Articles in Press | JSMS
Mohebbi A, Masoudiankhouzani M, Pirhadi R, et al. Harnessing the antileishmanial potential of medicinal plants. Series Med Sci. 2024;5(1):1-15.
Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by various species of the Leishmania parasite and primarily transmitted by female sandflies, poses a significant health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. This review explores recent advancements in understanding the disease, its transmission, and available treatment options. Despite the availability of treatment options such as pentavalent antimony, including sodium stibogluconate and meglumine antimoniate, their efficacy is compromised by severe side effects and the emergence of resistant parasites. The necessity for alternative therapeutics has increased interest in plant-derived compounds with anti-parasitic properties. Notable examples include Artemisia annua, Peschiera australis, Piper aduncum, and Physalis angulata, which have demonstrated promising efficacy against Leishmania parasites. However, developing effective treatments faces challenges, including the need for more stable and potent drugs. While medicinal plants offer potential solutions, their use requires caution due to possible adverse effects and interactions, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Nevertheless, medicinal plants continue to be explored as valuable resources for developing safe and cost-effective treatments for leishmaniasis. In conclusion, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches to combat leishmaniasis, highlighting the potential of medicinal plants as sources of effective anti-parasitic agents.
