In vitro anti-leishmanial activity of Satureja hortensis and Artemisia dracunculus extracts on Leishmania major promastigotes

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanoparticle coated with green seaweed (Ulva fasciata) hydroalcoholic extract as an anti-leishmanial compound on Leishmania major

This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of zinc selenide nanoparticles coated with green seaweed (Ulva fasciata) (ZnSe-Uf) against Leishmania major (L. major) in light of increasing drug resistance in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and the growing necessity for new therapeutic options. Key characteristics of ZnSe-Uf, including shape, size, functional groups, zeta potential, and polydispersity index, were analyzed in detail. The study investigated the effects of different concentrations of ZnSe-Uf compared to meglumine antimoniate (MA; used as the control), on both the promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major, calculating the selectivity index (SI) for each. Analysis revealed that the dominant functional group in ZnSe-Uf was C-H stretching, attributed to polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins. The size of ZnSe-Uf ranged from 228.2-242.8 nm (P = 0.37), with a polydispersity index of 0.31-0.33 (P = 0.85), and a zeta potential ranging from -35.6 mV to -57.9 mV (P = 0.07) over a period of 90 days. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) for ZnSe-Uf was 7.61 μg/mL, while for MA it was 17.37 μg/mL on promastigote (P = 0.03). On amastigote, the LC50 was 24.3 μg/mL for ZnSe-Uf and 12.3 μg/mL for MA (P = 0.04). The SI was 27.55 for ZnSe-Uf and 41.26 for MA (P = 0.02). The lower LC50 for MA on amastigote indicated its better effectiveness on L. major compared to ZnSe-Uf, suggesting that ZnSe-Uf may have a lower ability to concentrate in macrophages compared to MA. However, ZnSe-Uf still showed anti-leishmanial activity and was non-toxic to macrophages (SI > 10), indicating the need for further investigation on animal models.

Zinc nanoparticles coated with peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil: a nanoformulated compound with anti-leishmanial activity

Currently, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is facing a problem due to the increase in drug resistance. Nanoparticles, due to their characteristics, are suitable candidates for disease treatment. The aim of this study is the in vitro evaluation of zinc nanoparticles coated with peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil on Leishmania major. The effects of different concentrations of Zn-Mp and meglumine antimoniate (MA; as a positive control) were studied on the promastigote and amastigote of Leishmania major, and their selectivity index (SI) was evaluated. The peaks at 2361.02 cm-1 (C-N stretching), 1213.78 cm-1 (CO-NH stretching), and 1110.83 cm-1 (C=O stretching) were attributed to Zn-Mp. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was 17.48 μg/mL for Zn-Mp and 19.09 μg/mL for MA on promastigote (P = 0.47). It was 11.3 μg/mL for Zn-Mp and 14.1 μg/mL for MA on amastigote (P = 0.79). Lower IC50 on amastigote for Zn-Mp indicated better effectiveness on L. major compared to MA, but higher SI for MA (37.55) as compared to Zn-Mp (18.9) (P = 0.0002), highlighting more safety for MA. Compared to MA, the anti-leishmanial effect of Zn-Mp and its nontoxic effects on macrophages (SI > 10) show that Zn-Mp can be a candidate for the treatment of CL and it should be further studied on animal models.

The Interaction of Zinc as an Essential Trace Element with Leishmania Parasites: A Systematic Review

Background

The trace element of zinc (Zn) has shown great effectiveness in control of leishmaniasis infection. Hence, the present study conducted a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the zinc effect in the treatment or prevention of leishmaniasis.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was performed of all articles published in PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases (1997-2023). The search terms were "zinc" OR "cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL)" OR "visceral leishmaniasis (VL)".

Results

Initial search yielded 89 citations, and 59 subjects were included. Data showed the zinc serum level in CL patients was lower than controls. Also, in vitro studies of zinc were more effective against L. tropica and L. major promastigotes compared to the amastigotes. Moreover, in vivo studies did not show destructive effects of zinc on the mammalian cell viability like macrophages. Furthermore, zinc depletion by specific chelators affected L. donovani survival and growth through promoting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species-dependent mechanisms.

Conclusion

The serum level determination of zinc could be useful for estimating the leishmaniasis pathophysiology. Environmentally or genetically determined increases in zinc levels might augment resístanse to CL. In contrast, zinc depletion using a zinc-specific chelator could be effective treatment of VL in endemic areas.

