Evaluation of inhibitory and antioxidant activities of free essential oils and nanoemulsions on trichomonas vaginalis

Resumo

Trichomoniasis, an infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most commom non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Due to Metronidazole’s (MTZ) resistance to standard drugs, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of free and nanostructured essential oils (EO) as Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) and Ocimum basilicum (basil), besides antioxidant activities against T. vaginalis. The free and nanostructured EOs were tested for in vitro activity against Trichomonas vaginalis; trophozoites were treated with different concentrations (ranging from 0.25% to 1.5%) in order to establish the MIC and IC₅₀ values. Oxidative stress was also evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation by the detection of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The MIC observed for lemongrass was 1.5% with free oil and 1.0% with nanoemulsion, while for basil it was 1.5% with free and nanostructured oils. Significant antiparasitic activities were observed in 12 and 24 hours exposure, respectively, inhibiting 100% of trophozoites. Antioxidant activity was also observed in these oils, which, either in free or nanostructured form, were able to reduce lipid peroxidation.