Effects of Rosmarinus Officinalis Plant Extract on Trichomonas Vaginalis Parasites and Candida albicans under Laboratory Conditions: An Experimental Study

Background: As we know metronidazole is a selective treatment for Trichomoniasis, however, it has many side effects, and, on the other hand, it is important to try finding natural alternative treatments. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Rosmarinus officinalis plant extract on Trichomonas vaginalis parasites and Candida albicans under laboratory conditions. Methods: In this experimental study, Rosmarinus officinalis methanolic extracts were prepared. The anti-trichomoniasis effect was evaluated at concentrations of 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, 0.0004, 0.0002, and 0.0001 μg/mL in TYIS33 culture media and resulted data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: The results of this study showed that in the concentration of 0.001 at 4 hours, the parasite was spherical and inactivated, while at concentrations of 0.0004, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 in 1 hour. The results of this study showed that Rosmarinus officinalis extract in concentration of 100 µg/mL has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, so that the highest inhibitory diameter was 18.3 ± 0.9 mm while two other strains exhibit resistance and no inhibitory zones. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that rosemary extract inhibits the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans that can be used to treat infections.