In Vitro Evaluation of Antileishmanial Activity of Commiphora myrrha Essential Oil Nanoliposome

Leishmaniasis poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue in parasitology, offering novel strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases like leishmaniasis. Hence, the current study investigates the in vitro efficacy of nanoliposomal formulations containing Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) essential oil in combating Leishmania tropica (MHOM/IR/99/YAZ1).

Commiphora myrrha essential oil and nanoliposomes were prepared in RPMI-1640 medium at concentrations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 µg/dL. Promastigotes were exposed to these compounds for 24 h, and viability was assessed using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.

Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed nanoliposomes of C. myrrha essential oil to be approximately 122.3 nm in size with a polydispersity index of 0.852, indicating nanoscale formulation and good particle dispersion. Significantly higher mortality rates were observed in promastigotes treated with nanoliposomes compared to those treated with C. myrrha essential oil alone (p < 0.005). Glucantime treatment demonstrated the highest mortality rate, significantly differing from C. myrrha essential oil and nanoliposome treatments (p < 0.001). The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) for C. myrrha essential oil nanoliposomes was determined to be 15.30 µg/mL (95% confidence interval: 10.70-28.04 µg/mL).

The results of the present study are promising, suggesting that C. myrrha essential oil nanoliposomes could play a significant role in the fight against L. tropica. Further in vivo studies with different doses are recommended.