Amoebicidal and Amoebistatic Effects of Artemisia argyi Methanolic Extracts on Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites and Cysts

Purpose : The present study aimed to investigate the amoebicidal and amoebistatic efects of Artemisia argyi leaf methanolic extract by testing the effects on trophozoites and on cysts. We also determined cytotoxic effect, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, total phenolic, lavonoid and antioxidative contents of A. argyi. Methods: A. argyi was harvested from various geographic sites in Ordu province in Turkey. The fresh leaves were subjected to methanolic extraction. In 100 μl culture, different concentrations of A. argyi methanolic extract (in quantities from 1.2, 2.3, 4.7, 9.4, 18.7, 37.4, 74.8 mg/ml) and the same volume of trophozoite/cyst suspension were mixed for the determination of the amoebicidal activity of the plant extract. Human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with the same concentrations of Artemisia extracts to determine cytotoxic potential. Results: Total phenolic and lavonoid contents of the extract were calculated as 261 mg gallic acid/g dry extract and 29 mg quercetin/g dry extract, respectively. Total antioxidant activity was also calculated as 367 mg ascorbic acid/g dry extract. The growth of trophozoites stopped in A. argyi methanolic extract with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50)/8 h for 37.4 mg/ ml and 74.8 mg/ml extract solution and had stronger amoebicidal activity on the cysts with IC50/72 h. Artemisia showed stronger inhibitory effects on bronchial epithelial cells at the concentrations of 9.4, 18.7, 37.4 and 74.8 mg/ml. Conclusion: The study indicated that A. argyi leaf extract has cytotoxic and anti-amoebic activities.