Antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of Portulaca oleracea against Cryptosporidium parvum in experimentally infected immunosuppressed mice

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Abo Elqasem A.A.; El-Menyawy H.M.; Ahmed Amer D.A.-F.; El-Wakil E.S.

Journal: Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

Publication Date: 24 June 2026

Volume / Issue: Volume 15 / Issue 1

Article No.: 67

ISSN: 23148535

DOI: 10.1186/s43088-026-00795-2

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Abo Elqasem A.A., Immunology, Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girl’s Branch), Cairo, Egypt; El-Menyawy H.M., Parasitology, Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girl’s Branch), Cairo, Egypt; Ahmed Amer D.A.-F., Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; El-Wakil E.S., Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile St., Giza, 12411, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium infection poses a significant threat to immunocompromised hosts, and effective treatment options are limited. Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as Purslane, has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its potential therapeutic properties. This study investigated the anti-Cryptosporidium activities and anti-inflammatory properties of Portulaca in immunosuppressed mice. Methods: Forty female mice were rendered immunosuppressed by oral administration of dexamethasone for 14 consecutive days. Following immunosuppression, the animals were randomly divided into 5 groups (8 mice per group): Group 1 (Is) was immunosuppressed and non-infected. Group 2 (IsI): immunosuppressed infected with Cryptosporidium. Group 3 (IsN): immunosuppressed infected nitazoxanide-treated. Group 4 (IsP): immunosuppressed infected and treated with Portulaca methanolic extraction. Group 5 (IsNP): immunosuppressed infected and received a combination of the methanolic extract of Portulaca and nitazoxanide. Oocyst count, IFN-γ and IL-17 levels, and histological and immunohistochemical (tumor necrosis factor-α) examination of intestinal tissue were conducted. Results: Our results suggested that Portulaca extract significantly reduced Cryptosporidium infection in immunosuppressed mice, as evidenced by a 65% decrease in oocyst count. Moreover, treatment with Portulaca attenuated inflammation, as indicated by reduced cytokine levels: IFN-γ and IL-17 decreased to 94.8 ± 27.23 and 134.83 ± 29.4, respectively, in the IsP group compared with the IsI group (194.5 ± 37.73 and 353.23 ± 64.4). A significant reduction in IFN-γ and IL-17 was observed in the IsPN group, with levels of 47.77 ± 10.6 and 87.73 ± 39.16, respectively. Histological examination improved intestinal architecture, with reduced tissue damage and inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, quantitative immunohistochemical analysis revealed a marked decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α expression from 37.93% in the IsI group to 1.075% and 2.727% in IsP and IsNP groups, respectively. Conclusions: Portulaca oleracea demonstrated significant anti-Cryptosporidium activity through immunomodulatory effects, reflected by reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 levels, offering novel insights into its therapeutic potential as an immunomodulatory agent in cryptosporidiosis. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. © The Author(s) 2026.

Keywords

Cryptosporidium parvum; IFN-γ; IL-17; Immunosuppression; Oocyst; Portulaca oleracea

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0

For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

Transcriptome analysis for Schistosoma vector snail’s Oncomelania hupensis exposed to silver nanoparticles

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Zayed K.M.; Zhou X.-N. Journal: Journal of Parasitic Diseases Publisher: Springer Publication Date: 3 September 2026 ISSN: 9717196 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-026-01986-5 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Authors and Affiliations Zayed K.M., Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, China, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China; Zhou X.-N., National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, China, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Res...
Read more

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: El Ray A.; El Ghannam M.; Rautou P.E. Journal: Arab Journal of Gastroenterology Publisher: Elsevier Ltd Publication Date: August 2026 ISSN: 16871979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2026.05.002 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42362465 Document Type: Letter Authors and Affiliations El Ray A., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Giza, Egypt, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Egypt; El Ghannam M., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Giza, Egypt; Rautou P.E., Université Paris-Cité, Inserm, Centre de recherche sur l’inflammation, UMR 1149, Paris, France, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d’Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Clichy, France Abstract Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)–based liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is widely used for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and p...
Read more

Multifunctional polycaprolactone-based composite fibers with icariin and glutathione for effective repair of critical-sized bone defects

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Yessuf A.M.; Zhang Y.; Sharma B.P.; Wang Y.; Kassa T.S.; Qadir A.; Jinqiu Y.; Mohideen M.M.; Salama A.M.; Wang W.; Zhang Q.; Liu Y. Journal: BMEMat Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc Publication Date: 30 July 2026 ISSN: 27517438 DOI: 10.1002/bmm2.70115 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access Authors and Affiliations Yessuf A.M., Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; Zhang Y., Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Henan, Zhengzhou, China; Sharma B.P., Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Process and Technology of Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; Wang Y., Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Kassa T.S., Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, Col...
Read more

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Mansour E.M.; Shemis M.; Fahmy S.R.; Amer M.A.; Mohamed A.S. Journal: Current Nanomedicine Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Publication Date: September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 5 Pages: 771–786 ISSN: 24681873 DOI: 10.2174/0124681873401484250924125945 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Authors and Affiliations Mansour E.M., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Shemis M., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Fahmy S.R., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Amer M.A., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Mohamed A.S., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt Abstract Introduction: Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by jaundice and cholestasis with various conseq...
Read more

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Dokmak H.-A.A.; AlSedawy M.; Ramadan M.A.; Amin B.H.; Faid A.H.; Abdelmaksoud H.F.; El-Sayed S.M. Journal: Scientific Reports Publisher: Nature Research Publication Date: 7 September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 1 Article No.: 27918 ISSN: 20452322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-65860-3 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42706305 Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Dokmak H.-A.A., Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; AlSedawy M., Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (For Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Ramadan M.A., Department of Laser Application in Metrology, Photochemistry and Agriculture, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science (NILES) Cairo University (CU), Giza, Egypt; Amin B.H., The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11787,...
Read more

Microbial levan potentiates hepatic retention and antitumor activity of a PEGylated benzimidazole–curcumin nanocomplex through TLR2–FXR/FGF15-associated immunometabolic remodeling in experimental liver cancer

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Shawky H.; Ibrahim N.E.; Amer M.N.; Al-Ashmawy A.A.K.; Hammam O.A.; Fayed D.B.; Maghraby A.S. Journal: Scientific Reports Publisher: Nature Research Publication Date: 12 August 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 1 Article No.: 25094 ISSN: 20452322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-64576-8 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42581056 Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Shawky H., Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Ibrahim N.E., Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Amer M.N., Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt; Al-Ashmawy A.A.K., Therapeutic Chem...
Read more

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Yehya M.; Abdallah M.F.H.; Ajeka S.; Al-Masalmeh F.H.; Albaghdadi M.O.J. Journal: Journal of Surgical Case Reports Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 29 July 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 2026 / Issue 7 Article No.: rjag658 ISSN: 20428812 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag658 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Yehya M., Department of Thoracic Surgery, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Abdallah M.F.H., Department of Radiology, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Mahad Al Abhas Al bahari St, Kornish Al Nile, Warraq Al Arab, Al Warak, Governorate, Giza, 3863341, Egypt; Ajeka S., Department of General Surgery, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Al-Masalmeh F.H., Department of ...
Read more