ITS1 Barcode and Phytochemical Analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry of Corynaea crassa Hook. f (Balanophoraceae) from Ecuador and Peru.

The use of medicinal plants is the basis of traditional healthcare. Recently, the use of herbal medicine has been increasing among consumers due to availability, economy, and less side effect. For instance, the hemiparasite plant Corynaea crassa has medicinal properties and could be found in some regions of America, from Costa Rica to Bolivia. Phytochemical and genetic characterization of medicinal plants is needed for proper identification of metabolites responsible for medicinal properties and for genotyping, respectively. Moreover, characterization of medicinal plants through the use of DNA barcodes is an important tool for phylogenetic analysis and identification of species; furthermore, complemented with phytochemical analysis, both are useful for identification of plant species and quality control of medicinal products. The objective of this study was to analyze the species of C. crassa collected in Ecuador and Peru from the phylogenetic and phytochemical point of view. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region after DNA extraction of samples of C. crassa. Blast analysis was performed in the GenBank database with the ITS1 sequences obtained from two accessions of C. crassa from Ecuador (GenBank accession numbers OM471920 and OM471919 for isolates CIBE-17 and CIBE-18, respectively) and three from Peru (GenBank accession numbers OM471921, OM471922, and OM471923 for isolates CIBE-13, CIBE-14, and CIBE-15, respectively). The accessions available in the GenBank were used for phylogenetic analysis. For the phytochemical analysis, hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained by maceration using 80% ethanol as solvent, followed by a derivatization process and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the C. crassa samples, the ITS1 sequence could be used to differentiate C. crassa of different locations. The samples of C. crassa from Ecuador and Peru are more similar between them than with other clades including Helosis spp. The phytochemical study revealed differences in the presence and relative abundance of some metabolites; mainly eugenol, 1,4-lactone arabinonic acid, dimethoxyrabelomycin and azelaic acid, which are reported for the first time for the species under study and the genus Corynaea. These results are the first findings on the combined analysis using genetic and phytochemical analysis for C. crassa, which could be used as a useful tool for quality control of the C. crassa species in medicinal products.

Molecular barcode and morphological analysis of Smilax purhampuy Ruiz, Ecuador.

Smilax plants are distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions in both hemispheres of the world. They are used extensively in traditional medicines in a number of countries. However, morphological and molecular barcodes analysis, which may assist in the taxonomic identification of species, are lacking in Ecuador. In order to evaluate the micromorphological characteristics of these plants, cross sections of Smilax purhampuy leaves were obtained manually. The rhizome powder, which is typically used in traditional medicines, was analyzed for micromorphological characteristics. All samples were clarified with 1% sodium hypochlorite. Tissues were colored with 1% safranin in water and were fixed with glycerinated gelatin. DNA was extracted from the leaves using a modified CTAB method for molecular barcode characterization and PCR was performed using primers to amplify the different loci including the plastid genome regions atpF-atpH spacer, matK gene, rbcL gene, rpoB gene, rpoC1 gene, psbK-psbI spacer, and trnH-psbA spacer; and the nuclear DNA sequence ITS2. A DNA sequence similarity search was performed using BLAST in the GenBank nr database and phylogenetic analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood method according to the best model identified by MEGAX using a bootstrap test with 1,000 replicates. Results showed that the micromorphological evaluation of a leaf cross section depicted a concave arrangement of the central vein, which was more pronounced in the lower section and had a slight protuberance. The micromorphological analysis of the rhizome powder allowed the visualization of a group of cells with variable sizes in the parenchyma and revealed thickened xylematic vessels associated with other elements of the vascular system. Specific amplicons were detected in DNA barcoding for all the barcodes tested except for the trnH-psbA spacer. BLAST analysis revealed that the Smilax species was predominant in all the samples for each barcode; therefore, the genus Smilax was confirmed through DNA barcode analysis. The barcode sequences psbK-psbI, atpF-atpH, and ITS2 had a better resolution at the species level in phylogenetic analysis than the other barcodes we tested.

