Abstract

Unveiling the Antiparasitic Potential of Plant Extracts to Mitigate Leishmaniasis of Zoonotic Importance

Authors: Muhammad Shahzad, Rana Abdul Rehman, Khadija Abeer, Junaid Iqbal, Zaib un Nisa, Farhan Haider Baryar, Arslan Muhammad Ali Khan, Itrat Zahra and Tehreem Shahzad

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2026.068

Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of a vector sandfly, primarily Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia. Current chemotherapy depends on pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine, amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B, amphotericin B lipid complex, amphotericin B cholesterol dispersion, paromomycin, pentamidine, sitamaquine, and azoles. However, these drugs are characterized by many limitations, including triggering resistance mechanisms in parasites, severe adverse effects, limited potency, extreme toxicity, duration of treatment, and high cost. Medicinal plant extracts and their metabolites can combat leishmaniasis due to their unlimited chemical diversity. They can be used to develop new medications due to their affordability, low risk of adverse reactions, and high efficacy. In the present review, the special focus is on the phytochemicals, including flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids, and their mode of action against Leishmania by disruption of biological membranes, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and diminishing the enzyme activity. This review highlights the current status of chemical control strategies, their limitations, and the potential of plant-based alternatives as novel therapeutic agents against leishmaniasis. In the future, they may offer a sustainable and effective approach for future leishmaniasis management.

Keywords: Alternatives, Chemotherapy, Leishmaniasis, Parasites, Plant extracts, Resistance, Vector control