The Effects of Different Extracts of Viola Odorata on Trichomonas Vaginalis in Culture Medium



Salehi L¹ ; Asghari G² ; Yousofi H³ ; Yousofidarani H³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2014

Abstract

Background: Tichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazol with vast side effects is now the only drug approved for the treatment of this infection in many countries. The effect of Viola odorata on several parasites is shown in previous studies. In this study, in an attempt to find an alternative drug, the effect of different extracts of this plant on Trichomonas vaginalis in culture medium was investigated. Methods: Three different fractions of leave, flower, and root including diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and water fractions were prepared from crude extract. The extracts were dried using vacuum rotary evaporator and then, they were used for in-vitro anti-trichomonas vaginalis experiments. Findings: The crude extract of leave (4 mg/ml), flower (4 mg/ml), and root (2 mg/ml) of Viola odorata showed 100% growth inhibition (GI) during 24 hours. Diethyl ether fraction of leave, flower, and root of Viola odorata in concentration of 6 mg/ml showed 100% growth inhibition during 24 hours. The ethyl acetate fraction of leave, flower, and root revealed 100% growth inhibition in the first 24 hours with the minimum concentration of 20 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, and 25 mg/ml, respectively. Water fraction of leave, flower, and root showed 100% growth inhibition during 24 hours in concentrations of 5, 3, and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the appropriate effect of Viola odorata on Trichomonas vaginalis, more investigation is recommended to convert this plant to a an anti-Trichomonas vaginalis drug.