Antileishmanial activity of Annona species (Annonaceae)

Abstract

Annona species are widely used in traditional medicine against leishmaniasis. In vitro studies have confirmed their antileishmanial activity. Objective: review the antileishmanial activity of Annona species. Results: This article provides a review Annona species activity against leishmaniasis, in which it suggests that extracts of A. mucosa were active against promastigotes and amastigotes of L. amazonensis. Moreover, extracts of A. crassiflora were active only against promastigotes of L. donovani, whereas the extract, alkaloid fraction and liriodenine of A. foetida were active against promastigotes of L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis. Liriodenine was also very active against L. amazonensis. Furthermore, extracts and fractions from stems of A. muricata were active against Leishmania sp. This activity may be related to the presence of acetogenins, since fractionation contributed to increase activity. The fractionation of A. purpurea extract contributed to antileishmanial activity, and resulted in a fraction with high selectivity. Such activity may be related to alkaloids or acetogenins. Conclusions: In this review article it is suggested that Annona species are promising as leishmanicide and this activity may be related to acetogenins and alkaloids.