Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Matcha Green Tea, the Essential Oils of Thyme and Cinnamon on Chronic Toxoplasmosis: An In Vivo Study

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent parasitic in-fection that leads to significant clinical complications, notably toxoplasmic encephalitis in immuno-compromised individu-als. Due to the limitations of current anti-toxoplasmic drugs such as limited effectiveness, resistance development, and po-tential toxicity, it is essential to identify and investigate new treatment options. Aim of Study: The primary objective of this research was to assess the therapeutic potential of matcha green tea, thyme essential oil, and cinnamon essential oil, both individually and in combination with spiramycin, against chronic toxoplasmo-sis in mice. The study also aimed to examine their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Material and Methods: Eighty-one mice infected with the ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii were divided into nine groups and treated with various agents for 14 days starting the second week post-infection. Parasitological, biochemical, his-topathological, and immunohistochemical analyses were con-ducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in brain cyst count and viability in all treated groups, with the most substantial reduction observed in the thyme essential oil-treat-ed groups, particularly in combined formulas G5 & G8 (68% & 84% reduction in brain cyst count and 64% & 84% reduction in viability, respectively) compared to the spiramycin-treated group (G3) and the untreated infected group (G2). Additional-ly, the thyme-treated groups exhibited significant reductions in oxidative (MDA) and inflammatory (IFNγ, iNos, and NSE) parameters, along with increased levels of antioxidants (SOD). Furthermore, these groups’ histopathological analysis of the liver and brain showed notable improvement. When combined with spiramycin, matcha green tea and cinnamon essential oil demonstrated synergistic effects.