Abstract

Naturally derived compounds have been used to treat several infectious diseases including leishmaniasis. The study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff extract on Leishmania major promastigote and amastigote. Dried leaves of K. odoratissima were fractionated by 3 solvents including aqueous, butanol, and ethyl acetate. The results showed that the butanol fraction of K. odoratissima showed the highest anti-Leishmania effects against L. major promastigotes. Ninety four percent growth inhibition of the promastigote was observed when cells were treated with the 1,280 μg/mL butanol fractions. Moreover, 100% inhibition of amastigotes was detected after treatment with the butanol fraction. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50>) of the butanol fraction in promastigotes and amastigotes was 264.1 and 154.1 μg/mL, respectively. The obtained results suggested the potential medicinal benefits of K. odoratissima butanol fraction as an alternative treatment for leishmaniasis caused by L. major infections.