Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers
Published on: January 9, 2026
Efficacy of mangiferin against Cryptosporidium parvum in a neonatal mouse model
S Perrucci1, G Fichi, C Buggiani
1Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi ed Igiene degli Alimenti, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge no. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy. perrucci@vet.unipi.it
Abstract:
The inhibitory activity of mangiferin (50 mg/kg/die and 100 mg/kg/die) on Cryptosporidium parvum was evaluated in a neonatal mouse model and its activity was compared with that of paromomycin (100 mg/kg/die). At 4 days of age, neonatal Swiss conventional outbred mice were experimentally infected by oral administration of 10(4) oocysts/animal of C. parvum and treated orally for 10 consecutive days, starting 7 days after the experimental infection. One group of mice was left untreated. To evaluate the efficacy of mangiferin, from euthanised mice, 3-mum-thick tissue sections of the intestine were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff. Immunohistochemistry was also used by employing a monoclonal anti-C. parvum antibody. Oocysts were counted and results were expressed as mean oocysts number/intestine. Results obtained show that mangiferin at 100 mg/kg/die has a significant anticryptosporidial activity and that its activity is similar to that showed by the same dose (100 mg/kg/die) of paromomycin. However, both mangiferin and paromomycin were not able to completely inhibit intestinal colonization of C. parvum but only to reduce it. This reduction was calculated at over 80% for both mangiferin and paromomycin with respect to the untreated control. A significant activity was found also for mangiferin at 50 mg/kg/die only after the end of treatment.
Insights
Mangiferin demonstrates significant anticryptosporidial activity against Cryptosporidium parvum in mice, comparable to paromomycin. While not a complete cure, mangiferin effectively reduces intestinal parasite load by over 80%.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant cause of diarrheal disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and neonates.
- Current treatments for cryptosporidiosis have limitations, necessitating the search for novel therapeutic agents.
- Mangiferin, a natural compound, has shown potential biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticryptosporidial activity of mangiferin in a neonatal mouse model.
- To compare the efficacy of mangiferin with paromomycin, a standard treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
- To determine the dose-dependent effect of mangiferin on Cryptosporidium parvum infection.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal Swiss mice were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and treated with mangiferin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) or paromomycin (100 mg/kg/day).
- Intestinal tissue sections were analyzed using haematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff staining, as well as immunohistochemistry with anti-C. parvum antibodies.
- Oocyst counts in the intestine were performed to quantify parasite load.
Main Results:
- Mangiferin at 100 mg/kg/day exhibited significant anticryptosporidial activity, comparable to paromomycin at the same dose.
- Both mangiferin and paromomycin reduced intestinal Cryptosporidium parvum colonization by over 80% compared to untreated controls.
- Mangiferin at 50 mg/kg/day showed significant activity only after the treatment period concluded.
Conclusions:
- Mangiferin is a promising natural compound with significant therapeutic potential against Cryptosporidium parvum infections.
- Mangiferin offers a viable alternative or adjunct therapy for cryptosporidiosis, with efficacy comparable to existing treatments.
- Further research into the mechanism of action and optimal dosing of mangiferin is warranted for clinical application.
