# Antiparasitic Activity of Hedera helix Extract-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles in Experimentally Induced Giardiasis

## TL;DR

This study shows that ivy extract in nanoparticle form can effectively treat giardiasis in rats while protecting the liver and kidneys.

## Contribution

The study introduces Hedera helix extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a novel, effective, and safer alternative to metronidazole for treating giardiasis.

## Key findings

- Hedera helix extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles reduced Giardia cysts by 88.8% in rats.
- The treatment improved intestinal tissue structure and reduced inflammation.
- Hedera helix extract protected the liver and kidneys better than metronidazole.

## Abstract

Giardiasis is a reemerging protozoal zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals and continues to be a public health concern worldwide. Treatment typically relies on metronidazole; however, this drug can cause side effects and treatment failures in some cases. In this study, we tested ivy (Hedera helix) leaf extract and Hedera helix extract loaded into chitosan nanoparticles as alternative treatments for Giardia spp. Both treatments significantly reduced the number of parasites and improved the structure of intestinal tissues. Additionally, they decreased inflammatory cell activity, as indicated by reduced expression of CD117. Importantly, unlike metronidazole, both Hedera helix extract and Hedera helix extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles offered protection to the liver and kidneys from damage. Our findings suggest that Hedera helix leaf extract, particularly in nanoparticle form, is a potential alternative therapy for giardiasis.

Giardiasis, caused by Giardia duodenalis, is a common gastrointestinal infection. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Hedera helix leaf extract (HLE) and HLE-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (HLE-CsNPs) against Giardia duodenalis isolates from individuals with gastrointestinal issues, using an experimental rat model. Stool samples from 147 participants were analyzed for Giardia duodenalis, with positive samples further characterized by nested PCR-RFLP, revealing a 4.8% prevalence, all belonging to assemblage B. Ten groups of male albino rats were used to evaluate the antigiardial activity of various treatments. This included five non-infected groups [one untreated and four treated with HLE, HLE-CsNPs, CsNPs, and metronidazole (MTZ)] and five infected groups [one untreated and four similarly treated]. Treatment efficacy was assessed using parasite counts, intestinal histopathology, CD117 immunohistochemistry, and markers of liver and kidney function. HLE-CsNPs markedly reduced Giardia cysts by 88.8%, approaching the 99.2% reduction achieved by MTZ, while also improving intestinal architecture and reducing inflammation. Importantly, HLE and HLE-CsNPs provided superior protection for the liver and kidneys compared to MTZ. In conclusion, HLE-CsNPs exhibited significant antigiardial activity and organ protection in rats, suggesting a potential alternative treatment for Giardia duodenalis isolated from individuals with gastrointestinal issues.