Chemical composition and leishmanicidal activity of Pulicaria gnaphalodes essential oil

Abstract

Background and objectives: Several natural compounds have been identified for the treatment ofleishmaniasis. Due to a few safe drugs and the side effects caused by available chemotherapy, some new drugs for treatment of leishmaniasis are requested. The genus <em>Pulicaria </em>(Asteraceae<em>)</em> is represented in the flora of Iran by five species. Phytochemical studies on <em>Pulicaria</em> species have revealed some flavonoids and terpenoids with leishmanicidal activity. In the present investigation chemical composition and leishmanicidal activity of <em>Pulicaria gnaphalodes</em> essential oil have been studied. Methods: The essential oil of the aerial parts of the plant was obtained by Clevenger apparatus and was analyzed by GC/MS. Antileishmanil activity was assessed against promastigoes of <em>Leishmania major. </em>Results:The major components from <em>P. gnaphalodes</em> essential oil have been reported to be geraniol, 1,8-cineole, chrysanthenone, α-pinene, chrystanthenone, α-terpineol and filifolone. The alcohol monoterpenes with contribution of 25.04% constituted the major portion of the essential oil, while hydrocarbon monoterpenes and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes with contribution of 7.08% and 2.38%, respectively occupied the next rates.In the present experiment the essential oil of <em>P. gnaphalodes</em> progressively inhibited <em>Leishmania major </em>growth in concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 50 µL/mL (parasite culture) in 24 h. The essential oil at 50 µL/mL eliminated the promastigotes at the beginning of treatment. It showed antileishmanial activity in concentration of 1.06 µL/mL and destroyed all parasits in 24 h. Conclusion: <em>Pulicaria gnaphalodes</em> antileishmanial activity, could suggest the species and constituents as possible lead structures for antileishmanial drug discovery.