In vitro evaluation of the leishmanicidal potential of selected plant-derived extracts against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Leishmaniasis, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, is endemic in 98 countries, with more than 12million cases and 350million people living in areas at risk of infection.1,2 This disease is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania,3 and is broadly classified into three different forms: visceral leishmaniasis (VL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.4 In Latin America, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis is responsible for the cutaneous diffuse form of the disease,5 that in some cases may also result in visceral leishmaniasis.6,7 According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, since 2005, the presence of L.(L.) amazonensis has been present in almost all Brazilian regions5, thus raising concern about this infection. The first-line drugs for leishmaniasis treatment are sodium stibogluconate (Pentostan) and meglumine antimonite (Glucantime); amphotericin B and pentamidine are second-line drugs.2 However, the current standard-of-care is unsatisfactory due to are expensive, potentially toxic and long-term treatment requirements, resulting in patient noncompliance.2 Also, there are significant differences in the sensitivity of these species to standard drugs.8,9