Morphological and molecular barcode analysis of the medicinal tree Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq. collected in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq., (Sapotaceae), originated from Africa, were introduced to coastal areas in Ecuador where it is not extensively used as a traditional medicine to treat various human diseases. Different therapeutically uses of the species include: analgesic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, inflammation and pain relieve associated with bone and articulation-related diseases. Furthermore, Mimusops coriacea could be used as anti-oxidant agent. However, botanical, chemical or molecular barcode information related to this much used species is not available from Ecuador. In this study, morphological characterization was performed from leaves, stem and seeds. Furthermore, genetic characterization was performed using molecular barcodes for rbcL, matk, ITS1 and ITS2 using DNA extracted from leaves. METHODS: Macro-morphological description was performed on fresh leaves, stem and seeds. For anatomical evaluation, tissues were embedded in paraffin and transversal dissections were done following incubation with sodium hypochlorite and safranin for coloration and fixated later in glycerinated gelatin. DNA extraction was performed using a modified CTAB protocol from leaf tissues, while amplification by PCR was accomplished for the molecular barcodes rbcL, matK, ITS1 and ITS2. Sequence analysis was performed using blast in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with accessions queried in the GenBank belonging to the subfamily Sapotoideae. RESULTS: Leaf size was 13.56 ± 1.46 × 7.49 ± 0.65 cm; where is a macro-morphological description of the stem (see Methods). The peel of the seeds is dark brown. Sequence analysis revealed that amplicons were generated using the four barcodes selected. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the barcodes rbcL and matK, were not discriminated between species within the same genus of the subfamily Sapotoideae. On the other hand, the ITS1 and ITS2 were discriminative at the level of genus and species of the Sapotoideae.

Efecto antiinflamatorio y antimicótico del extracto alcohólico y composición química del aceite de hojas de Conyza bonariensis (L) Cronquist (canilla de venado) / Anti-inflammatory and antimitotic effect of the alcoholic extract and chemical composition of the oil from Conyza bonariensis (L) Cronquist (deer shinbone) leaves

Introducción: la especie Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist, comúnmente llamada canilla de venado, es de origen americano. Objetivos: contribuir al estudio farmacológico y toxicológico de los extractos alcohólicos y a la evaluación química del aceite de hojas de C bonariensis de Ecuador. Métodos: se emplearon 2 tinturas a 50 por ciento con etanol a 70 y 90 por ciento de hojas secas. Se realizó un estudio fitoquímico a través del sistema acoplado de cromatografía gaseosa-espectrometría de masas, se determinó el efecto antimicótico mediante inhibición de dilución en placa con siembra en superficie por diseminación, y antiinflamatorio en el modelo de edema de la oreja inducido por aceite de Croton en ratones albinos de la línea OF1. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico mostró presencia de aceites esenciales, triterpenos-esteroides, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides, quinonas, antocianidinas, saponinas y compuestos reductores. Se determinó estructuras a 32 componentes del aceite esencial extraído de las hojas y el sesquiterpeno: trans-b-farneseno resultó el componente mayoritario con 70,82 por ciento, este compuesto se informa por primera vez en esta especie. El extracto hidroalcohólico (25 µL a cada lado de las orejas tratadas) inhibió significativamente la inflamación comparado con bencidamina. Conclusiones: los extractos hidroalcohólicos mostraron efecto antiinflamatorio en las condiciones experimentales del estudio y se determinó la composición química del aceite de hojas de C. bonariensis

