Comparison of the Effects of Jujube (Ziziphus vulgaris) Extract with Conventional Drugs on the Protozoan Trichomonas gallinae and Determination of Optimal Extraction Methods

Trichomonas gallinae is a pathogenic protozoan parasite in birds that causes lesions in the upper digestive tract. The widespread use of metronidazole and other nitroimidazoles has led to the emergence of resistant strains. The present review was conducted to compare the antiprotozoal effect of Ziziphus vulgaris extract with conventional drugs and to evaluate the optimal extraction methods. In this review study, articles related to the antiprotozoal effects of Ziziphus vulgaris, different extraction methods, and drug resistance patterns of T. gallinae were analyzed. The extraction methods examined included solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet extraction. The antiprotozoal effects of jujube extract and metronidazole were compared based on MIC and IC۵۰ values. Ziziphus vulgaris extracts contain active compounds including catechin (۲۲.۶۷%), kaempferol (۱۴.۴۴%), quercetin, rutin, and quinic acid. Ultrasound-assisted extraction using ۷۰% ethanol showed the highest yield of phenolic compounds. At a concentration of ۵۰ ug/mL after ۲۴ hours, jujube extract completely inhibited the growth of T. gallinae trophozoites. In comparison, metronidazole required the same concentration of ۵۰ µg/mL at the same time point to achieve complete inhibition. The MIC value of jujube extract was reported as ۵۰ μg/mL, and its IC ۵۰ value was ۰.۰۶۹ mg/mL. Due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, Ziziphus vulgaris extract exhibits antiprotozoal activity against T. gallinae comparable to that of metronidazole. Ultrasound-assisted extraction with ۷۰% ethanol is recommended as the optimal extraction method. Given the increasing prevalence of resistance to nitroimidazoles, jujube may be considered a natural and effective therapeutic alternative.

کلیدواژه ها:

Trichomonas gallinae ، Ziziphus vulgaris ، drug resistance ، ultrasound-assisted extraction ، metronidazole