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Antitrichomonal activity of matrine, an active substance from Sophora flavescens
Author(s) -
Wang HwangHuei,
Cheng JueiTang
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2650080203
Subject(s) - matrine , sophora flavescens , sophora , pharmacology , traditional medicine , trichomonas vaginalis , pharmacognosy , biology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biological activity , traditional chinese medicine , in vitro , pathology , biochemistry , alternative medicine , neuroscience
In an attempt to develop an antitrichomonal agent, the present study investigated the effect of matrine, one of the active principles isolated from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait. (Leguminoae), on the pathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis in two model system. First, it reduced the cytotoxic effect of this parasite towards mammalian cells in culture: at concentration lower than 1 mM it prevented the decrease of rate astrocytic cells in mixed culture with trichomonads. Second, it delayed the development of subcutaneous abscesses due to this parasite infection. It cured the intravaginal infection of trichomonads in mice. However, the antitrichomonal action of matrine was observed only with a combined intravaginal suppository and subcutanmeous injection, and it failed to produce the same activity through oral administration. The results suggest a potential for matrine as an antitrichomonal drug.