In vitro anti‐Trichomonas gallinae effects of Ziziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze extracts

Abstract

BackgroundTrichomonas gallinae is a parasite that causes canker and severe loss and death, especially in young pigeons. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the recommended drug for treating avian trichomoniasis. Due to drug resistance, non‐chemical alternatives, such as medicinal plant extracts, are also considered possible therapies for this disease.ObjectivesThis study compares the antitrichomonal effects of MTZ with extracts of Camellia sinensis and Ziziphus vulgaris on T. gallinae in vitro.MethodsSamples of T. gallinae were taken from infected pigeons. Multi‐well plates with different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) of plant extracts were used for the in vitro study.ResultsThe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. sinensis extract was 25 µg/mL over 24 h, compared to 50 µg/mL for MTZ. The MIC value of the Z. vulgaris extracts was 50 µg/mL.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the extracts of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis, as potential natural agents, could have anti‐avian trichomoniasis properties. This study also shows that MTZ, C. sinensis and Z. vulgaris are equally effective in preventing the growth of T. gallinae trophozoites in the culture.