Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

The effectiveness of Harmaline along with meglumine antimoniate on Leishmania major

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahin Ghafourzadeh 1
Mohammad Mirzaie 1
Iraj Sharifi 2
Alireza Keyani 2
Ehsan Salarkiya 2

1 Pathobiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

10.30466/vrf.2025.2054947.4685
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by Leishmania species and transmitted via sandflies. Current control strategies against reservoir hosts and vectors are not eco-friendly. Using Harmaline (HA) from Peganum harmala, and meglumine antimoniate (MA) could be a promising therapy. The study aimed to explore the potential treatment outcomes and action mechanisms of HA and MA against L. major stages by investigating their effectiveness through molecular docking, anti-leishmanial effects, safety assessment, and apoptotic profile evaluation. According to the molecular docking results, the PLIP ligand interaction profiler (PLIP) identified that Bcl2 interacts with HA mainly through hydrogen bonds, while Bax uses both hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions, indicating a stronger binding of HA to Bax compared to Bcl2. HA, combined with MA (HA/MA) showed potent anti-leishmanial activity without toxicity. In vitro studies significantly demonstrated that HA inhibited the growth of promastigotes and amastigotes. HA/MA was more effective in inhibiting parasite growth. Based on the study findings, HA and HA/MA mixture can be considered a viable treatment option for cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Keywords

Harmaline
Leishmania major
Meglumine antimoniate

Subjects

Veterinary Research Forum

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 January 2026

  • Receive Date 03 March 2025
  • Revise Date 20 April 2025
  • Accept Date 20 May 2025

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