In vitro activity of medicinal plants of the Venda region, South Africa, against Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is an important and common cause of urogenital infections in both developed and in developing countries. In view of the high prevalence, increase in resistance to drug therapy and associated risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV, we screened the aqueous extracts of 29 plants. These plants are used to treat venereal diseases and infections in the Venda region. Extracts of four plants showed trichomonicidal activity: Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. (Polygalaceae; 0.10 mg/ml), Solanum aculeastrum Dun. (Solanaceae; 1.06 mg/ml), Piper capense L.f. (Piperaceae; 11.19 mg/ml) and Cassine transvaalensis (Burtt. Davy) Codd (Celastraceae; 9.69 mg/ml). Further investigations are required to determine whether these plants possess the potential to be developed as new drugs for the treatment of trichomoniasis.