Anti-parasitic activity of nano Citrullus colocynthis and nano Capparis spinose against Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro.

The use of plant extracts and the benefit of their unique properties in treating various pathogens is the return to mother nature, and an attempt to overcome the problems of side effects resulting from the use of chemical drugs and the ability of some pathogens to resist these drugs. Nanotechnology has strengthened the ability of drugs to reach the target and reduced the size and amount of dose needed for treatment. Nano-extracts of Citrullus colocynthis and Capparis spinosa at concentrations of (100, 250 and 500) ppm prepared to the treatment Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro at the time (12, 24, 72) h. Results compared with the use of 0.1% of metronidazole (500 mg). The results showed that the concentrations (100, 250, 500) ppm of C. colocynthis had an inhibitory activity for the growth rate (43.77, 69.15, 89.89) at the time (12, 24 and 72) h, respectively. The inhibitory activity of C. spinosa was (43.18, 67.41, 87.04) at the same time and concentration, compared with metronidazole (43.47, 70.40, 87.04) at the same time. Neither plants showed severe effects in hemolysis. From the results, it can be concluded that either plant can be used as an alternative to metronidazole after completing human and animal tests. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2021.