Isolation of potent antileishmanial agents from Artemisia kermanensis Podlech using bioguided fractionation

Leishmaniasis is a major health problem worldwide with different clinical forms that depend on the parasite, the host's immune system, and immune-inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the secondary metabolites from Artemisia kermanensis Podlech by bioguided fractionation against Leishmania major. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on analysis of mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Antileishmanial activity were determined on promastigotes and amastigotes. Chemical structures of the isolated compound were as 1-Acetoxy-3,7-dimethyl-7-hydroxy-octa-2E,5E-dien-4-one for compound 1 and 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',6-trimethoxyflavone (Eupatilin) for compound 2, and 5,7,3'-Trihydroxy-6,4',5'-trimethoxyflavone for compound 3. Compound 2 were confirmed by significant activity with IC50 of less than 50 μg/ml for 24 and 48 h in clinical form (amastigotes). Compound 3 demonstrated high susceptibility with an IC50 of less than 30 μg/ml for promastigotes for 24 h. The bioguided fractionation of A. kermanensis resulted the isolation of potent antileishmanial agents with a low toxicity effect on macrophages. These plant metabolites can be a candidate as a drug for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials

Artemisia species play a vital role in traditional and contemporary medicine. Among them, Artemisia abrotanum, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua, Artemisia dracunculus, and Artemisia vulgaris are the most popular. The chemical composition and bioactivity of these species have been extensively studied. Studies on these species have confirmed their traditional applications and documented new pharmacological directions and their valuable and potential applications in cosmetology. Artemisia ssp. primarily contain sesquiterpenoid lactones, coumarins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Essential oils obtained from these species are of great biological importance. Extracts from Artemisia ssp. have been scientifically proven to exhibit, among others, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, cytotoxic, and digestion-stimulating activities. In addition, their application in cosmetic products is currently the subject of several studies. Essential oils or extracts from different parts of Artemisia ssp. have been characterized by antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. Products with Artemisia extracts, essential oils, or individual compounds can be used on skin, hair, and nails. Artemisia products are also used as ingredients in skincare cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, essences, serums, masks, lotions, and tonics. This review focuses especially on elucidating the importance of the most popular/important species of the Artemisia genus in the cosmetic industry.

Antibacterial and anti-Trichomonas Vaginalis effects of Rosa Damascena mill petal oil (a persian medicine product), aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts

Background

Oils in traditional medicine are important products and used routinely for therapeutic purposes. Rose oil (Rosa damascene Mill), a product of Persian medicine, is advised for the treatment of Infectious diseases related to the female genitourinary tract. In the present study, R. damascena petal oil, aqueous, and hydroalcoholic extracts were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and anti-Trichomonas vaginalis effects.

Methods

Anti-trichomonas activity evaluation of extracts and oil were assayed by the Homocytometery method. Their antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and clinically isolated Group B Streptococcus were assayed by broth microdilution in 96-well plates.

Results

The MIC of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts ranged from 25-50 and 25-100 mg/ml, respectively. Rose oil at all administered doses failed to show any antibacterial activity.

Conclusion

All extracts and oil concentrations showed some degree of growth inhibition activity on T. vaginalis; however, hydroalcoholic extract was more efficient.

A novel delivery of curcumin by the efficient nanoliposomal approach against Leishmania major

Several side effects and drug resistance accompany the current therapies for Leishmaniasis. Nanoliposomal curcumin is applied as a new therapy approach instead of current therapy. In this study, nanoliposomal curcumin was prepared using thin-film hydration method and characterized based on encapsulation efficiency, size, and zeta potential. Curcumin was successfully loaded into nanoliposomes with an encapsulation efficiency of 92%. The surface charge of the nanoparticle was neutral, and the size of nanoparticle was 176.5 nm. Nanoliposomal curcumin is in spherical shape without any agglomeration. Cell viability assay was performed on HFF cell line to show biocompatibility of liposome nanoparticles. Anti-Leishmanial effect of different concentrations of liposomal curcumin (0.05-30 μg mL^-1) and amphotericin B (25 μg mL^-1) were studied on Leishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] at various hours (24, 48, and 72) using hemocytometer technique. Nanoliposomal curcumin inhibitory concentration (IC50) at hours 24, 48, and 72 were 6.41, 3.8, and 2.33 µg mL^-1, respectively. As prepared nanoliposomal curcumin showed a significant antileishmanial effect and induced a better and more tangible effect on the survival of L. major promastigotes and could be suitable candidates for further investigations.

Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), Asteraceae, is a species that has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, mainly in Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and India. It is known as a spice species in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The raw materials obtained from this species are herb and leaf. The presence of essential oil with a highly variable composition, as well as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins and alkamides, determines the medicinal and/or spice properties of the plant. In traditional Asian medicine, this species is used, for example, in the treatment of digestive system diseases, as an analgesic, hypnotic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent, and as an effective remedy in the treatment of helminthiasis. Nowadays, A. dracunculus is the subject of professional phytochemical and pharmacological researches. Pharmacological studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects known from traditional uses; they have also proved very important new findings regarding its biological activity, such as antioxidant, immunomodulating and anti-tumour activities, as well as hepatoprotective and hypoglycaemic effects. A. dracunculus has long-held an established position in the food industry as a spice. And its use is growing in the cosmetics industry. Moreover, it is the subject of biotechnological research focused mainly on the development of micro-propagation protocols.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. Agents in Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Yazd Province, Endemic Region of Central Iran

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in many parts of Iran. Many methods have been introduced for detection and identification of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. The purpose of this study was isolation and molecular identification of Leishmania spp. agents in patients with CL from endemic region of central Iran. In this study, one of the main loci of central Iran named Yazd will be assessed CL identification using PCR-RFLP.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, sampling was done from 372 suspicious patients with CL who referred to Health Centers of Yazd Province from 2016 to 2017. After collection samples of patients, DNA extraction was done from samples on slides. Genus detection was done using specific primers by PCR. RFLP analysis was done for species identification.

RESULTS

Out of 372 samples, 159 samples were positive using PCR based method. Out of 159 samples, 87 (54.7%) L. major and 72 (45.3%) L. tropica were identified using RFLP analysis. The number of lesions in each patient was different but 119 (74.8%) patients showed the number of 1-3 lesions, and more lesions (more than 10 lesions) was showed in 4 (2.5%) person.

CONCLUSION

The CL found in Yazd province resulted from L. major and L. tropica as the agents of rural and urban types, respectively. The prevalence of L. major and L. tropica was almost the same. This indicated that control programs could be designed for treatment and vector and reservoir control.

Evaluation of Different Concentrations of Imatinib on the Viability of Leishmania major: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular parasite of Leishmania and is transmitted through the female sandflies bite and may lead to severe skin lesions. Although drugs such as antimony compounds are available, their side effects such as toxicity, low efficacy, and emergence of resistance have raised the importance of effective replacement. Imatinib, as an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase (TK) of Leishmania, stops abnormal function of TK such as Bcr-Abl through assembling into transmembrane pores in a sterol-dependent manner. Hence, the evaluation of killing effects of different concentrations of imatinib against Leishmania major amastigotes and promastigotes in vitro were the objectives of the present study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The killing effects of different concentrations of imatinib (25, 50, and 100 μg) and 25 μg amphotericin B (as positive control) were evaluated against RPMI 1640-cultured promastigotes and the amastigote/macrophage model by MTS cell proliferation assay kit (ab197010) and Giemsa staining method during 24, 48, and 72 h.

RESULTS

The results showed anti-Leishmania effect of imatinib in concentration and time-dependent manner. The lowest number of live promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained due to treat with 100 μg/ml imatinib at 72 h. Furthermore, 100 μg concentration of imatinib had the same effect as 25 μg amphotericin B on both L. major promastigotes and amastigotes (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The anti-Leishmania effect of imatinib was confirmed by MTS and direct microscopy. Further study is recommended for evaluating possible therapeutic effects of imatinib on leishmaniasis in vivo.

Immunotherapy in clinical canine leishmaniosis: a comparative update

Leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is a complex infection that can affect both humans and dogs, and present a wide range of clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. The conventional treatment of this disease is challenging due to the fact that complete parasitological cure commonly does not occur. Furthermore, treatment of the disease with the conventionally used drugs has several shortcomings. These include the need for long-term treatment, side effects and the formation of drug resistance. Moreover, it is important to highlight that the host immune responses play a crucial role in the outcome of this infection. For this reason, the use of immunotherapy in clinical leishmaniosis to improve the result of treatment with the conventional anti-leishmanial drugs by enhancing the immune response is imperative. The aim of this review is to provide a comparative overview of the wide range of immunotherapeutical approaches and strategies for the treatment of L. infantum infection in animals focusing on dogs.

Asteraceae Plants as Sources of Compounds Against Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease cause great impact on social and economic aspects of people living in developing countries. The treatments for these diseases are based on the same regimen for over 40 years, thus, there is an urgent need for the development of new drugs. In this scenario, Asteraceae plants (a family widely used in folk medicine worldwide) are emerging as an interesting source for new trypanocidal and leishmanicidal compounds. Herein, we provide a non-exhaustive review about the activity of plant-derived products from Asteraceae with inhibitory action toward Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi. Special attention was given to those studies aiming the isolation (or identification) of the bioactive compounds. Ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid (Baccharis uncinella DC.) were efficient to treat experimental leishmaniasis; while deoxymikanolide (Mikania micrantha) and (+)-15-hydroxy-labd-7-en-17-al (Aristeguietia glutinosa Lam.) showed in vivo anti-T. cruzi action. It is also important to highlight that several plant-derived products (compounds, essential oils) from Artemisia plants have shown high inhibitory potential against Leishmania spp., such as artemisinin and its derivatives. In summary, these compounds may help the development of new effective agents against these neglected diseases.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. in Patients With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Golestan Province, Iran

Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major health issue in many parts of Iran. Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area is not as simple as that in endemic foci. The management and treatment of this disease are global dilemmas. The purpose of this study was to identify Leishmania species isolated from human cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in patients referred to health centers of Golestan province, Iran. Methods: Cutaneous leishmaniasis patients with suspected lesions were clinically examined. History of journey to the endemic areas of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis and/or anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis and the characteristics of their lesion(s) were recorded. Diagnosis of the lesion was done by using direct smear microscopy and conventional polymerase chain reaction. Results: Out of 360 patients, 202 (57.4 %) were male and 158 (42.8 %) were female. A total of 360 samples were selected from different cities. The number of infected samples in the cities is as follows: Azad Shahr [3 (1.5%)], Aq Qala [11 (5.7%)], Ali Abad [4 (2.1%)], Bandar Turkmen [3 (1.5%)], Bandar Gaz [2 (1%)], Ramian [3 (1.5%)], Kalaleh [23 (12.1%)], Kord koy [1 (0.5%)], Galikesh [7 (3.7 %)], Gomishan [12 (3.6 %)], Gorgan [13 (6.8 %)], Gonbad Qabus [99 (52.1 %)], Marave Tappe [7 (3.6%)] and Minoodasht [2 (1%)]. In the molecular investigations, 186 (96.8%) samples were observed to acquire rural cutaneous leishmaniasis, 4 (2.1%) to acquire urban cutaneous leishmaniasis and 170 (47.2%) to be uninfected. Conclusion: Although history of visiting endemic areas is an important factor to be considered in diagnosis, parasitological confirmation is necessary for the initiation of treatment.

The therapeutic effect of ozonated olive oil plus glucantime on human cutaneous leishmaniasis

OBJECTIVES

Leishmaniasis is one of the main health problems in developing countries, caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. Although research has been successful in discovering vaccines and anti-parasitic drugs like antimony compounds, their side effects like high toxicity, prolonged regeneration, etc., have raised the replacement importance of natural products with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It can be said that an appropriate alternative to this is the ozonated olive oil. Ozone by introducing O2 in involved tissues and bloodstream could degrade parasite amastigotes and lead to cleared leishmaniasis infections. So, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of ozonated olive oil in Iranian leishmaniasis patients compared to glucantime, a choice drug for the treatment of Leishmaniasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with confirmed leishmaniasis lesions were included and divided into two groups, 15 cases as control and 15 cases as test with lesions of 30-50 mm2 in diameter. The control group received glucantime intralesionally and the test group ozonated olive oil plus glucantime, 2 times daily.

RESULTS

The mean of lesion size was (50.94±33.20) before and (15±14.34) after treatment in control (P<0.00) and (50.88±31.74) before and (9.93±14.18) after treatment in the test group (P<0.00). Moreover, the mean course of therapy was 10.4(±1.84) weeks and 8.93(±2.15) weeks in control and test groups, respectively (P=0.636). Significant differences were reported in lesion size after treatment between the two groups (P<0.00).

CONCLUSION

Data suggested ozonated olive oil can have synergistic effects with glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Potent in vitro antileishmanial activity of a nanoformulation of cisplatin with carbon nanotubes against Leishmania major

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity of cisplatin-bonded carbon nanotubes both against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major in vitro.

METHODS

Cisplatin-bonded single-walled carbon nanotubes (CP-SWCNT) and cisplatin-bonded multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CP-MWCNT) were considered as test compounds. In addition, SWCNT, MWCNT, free cisplatin and meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime^®) were considered as controls. The effect of each compound was evaluated both on promastigote and amastigote stages of L. major and the results were compared.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of CP-SWCNT and each of the controls, including SWCNT, cisplatin and Glucantime^® (P<0.05). In addition, IC₅₀ values of CP-MWCNT and each of the controls, including MWCNT, cisplatin and Glucantime^®, were significantly different both for promastigotes and amastigotes (P<0.05). However, the selectivity index (SI) of CP-SWCNT was <10 (5.23), indicating that this compound is not completely safe. Moreover, the SI values of CP-MWCNT (12.54) and Glucantime^® (16.28) were >10, indicating the selective effect of these two compounds on the parasite. Moreover, the IC₅₀ of CP-MWCNT (0.11±0.09μM) for amastigotes was 41-fold lower than that of Glucantime^® (4.52±1.31μM), suggesting that a lower dose of CP-MWCNT in comparison with Glucantime^® is required to kill 50% of amastigotes.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the potent in vitro antileishmanial activity of CP-MWCNT at low concentration against L. major, we suggest that they are evaluated in an animal model.