Introduction: the Conyza bonariensis (L) Cronquist species, usually called deer shinbone is of American origin. Objectives: to contribute to the pharmacological and toxicological study of alcoholic extracts and to the chemical assessment of C. bonariensis leaf oil from Ecuador. Methods: two 50 percent tinctures of 70 percent and 90 percent ethanol content in dry leaves were used. A phytochemical study was conducted by an combined system of mass spectrometry and gas chromatography; the amniotic effect was determined using plate dilution inhibition with surface culturing by dissemination, and the anti-inflammatory effect in the Croton oil induced ear edema model in OF1 line albino mice. Results: the phytochemical screening showed the presence of essential oils, triterpene-steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, quinones, anthocyanidines, saponins and reducing compounds. The structures of 32 essential oil components extracted from the leaves were identified along with and the sesquiterpene trans-b-farnesene that was the major component (70.82 percent), this compound is reported for the first time in this species. The hydroalcoholic extract (25 µL on each side of the treated ears) significantly inhibited inflammation compared to benzidamine. Conclusions: hydroalcoholic extracts showed anti-inflammatory effect in the experimental conditions of the study and the chemical composition of C. bonariensis leaf oil was identified

Efecto antiinflamatorio y antimicótico del extracto alcohólico y composición química del aceite de hojas de Conyza bonariensis (L) Cronquist (canilla de venado) / Anti-inflammatory and antimitotic effect of the alcoholic extract and chemical composition of the oil from Conyza bonariensis (L) Cronquist (deer shinbone) leaves

Introducción: la especie Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist, comúnmente llamada canilla de venado, es de origen americano. Objetivos: contribuir al estudio farmacológico y toxicológico de los extractos alcohólicos y a la evaluación química del aceite de hojas de C bonariensis de Ecuador. Métodos: se emplearon 2 tinturas a 50 por ciento con etanol a 70 y 90 por ciento de hojas secas. Se realizó un estudio fitoquímico a través del sistema acoplado de cromatografía gaseosa-espectrometría de masas, se determinó el efecto antimicótico mediante inhibición de dilución en placa con siembra en superficie por diseminación, y antiinflamatorio en el modelo de edema de la oreja inducido por aceite de Croton en ratones albinos de la línea OF1. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico mostró presencia de aceites esenciales, triterpenos-esteroides, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides, quinonas, antocianidinas, saponinas y compuestos reductores. Se determinó estructuras a 32 componentes del aceite esencial extraído de las hojas y el sesquiterpeno: trans-b-farneseno resultó el componente mayoritario con 70,82 por ciento, este compuesto se informa por primera vez en esta especie. El extracto hidroalcohólico (25 µL a cada lado de las orejas tratadas) inhibió significativamente la inflamación comparado con bencidamina. Conclusiones: los extractos hidroalcohólicos mostraron efecto antiinflamatorio en las condiciones experimentales del estudio y se determinó la composición química del aceite de hojas de C. bonariensis(AU)

Introduction: the Conyza bonariensis (L) Cronquist species, usually called deer shinbone is of American origin. Objectives: to contribute to the pharmacological and toxicological study of alcoholic extracts and to the chemical assessment of C. bonariensis leaf oil from Ecuador. Methods: two 50 percent tinctures of 70 percent and 90 percent ethanol content in dry leaves were used. A phytochemical study was conducted by an combined system of mass spectrometry and gas chromatography; the amniotic effect was determined using plate dilution inhibition with surface culturing by dissemination, and the anti-inflammatory effect in the Croton oil induced ear edema model in OF1 line albino mice. Results: the phytochemical screening showed the presence of essential oils, triterpene-steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, quinones, anthocyanidines, saponins and reducing compounds. The structures of 32 essential oil components extracted from the leaves were identified along with and the sesquiterpene trans-b-farnesene that was the major component (70.82 percent), this compound is reported for the first time in this species. The hydroalcoholic extract (25 µL on each side of the treated ears) significantly inhibited inflammation compared to benzidamine. Conclusions: hydroalcoholic extracts showed anti-inflammatory effect in the experimental conditions of the study and the chemical composition of C. bonariensis leaf oil was identified(AU)

Chemistry, cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity of the essential oil from Piper auritum.

