Objective To explore the trichomonacidal mechanism of
Pulsatilla chinensis water extract(PWE) against Trichomonas vaginalis
in vitro. Methods Trichomonacidal effect of Pulsatilla chinensis was investigated using low concentration of PWE,1.25 mg/ml of drug was added to cultures of T.vaginalis strain.After treated with PWE for 2 h and 4 h,The fine structure changes of T.vaginalis were observed by
transmission electronic microscopy. Results Treated with PWE,The electronic micrograph of T.vaginalis showed disorganization and degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticulums and the disaggregation of polyribosomes.And then the vacuoles in T.vaginalis cytoplasm were not only increasing but also swelling.With prolongation of the time of drug action,The dilating and deforming Golgi apparatus could be found.The nucleus matrix became rarefaction.The nucleus membranes appeared fracture.Finally the parasite died and split.The ultrastructure of organelles could not be identificated. Conclusion PWE exhibited effective trichomonacidal action.PWE can destroy internal structure of T.vaginalis directly.Many organells were damaged.