Study on prevalence of Trichomomas vaginalis in Samarra city with observation of alcoholic extract effect of Peganum harmala plant in vitro

Abstract

Background: Although metronidazole (MTZ) is widely used to treat trichomoniasis, theprevalence of metronidazole-resistance and its unpleasant adverse effects are wellrecognized. This drew the attention to the investigation of other lines of treatment, as that ofherbal medicine. Peganum harmala plant proved to have important medicinal role. Somestudies proved the antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antihelmintic properties of P. harmalaplant. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of crude alcoholicextract of P. harmala on Trichomonas vaginalis growth in vitro and motility in comparisonto MTZ. Methodology: Alcoholic extract were prepared from seeds of P. harmala plant.Different concentrations of P. harmala plant and MTZ were tested for their effect on thegrowth and motility of T. vaginalis h i i i i i iResults: Present results showed the percentage of total infection was 62% with 100%sensitivity according to mode of di i imedium. Infection ratio varied according to age groups, where highest percentage ofinfection was 74% at 21-25 years old, followed 70% at 31-35 years old, while lowestpercentage was 47% at 15-20 years old. Present results showed infection ratio in nonpregnantand pregnant women 62% and 0% respectively, as for the symptoms, thepercentage of vaginal secretion reach to 70%, while percentage of itchy feeling was least(60%). Parasite numbers began with replication and increased during a period 24-48 hoursfrom growth then began to decrease during a period 72-96 hours, so that 72 hours fromgrowth considered logarithmic phase of T. vaginalis. Existing results evident to toxic effectof P. harmala at concentrations (150, 250, 350 and 450) mg/ml on T. vaginalis by observinggradual decrease of parasite numbers with concentrate increase of extract an inverserelationship during growth periods (24, 48, 72 and 96) hours. Conclusions: P. harmala hada statistically highly significant inhibitory effect on T. vaginalis as that of MTZ. Thissuggests that P. harmala may be promising phytotherapeutic agent for trichomoniasis.