and effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against infection.

The current experimental study is designed to examine the and effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against , a major cause of parasitic diarrhea. The precipitation method was employed for the green synthesis of AgNPs by aqueous extract. In the, , cysts and trophozoites were exposed to AgNPs at 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL for 10-360 min. The effects of AgNPs on trophozoite plasma membrane and their cytotoxic effects on normal and colon cancer cells were evaluated using Sytox green and MTT assay for cell viability. The assay included BALB/c mice, infected by , treated with AgNPs at 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg/day for one week. On the 8th day post-infection, stool examination was conducted to assess the presence of cysts and the reduction rate. The size distribution of AgNPs ranged between 5 and 80 nm, with the maximum particle size observed at 40-60 nm. AgNPs significantly (P<0.001) increased the mortality of trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, AgNPs at concentrations of 200 and 300 μg/mL destroyed Giardia lamblia cysts after 4 and 2 h, respectively. Trophozoites of showed more sensitivity to AgNPs compared to cysts. At concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 μg/mL, AgNPs eliminated all trophozoites after 4, 2, and 1 h of treatment, respectively. AgNPs dose-dependently reduced (P<0.001) the parasite load and viability of cysts. Exposure of trophozoites to AgNPs dose-dependently increased the plasma membrane permeability as indicated by rise in the exposed fluorescence. The CC value AgNPs for colon cancer and normal cell lines was 402.3 μg/mL and 819.6 μg/mL, respectively. The selectivity value greater than 2 (2.04), suggests that these AgNPs are safe for normal cells in comparison with cancer cells. This experimental study showed that AgNPs green synthesized by exhibited significant and anti-Giardia activity, positioning them as potential candidates for infection treatment. Nevertheless, further research on the precise mechanisms of action and comprehensive exploration of all toxicity aspects associated with this type of AgNPs need to be considered.