Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against Leishmaniasis: a public health concern

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an important disease affecting global public health which is spread by sand fly having different species. Various chemical drugs are used to treat and control Leishmaniasis including pentavalent antimonials, antimicrobial and antibiotics. Due to emergence of drug resistance, these therapeutic options are losing effectiveness in attaining success. Furthermore, these drugs are expensive and have toxic effects on liver and kidneys. There has been an emerging interest and excellent response by using plant based drugs and extracts to control Leishmaniasis. Different medicinal plants including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Allium sativum, Peganum harmala and Nigella sativa have shown excellent anti-leishmanial activity. Therefore, medicinal plants can help in effective drug development against Leishmaniasis diseases in both animals and humans which will be safer and health protective.