Screening for protozoocidal activity of Spanish plants

Abstract

Crude extracts of Spanish plants (60 representing 12 species from 7 families) have been screened for antiparasitic activity against Leishmania infantum and Trichomonas vaginalis. 30% of the extracts showed activity against one of the parasites and 15% of the extracts were active against both tests organisms. The most promising extracts originate from plants used in traditional medicine, such as Inula montana L. (Asteraceae), Bupleurum rigidum L. (Apiaceae) and Scrophularia scorodonia L. (Scrophulariaceae).