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

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. 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. 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. 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. Not applicable.