Effects of Zataria, Mentha Pulegium, Oregano spp Essential Oil and Hydroalcholic Extract of Hypericum perforatum on Cyst of Acanthamoeba spp In Vitro

Background: Resistance of Acanthamoeba cysts causes recurrence of the disease; so, the patient should be monitored regularly، The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a few herbal materials on Acanthamoeba cysts in vitro. Materials and Methods: Essential oils (EOs) of Zataria, Mint, and Oregano were prepared by steam distillation. The EOs and Hypericum perforatum extract were prepared in three concentrations (0.6%, 1% and 10%)، Acanthamoeba cysts in various time intervals (30, 60, 120, 180 and 1440 minutes) were exposed with plant extracts. Then, the viability of parasite was investigated by eosin 0.1%. Results: Comparison of the parasite mortality rate between control and case groups showed that the mortality of Acanthamoeba cysts was higher in the case groups that exposed to herbal materials. At the equal concentration (10%) and time (24 h), the Zataria and mint EOs produced the highest (22%) and lowest (4%) mortality, respectively. The results showed the mortality rate of Acanthamoeba was timedependent. Conclusion: Zataria showed the most fatality effect against Acanthamoeba cysts. In this respect, clinical trial studies are suggested.