Elettaria cardamomum essential oil; immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects for controlling acute Toxoplasma gondii infection

The present study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil (ECEO) for the control of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection. The effect of ECEO on T. gondii tachyzoites was measured by the tetrazolium bromide method. Mice received ECEO orally at doses of 1-4 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Once acute toxoplasmosis was induced in mice, their mortality rate and parasite load were recorded. The level of liver antioxidant/oxidant enzymes and the level of mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta and interferongamma were also investigated. ECEO particularly at a concentration of 150 µg/ml has promising in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects (p<0.001). After treatment with ECEO, the mortality rate (9th day) and parasite load decreased (p<0.001) in the infected mice. ECEO markedly (p < 0.05) restored hepatic oxidant and antioxidant enzyme levels, as well as increased cytokines. These results report a significant inhibitory effect of ECEO mainly at a dose of 4 mg/mL, against the T. gondii Rh strain through strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress; however, further research is needed to verify these results.