In Vitro Antitrichomonal Activity of Some Species of Allium

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis infectious disease is an important worldwide health problem. Although, several drugs especially metronidazole and tinidazole have been used in the treatment, their-resistant strains have been developed and unpleasant adverse effects exist. Garlic and other Allium species are old medicinal plants, which were used for infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders and hair and skin cosmetic diseases. Objectives: We aimed to compare the anti-trichomoniasis activities of three species of Allium. Methods: The Trichomonas vaginalis strain was isolated from vaginal discharge of women with vaginitis symptoms and cultured in a modified TYM medium. After confirmation of herbarium of the plants, their extracts were prepared. For testing, 24 sterile plates were used. In all 24 homes, 200 mu L of TYM were poured out. The tube containing the parasite, counting the number of angels with the aid of Neubauer slide and set to 500,000 per mL, was added to the amount of 100 mu L to all wells. In order to investigate the antitrichomoniasis of the plant, concentrations of 37.5, 75, 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 mu g/mL of extract have been tested. For positive control, 50 mL of metronidazole, 50 mu g/mL, was added to culture medium. In addition to, no herbal extract and metronidazole was added to the well of negative control. Results: The leaf extract of bell circus with a concentration of 2000 mu g/mL after 48 hours and boiled cabbage bulb onion at a concentration of 24 mu g/mL and leaf extract of turmericum at a concentration of 1500 mu g/mL in 48 hours and boiled horseradish onions at 48 mu g/mL concentration in 24 hours could achieve 100% GI and significantly inhibit parasite growth. Leaf extract, boiled onions and essential oils inhibited the growth of Trichomonas parasites, were not as high as 100%. Conclusions: According to the results obtained in our study, these Allium plants have inhibitory activity on growth of Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.