Background and aims: VL (Viseral Leishmaniosis) the second- most dreaded parasitic
disease after malaria is currently endemic in 88 countries. Artemisia sieberi is native
medicinal plants in Iran and their effects are scientifically proven to be effective on
leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to investigate antileishmanial effects of
A.sieberi essential oil on Leishmania infantum in vitro. This is the first application of
A. sieberi for treatment of L.infantum.
Methods: Promastigotes of L. infantum were treated by A. sieberi in 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 μg/ml
concentration. MTT test ([3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium
bromide] was done in 48h after treatment to determine the effect on promastigote viability.
The data were analyzed by SPSS, and using one-way ANOVA and Mann Whitney tests.
Results: Fewer than 15 μg /ml concentrations of A. sieberi essential oil were no
appreciable effect on the parasite. A dose of 15, 20 μg/ml showed growth inhibitory on
L. infantum in 24h/48h compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The A. sieberi essential oil had antileishmanial effects against L.infantum
in vitro. Therefore, they might be a reliable source for preparation of new drugs. More
in vivo investigations are required to clarify details of effects of A.sieberi on leishmania
spp and analysis of its natural components
