Antiamoebic and phytochemical studies of two medicinal plants: traditional recipes used against amoebiasis

Background: Amoebiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the parasitic amoeba Entamoeba histolytica, presents varying symptoms from none to severe. Traditional non-herbal treatments often carry adverse effects, prompting interest in herbal remedies. Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of Tamarindus indica (T. indica) and Cynodon dactylon (C. dactylon) extracts against E. histolytica. Using the Soxhlet extraction method, extracts were obtained in different solvents and analyzed for percentage yield, phytoconstituents (PCs), quality control parameters, fluorescence, high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antiprotozoal study was conducted using the TY1-S33 inoculum of E. histolytica. Results: The methanolic extracts of T.indica and C.dactylon had higher yields (22.2% and 8.11%, respectively) compared to the chloroform extracts. Methanolic extracts revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, and proteins. Quality control tests showed loss on drying (8.1% for T. indica and 6.38% for C. dactylon), total ash value (9.8% and 9.89%), and methanol soluble extractive (22.2% and 12.60%). Fluorescence analysis and HPTLC confirmed the presence of PCs. FTIR analysis identified O-H & N-H bonds at 3210.04, 2916.78, and 2830 cm-1 for T. indica, and N-H & C=O peaks at 3402.2 & 2215 cm-1 for C. dactylon. Conclusion: The antiprotozoal study demonstrated significant inhibition of trophozoites by T. indica (98.2%) and C. dactylon (97.7%). Thus, both plant extracts were found to be safe and effective for treating amoebiasis, suggesting improved patient compliance with herbal treatments.