Abstract | BACKGROUND: Leishmania is a unicellular protozoan parasite causing a wide range of human diseases ranging from localized self-healing cutaneous lesions to fatal visceral infections. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic effects of oleuropein on Leishmania major promastigotes (MHOM/SA/84/JISH) and to compare its effects with the reference drug sodium stibogluconate ( pentostam). METHODS: Cytotoxicity and promastigote proliferation were measured using MTT colorimetric assay. Furthermore, the Annexin V/ propidium iodide staining technique followed by flow cytometry was used for studying the cell death properties of oleuropein. RESULTS: In the present report we have shown that oleuropein, a pharmacologically safe, natural product of olive leaf, has a potent leishmanicidal effect. Indeed, oleuropein exhibits cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects against Leishmania major promastigotes. Moreover, oleuropein triggers death through apoptosis, whereas pentostam induces death mainly via necrosis on Leishmania major promastigotes. CONCLUSION: Here we demonstrate for the first time that the non-toxic, natural product oleuropein has apoptotic properties against Leishmania major promastigotes. Further studies are needed to investigate its molecular pathway.
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Authors | Maha H Elamin, Salyha S AL-Maliki |
Journal | International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
(Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther)
Vol. 52
Issue 10
Pg. 880-8
(Oct 2014)
ISSN: 0946-1965 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 25109414
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Antiprotozoal Agents
- Iridoid Glucosides
- Iridoids
- oleuropein
- Antimony Sodium Gluconate
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Topics |
- Antimony Sodium Gluconate
(pharmacology)
- Antiprotozoal Agents
(pharmacology)
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Iridoid Glucosides
- Iridoids
(pharmacology)
- Leishmania major
(drug effects)
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