Plant Extracts as Therapeutic Mediators Against the Infections of Entamoeba histolytica : A Review

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis, a disease that continues to pose a global health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Although metronidazole and related nitroimidazole drugs remain the standard treatment, their adverse effects, incomplete cyst eradication, and emerging resistance have driven the search for alternative therapies. Recently, plant-derived compounds have attention for their accessibility, safety, and broad pharmacological activities. This review summarizes current evidence on the anti-amoebic potential of several medicinal plants, including Tamarindus indica, Camellia sinensis, Punica granatum, Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, Ruta graveolens, and others. These plants exhibit diverse mechanisms of actionincluding disruption of parasite membranes, inhibition of protein synthesis, interference with DNA replication, andregulation of oxidative stress. Both studies (in vitro and in vivo) demonstrated that plant extracts not only reduce the viability of E. histolytica trophozoites and cyst viability but also aid tissue repair and enhance antioxidant defense. Collectively, the reviewed evidence supports the promising role of phytochemicals as natural, cost-effective, and complementary therapies for amoebiasis, warranting further experimental and clinical validation.