In vitroefficacy of vitex agnus-castusextracts againsttrichomonas vaginalis: A potential therapeutic approach

Abstract

Aim and objectives: Trichomonas vaginalisis the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection globally. The current treatment, 5-nitroimidazole derivatives has raised concerns as a result of drug reliance, allergies, and drug resistance, driving efforts to identify alternative therapies. The Vitexspecies recognized for their pharmacological attributes including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial propertiesare promising candidates for further investigation.Methods:In this study, the potential of Vitex agnus-castusextracts against T. vaginalis was explored. The water, ethanol, and 60% aqueous ethanol extracts from both leaves and fruits were examined for their effects on metronidazole (MET)-resistant (TV 50143) and sensitive strains (TV-78). Cytotoxicity was evaluated on L929 mouse fibroblast cells to determine the minimum lethal dose for each extract under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.Results: Antitrichomonial activity, cytotoxic activity and Selectivity Index (SI) values revealed distinct efficacy profiles. Leaf water extract displayed a balanced selectivity profile, while leaf 60% ethanol extract showed moderate to high selectivity. The fruit 60% ethanol extract exhibited significantly elevated selectivity with SI values of 2 and 1 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, for the MET-sensitive reference strain, and 3 and 5, respectively, for the MET-resistant reference strain.Conclusion:These findings underscore the potential of the fruit 60% ethanol extract as a promising candidate for future drug development. Further investigationsinto its mechanisms and optimization are warranted to enhance its efficacy against T. vaginalis.