Pure Thymol, and Its Nanoliposome and Nanoparticle Forms, Inhibit Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection in Culture

Background: There is a rising trend in the use of herbal stem cell remedies among the populace due to the belief that such remedies have all-encompassing health benefits, and without side effects. However, there is little or no scientific data reported on their safety profile. This study addressed the toxicological effects of STC-30, one of the popular polyherbal stem cell remedies used in several countries of the world including Nigeria, Ghana, Australia, among others. Methods: The inhibitory activity of thymol and the nano-preparations were evaluated qualitatively versus Metronidazole against T. vaginalis in TYI-S33 culture medium. The live T. vaginalis parasites were counted on a hemocytometer, the inhibition rate was assessed and the data analyzed statistically. Results: Thymol and its two nanopreparations at varying concentrations inhibited T. vaginalis in culture after 24, 48, or 72 hours of incubation. The inhibition of T. vaginalis was also achieved in culture with Metronidazole at 65 µg/ml. Conclusion: The percent inhibition of T. vaginalis by thymol and its nanopreparations depended on the duration of incubation and the concentration. Thymol and its nanoliposome preparation showed a lower inhibitory effect (IC50) on T. vaginalis than that of the thymol nanoparticles after 24 or 48 hours of treatment. However, the efficacy of the three thymol forms did not significantly differ after 72 hours of treatment.