Effect of Verbascum thapsus Ethanol Extract on Induction of Apoptosis in <i>Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro</i>

Abstract

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazole is used as routine treatment of disease. Some reports have confirmed the potential carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of this drug on fetus and indication of drug resistance. Verbascum thapsus belongs to the family of Scorphulariaceae. Its antiinflammatory properties, disinfectant and skin healing effects are well known. This plant has been used to treat diarrhea and genitourinary infection in traditional medicine. Effects of different concentrations of the Verbascum thapsus extract were tested on the growth and motility of T. vaginalis trophozoites. To evaluate the toxicity of extract, their effects on mice macrophages were measured by MTT([3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)- 2,5-diphenyle tetrazolium bromide ])assay. In this experimental study the effect of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract on induction apoptosis in T. vaginalis was determined by Flow Cytometry. Results were analyzed by Flow Jo software and the degree of apoptosis was determined. Toxicity percentage of 25-800 μg/ml concentrations of Verbascum thapsus alcoholic extract for mice macrophages was observed between 0.17-0.25 after 12 hours and they were between 0.25-0.42 and0.45-0.95 after 24 and 48h respectively. IC50 (inhibitory concentration, 50%) of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract and metronidazole after 24h was 39.17 and 0.0326 μg/ml respectively. Flow cytometry results showed the percent of apoptosis following treatment of trophozoites with different concentrations of Verbascum thapsus ethanol extract (25, 50,100,200,400 μg/ml), were 20.7, 37.04, 47.5, 62.72 and 86.35 respectively, while in control group was 2.9. According to this study, Verbascum thapsus extract induces programmed death in T. vaginalis. It is recommended that Verbascum thapsus extract can be considered as a suitable choice for Medical Studies.

Therapeutic effects of Iranian herbal extracts against Trichomonas vaginalis

“…Verbascum thapsus is a member of scorphulariaceae family. This biennial plant grows in a wide range of areas and can be two meters or more in height[ 76 , 77 ]. Verbascum thapsus contains bioactive substances such as saponins, glycosides, glycosoaminoglycans, phenyl ethanol, and verbascose[ 76 , 77 ] and also chemical components that reduce cyclooxygenase activity.…”

“…This biennial plant grows in a wide range of areas and can be two meters or more in height[ 76 , 77 ]. Verbascum thapsus contains bioactive substances such as saponins, glycosides, glycosoaminoglycans, phenyl ethanol, and verbascose[ 76 , 77 ] and also chemical components that reduce cyclooxygenase activity. These components have anti-inflammatory activity and germicide and skin restore effects[ 76 , 77 ].…”

“…Verbascum thapsus contains bioactive substances such as saponins, glycosides, glycosoaminoglycans, phenyl ethanol, and verbascose[ 76 , 77 ] and also chemical components that reduce cyclooxygenase activity. These components have anti-inflammatory activity and germicide and skin restore effects[ 76 , 77 ]. Verbascum thapsus has also been used to treat genital and urinary tract infections and diarrhea[ 76 , 77 ].…”

“…These components have anti-inflammatory activity and germicide and skin restore effects[ 76 , 77 ]. Verbascum thapsus has also been used to treat genital and urinary tract infections and diarrhea[ 76 , 77 ]. Induction of apoptosis in T. vaginalis due to the extract of this plant have been reported by Kashan et al .…”

“…Induction of apoptosis in T. vaginalis due to the extract of this plant have been reported by Kashan et al . [ 77 ]. IC50s (inhibitory concentration, 50%) of ethanolic extract of Verbascum thapsus and metronidazole after 24 h were 39.17 and 0.0326 μg/ml, respectively.…”