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic infections, but current treatments are unsatisfactory due to their toxicity, cost and resistance. Therefore, the development of new antileishmanial compounds is imperative. Many people who live in endemic areas use plants as an alternative to treat the disease. In this paper, we characterised the essential oil from Piper auritum, evaluated its cytotoxicity and determined its antileishmanial activity. The chromatogram obtained by gas chromatography revealed 60 peaks and we found that safrole was the most abundant compound, composing 87% of the oil. The oil was active against the promastigotes of Leishmania major, Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania donovani with a favourable selectivity index against peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. The Piper-oil inhibited the growing of intracellular amastigotes of L. donovani with an IC50 value of 22.3 +/- 1.8 microg/mL. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the essential oils as a promising alternative to treat leishmaniasis.

Chemistry, cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity of the essential oil from Piper auritum

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic infections, but current treatments are unsatisfactory due to their toxicity, cost and resistance. Therefore, the development of new antileishmanial compounds is imperative. Many people who live in endemic areas use plants as an alternative to treat the disease. In this paper, we characterised the essential oil from Piper auritum, evaluated its cytotoxicity and determined its antileishmanial activity. The chromatogram obtained by gas chromatography revealed 60 peaks and we found that safrole was the most abundant compound, composing 87 percent of the oil. The oil was active against the promastigotes of Leishmania major, Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania donovani with a favourable selectivity index against peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. The Piper-oil inhibited the growing of intracellular amastigotes of L. donovani with an IC50 value of 22.3 ± 1.8 ìg/mL. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the essential oils as a promising alternative to treat leishmaniasis.

Chemistry, cytotoxicity and antileishmanial activity of the essential oil from Piper auritum

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic infections, but current treatments are unsatisfactory due to their toxicity, cost and resistance. Therefore, the development of new antileishmanial compounds is imperative. Many people who live in endemic areas use plants as an alternative to treat the disease. In this paper, we characterised the essential oil from Piper auritum, evaluated its cytotoxicity and determined its antileishmanial activity. The chromatogram obtained by gas chromatography revealed 60 peaks and we found that safrole was the most abundant compound, composing 87 por ciento of the oil. The oil was active against the promastigotes of Leishmania major, Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania donovani with a favourable selectivity index against peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. The Piper-oil inhibited the growing of intracellular amastigotes of L. donovani with an IC50 value of 22,3 ± 1,8 ìg/mL. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the essential oils as a promising alternative to treat leishmaniasis(AU)

Efecto antiinflamatorio y composición química del aceite de ramas de bursera graveolens triana & planch. (palo santo) de Ecuador / Antinflammatory effect and chemical composition of bursera graveolens triana & planch. branch oil (palo santo) from Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN: la especie Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch, comúnmente llamada palo santo, es una planta nativa de las costas ecuatorianas y peruanas. OBJETIVOS: contribuir al estudio fitoquímico y farmacológico de la especie B. graveolens, nativa de San José de Ancón, provincia de Santa Elena, Ecuador. MÉTODOS: se empleó el extracto hidroalcohólico 50 porciento de ramas secas. Se realizó un estudio fitoquímico a través del sistema acoplado de cromatografía gaseosa-espectrometría de masas y se determinó el efecto antiinflamatorio en el modelo de edema de la oreja inducido por aceite de Crotón en ratones albinos de la línea OF1. RESULTADOS: el tamizaje fitoquímico mostró presencia de aceites esenciales, triterpenos-esteroides, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides, quinonas, antocianidinas, saponinas y compuestos reductores. Se determinó estructuras a 11 componentes del aceite esencial extraído de las ramas y el sesquiterpeno denominado viridiflorol resultó el componente mayoritario con 70,82 porciento, este compuesto se informa por primera vez en esta especie. El extracto hidroalcohólico (25 mL a cada lado de las orejas tratadas) inhibió significativamente la inflamación comparado con la bencidamina. CONCLUSIONES: los extractos hidroalcohólicos mostraron un efecto antiinflamatorio en las condiciones experimentales del estudio y se determinó la composición química del aceite de ramas de B. graveolens de Ecuador.

