A Systematic Literature Review of Curcumin with Promising Antileishmanial Activity

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antiprotozoal-agents #apoptosis #curcumin #leishmania #pharmaceutical-preparations

A Systematic Literature Review of Curcumin with Promising Antileishmanial Activity

Saberi et al., 2021 | Infect Disord Drug Targets | Systematic Review

Citation

Saberi Reza, Fakhar Mahdi, ... Keighobadi Masoud. A Systematic Literature Review of Curcumin with Promising Antileishmanial Activity. Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2021;21(3):363-369. doi:10.2174/1871526520666200525013458

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Curcumin (CUR) is a bright yellow chemical and it is used as an additive in foods. Recently CUR and its associated bioactive compounds have received much attention in the literature review. The aim of this systematic review is to overview the antileishmanial properties of CUR and its mechanism; perhaps the results of this study will be used for therapeutic and preventive purposes. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, international databases were systematically searched for studies published until September 2019. Articles related to the subject were selected and included in this systematic review. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles met our eligibility criteria. Then, the effect of CUR and its associated bioactive compounds on Leishmania species was evaluated. In most studies, CUR/derivatives were tested on L. major and in vitro condition. Most investigations were conducted on the promastigote rather than the more relevant intracellular amastigote stage. Our results showed that CUR overcomes the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on Leishmania parasites. CONCLUSION: This review indicated that CUR derivatives, instead of CUR alone showed a high potential to serve as an effective herbal drug against leishmaniasis. Moreover, we concluded that the antileishmanial activity of CUR/bioactive compounds is mostly due to increased oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Key Findings

A total of 15 articles met our eligibility criteria. Then, the effect of CUR and its associated bioactive compounds on Leishmania species was evaluated. In most studies, CUR/derivatives were tested on L. major and in vitro condition. Most investigations were conducted on the promastigote rather than the more relevant intracellular amastigote stage. Our results showed that CUR overcomes the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on Leishmania parasites.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Apoptosis
  • Curcumin
  • Leishmania
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: curcumin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09