Evaluation of Curcuma longa Extract as a Natural Alternative to Eosin Stain for Hemoparasite Diagnosis

Abstract

Curcuma longa L., a medicinal herb from the Zingiberaceae family, is widely known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties. This study evaluates the efficacy of C. longa extract as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to eosin for staining blood smears, specifically for detecting Babesia gibsoni. Ethanolic extraction was performed using 70% ethanol as a solvent to obtain the dye from C. longa rhizomes. Blood smears were stained with different concentrations of the extract and counterstained using various methods. The highest diagnostic clarity was achieved using 5% C. longa extract for 5 minutes, followed by Field Stain A for 10 minutes. This combination produced well-differentiated red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and Babesia gibsoni, demonstrating its potential as a reliable diagnostic staining protocol. Compared to conventional eosin, curcumin offers distinct advantages due to its natural origin, non-toxicity, and biodegradability, supporting its suitability for routine and resource-limited diagnostic applications.