INTRODUCTION: Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. species, commonly called palo santo, is an indigenous plant from Ecuadorian and Peruvian coasts. OBJECTIVES: to contribute to the phytochemical and pharmacological study of B. graveolens species from San José de Ancon, Santa Elena province, Ecuador. METHODS: 50 percent hydroalcoholic extract from dry branches was used. The phytochemical study was based on a combined system of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the antinflammatory effect was determined in the model of ear edema induced by Croton oil in albino OF1 mice. RESULTS: phytochemical screening showed the existence of essential oils, triterpen-steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, quinones, antocyanidines, saponins and reducing compounds. The structures of eleven essential oil components from branches were determined whereas sesquiterpene called viridiflorol turned out to be the main component with 70,82 percent; this is the first time that this compound is reported in this species. The hydroalcoholic extract (25 mL applied at each side of the treated ears) significantly inhibited the inflammation compared with the effect of benzydamine. CONCLUSIONS: hydroalcoholic extracts showed antinflammatory effect under experimental study conditions and the chemical composition of branch oil from B. graveolens from Ecuador was determined.

Efecto antiinflamatorio y composición química del aceite de ramas de Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. (palo santo) de Ecuador / Antinflammatory effect and chemical composition of Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. branch oil (palo santo) from Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN: la especie Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch, comúnmente llamada palo santo, es una planta nativa de las costas ecuatorianas y peruanas. OBJETIVOS: contribuir al estudio fitoquímico y farmacológico de la especie B. graveolens, nativa de San José de Ancón, provincia de Santa Elena, Ecuador. MÉTODOS: se empleó el extracto hidroalcohólico 50 porciento de ramas secas. Se realizó un estudio fitoquímico a través del sistema acoplado de cromatografía gaseosa-espectrometría de masas y se determinó el efecto antiinflamatorio en el modelo de edema de la oreja inducido por aceite de Crotón en ratones albinos de la línea OF1. RESULTADOS: el tamizaje fitoquímico mostró presencia de aceites esenciales, triterpenos-esteroides, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides, quinonas, antocianidinas, saponinas y compuestos reductores. Se determinó estructuras a 11 componentes del aceite esencial extraído de las ramas y el sesquiterpeno denominado viridiflorol resultó el componente mayoritario con 70,82 porciento, este compuesto se informa por primera vez en esta especie. El extracto hidroalcohólico (25 mL a cada lado de las orejas tratadas) inhibió significativamente la inflamación comparado con la bencidamina. CONCLUSIONES: los extractos hidroalcohólicos mostraron un efecto antiinflamatorio en las condiciones experimentales del estudio y se determinó la composición química del aceite de ramas de B. graveolens de Ecuador(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Bursera graveolens Triana & Planch. species, commonly called palo santo, is an indigenous plant from Ecuadorian and Peruvian coasts. OBJECTIVES: to contribute to the phytochemical and pharmacological study of B. graveolens species from San José de Ancon, Santa Elena province, Ecuador. METHODS: 50 percent hydroalcoholic extract from dry branches was used. The phytochemical study was based on a combined system of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the antinflammatory effect was determined in the model of ear edema induced by Croton oil in albino OF1 mice. RESULTS: phytochemical screening showed the existence of essential oils, triterpen-steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, quinones, antocyanidines, saponins and reducing compounds. The structures of eleven essential oil components from branches were determined whereas sesquiterpene called viridiflorol turned out to be the main component with 70,82 percent; this is the first time that this compound is reported in this species. The hydroalcoholic extract (25 mL applied at each side of the treated ears) significantly inhibited the inflammation compared with the effect of benzydamine. CONCLUSIONS: hydroalcoholic extracts showed antinflammatory effect under experimental study conditions and the chemical composition of branch oil from B. graveolens from Ecuador was determined(AU)

Combined effect of the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides and antileishmanial drugs on promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis.

