Anti-leishmanial activity of Nano-Emodin on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis both in vivo and in vitro studies.

Background objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease that can lead to chronic ulcerative wounds. The low efficacy and high cytotoxicity of current treatments for leishmaniasis are important health issues. This study assessed the anti-leishmanial effects of stem bark extract of Rhamnus cathartica (R. cathartica) and Nano-Emodin (NE) against Leishmania major (L. major) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: Emodin was prepared chemically and physically, and was formulated into nanoliposomes at concentrations of 25-400 μg /ml. The activity of nanoliposomes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo on cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Results were analyzed using Prism and SPSS software. Statistical significance was determined using t-test and ANOVA.

Results: The results showed that the anti-parasitic effect of Nano-emodin increased time and dose-dependently both in vivo and in vitro. 400 μg/ml of NE showed the highest inhibitory effects on L. major promastigotes. Also, this concentration could reduce the number of L. major amastigotes. Furthermore, the results of histopathological investigation indicated that all concentrations of nano-emodin had no nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Interpretation conclusion: Considering the excellent anti-leishmanial effect of emodin nanoliposomes in addition to the non-toxicity, it can be concluded that this natural compound can be a suitable candidate for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.