فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background and objectives: This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-giardial effects of formononetin, as well as its potential synergistic effects against Giardia lamblia infection in a murine model. Methods: Cell viability assay was used to evaluate the in vitro anti-giardial and cytotoxic effects of formononetin. Infected mice were treated with formononetin and metronidazole for seven days after which stool samples were analyzed to assess the presence and viability of Giardia cysts. Additionally, serum concentration of the electrolytes were measured using biochemical assay kits. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were quantified using real-time PCR techniques. Results: formononetin caused a significant (p<0.001) reduction in the viability and growth rate of G. lamblia cysts. The IC50 values for formononetin, metronidazole, and their combination against G. lamblia cysts were 37.1, 29.3, and 11.1 µg/mL, respectively. Formononetin, both alone and in combination with metronidazole, produced a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the average count and viability of Giardia cysts, modulated the serum electrolytes, and significantly decreased the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB-p65 genes (p<0.001). Conclusion: formononetin, particularly in combination with metronidazole, demonstrated efficacy in managing giardiasis both in vitro and in vivo by modulating electrolyte levels and inflammatory responses. However, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which this compound exerts its therapeutic effects against giardiasis.