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

Abstract

Trichomonas 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. This study compares the antitrichomonal effects of MTZ with extracts of Camellia sinensis and Ziziphus vulgaris on T. gallinae in vitro. Samples of T. gallinae were taken from infected pigeons. Multi-well plates with different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100µg/mL) of plant extracts were used for the in vitro study. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. sinensis extract was 25µg/mL over 24h, compared to 50µg/mL for MTZ. The MIC value of the Z. vulgaris extracts was 50µg/mL. The 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.