To date, there are no vaccines against Leishmania, and chemotherapy remains the mainstay for the control of leishmaniasis. The drugs of choice used for leishmaniasis therapy are significantly toxic, expensive and with a growing frequency of refractory infections. Because of these limitations, a combination therapy is the better hope. This work demonstrates that the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides shows a synergic activity after incubation in conjunction with pentamidine against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. However, an indifferent effect has been found for combinations of meglumine antimoniate or amphotericin B and the essential oil.

Combined effect of the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides and antileishmanial drugs on promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis

To date, there are no vaccines against Leishmania, and chemotherapy remains the mainstay for the control of leishmaniasis. The drugs of choice used for leishmaniasis therapy are significantly toxic, expensive and with a growing frequency of refractory infections. Because of these limitations, a combination therapy is the better hope. This work demonstrates that the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides shows a synergic activity after incubation in conjunction with pentamidine against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. However, an indifferent effect has been found for combinations of meglumine antimoniate or amphotericin B and the essential oil.

Até hoje não temos vacina contra a Leishmania e a quimioterapia é a indicação para o controle desta doença. Os remédios que hoje utilizamos são tóxicos e muito caros e além disso o resultado não é sempre o desejado. Por isso, uma terapia de combinação é a melhor opção. Este trabalho mostra que o óleo de essência de C. ambrosioides tem atividade sinérgica junto com a pentamidina sobre os promastigotas de L. amazonensis, diferente do resultado da combinação de antimônio de meglumine e anfotericina B e o óleo de essência.

Combined effect of the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides and antileishmanial drugs on promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis

To date, there are no vaccines against Leishmania, and chemotherapy remains the mainstay for the control of leishmaniasis. The drugs of choice used for leishmaniasis therapy are significantly toxic, expensive and with a growing frequency of refractory infections. Because of these limitations, a combination therapy is the better hope. This work demonstrates that the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides shows a synergic activity after incubation in conjunction with pentamidine against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. However, an indifferent effect has been found for combinations of meglumine antimoniate or amphotericin B and the essential oil(AU)

Activity, toxicity and analysis of resistance of essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides after intraperitoneal, oral and intralesional administration in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis: a preliminary study.

The World Health Organization has classified the leishmaniasis as a major tropical disease. Current therapy is toxic, expensive and cause several adverse effects. The majority of people in endemic areas of leishmaniasis depend of natural and traditional medicine. This study was developed to examine the activity of the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis. The infected animals received two cycle of treatment by different routes (intraperitoneal, oral or intralesional route). The intraperitoneal administration of the essential oil at dose of 30 mg/Kg prevented lesion development and decrease the parasite burden. Oral administration retarded the infection in the experimental model compared with untreated mice, although it was less effective that the intraperitoneal route. The administration by intralesional route did not show activity. Intraperitoneal and oral treatment at 30 mg/Kg with the essential oil had better antileishmanial effect that treatment with the reference drug, amphotericin B at 1 mg/Kg. Preliminarily, we examined the toxicity and the resistance after treatment. Signs of toxicity were evident only in the animals treated by intraperitoneal route. No resistance was detected in L. amazonensis isolates obtained from treated mice. These data clearly demonstrated that this natural product could be an alternative for the development of a new drug against cutaneous leishmaniasis based in the ethnomedical information.

Activity of the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides grown in Cuba against Leishmania amazonensis.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Current therapy against leishmaniasis is unsatisfactory. Efficacious and safe new drugs are needed. In this study, we show the leishmanicidal effect of an essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides against Leishmania amazonensis. RESULTS: The tested product had a potent inhibitory action against promastigote and amastigote forms, with 50% effective dose values of 3.7 and 4.6 microg/ml, respectively. The essential oil showed a moderate toxicity on macrophages from BALB/c mice. An optimal dose of 30 mg/kg/day was effective when administered during 15 days by intraperitoneal route to BALB/c mice infected experimentally. CONCLUSION: These studies revealed a potential source for the discovery of novel drugs to combat the leishmaniasis based on the traditional medicine.