Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common
parasitic disease that is endemic in some parts of Iran. The drugs of choice used for
leishmaniasis therapy are associated with a risk of recurrence and serious adverse effects. Therefore, finding a safe and effective treatment is of great importance. In the present study, the effect of
aloe-emodin on the growth of Leishmania major amastigotes was evaluated under in vitro conditions. In addition, the efficacy of a topical of
aloe-emodin ointment was investigated in BALB/c mice with cutaneous leishmanial
ulcers. Different concentrations (40 μg/mL, 80 μg/mL, 120 μg/mL, and 160 μg/mL) of
aloe-emodin were tested on Leishmania amastigotes twice: 24 hours and 48 hours. The induced apoptosis and necrotic effects of two concentrations (40 μg/mL and 120 μg/mL) of
aloe-emodin on promastigotes were investigated by flow cytometry. Under the in vivo condition,
aloe-emodin ointment efficacy was evaluated at two concentrations (i.e., 0.1% and 1%). Serum
indicator factors of the test and control groups were tested to evaluate the toxic effects of this compound on the liver and kidney. Results showed that
aloe-emodin inhibited the growth of Leishmania amastigotes and induced apoptosis in promastigotes. Topical application of
aloe-emodin ointment likewise reduced the
ulcer size. No significant differences in biochemical analysis were observed between the control and treated groups. In conclusion,
aloe-emodin showed antileishmanial effects under in vitro and in vivo conditions and may be used in clinical trials.