo , assays demonstrated that the administration of various doses of FME, particularly in combination with MNZ over 7 days, resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the mean number and viability of Giardia cysts, serum level electrolytes (sodium and potassium), and the expression levels of interleukin-1 ( IL-1 ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-α ), nuclear factor κB p65 ( NF-κB p65 ), and Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR-4 ) in mice with giardiasis (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study’s results demonstrate the extract’s efficacy in vitro against G. lamblia , exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity towards normal cells. Furthermore, the extract was shown to manage giardiasis in murine models by modulating electrolyte levels and inflammatory responses via suppressing the NF-κB p65/TLR pathways. However, further research is necessary to clarify the specific efficacy and mechanisms of action of the extract in combating G. lamblia infection.