Sesamol Induces Apoptosis-Like Cell Death in Leishmania donovani

Abstract

Sesamol inhibited the growth and proliferation of <i>L. donovani</i> promastigotes in a dose-dependent manner. It also reduced the intracellular parasite load without causing significant toxicity on host-macrophages. Overall, it showed antileishmanial effects through induction of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis-like cell death to parasites. Our results suggested the possible use of sesamol for the treatment of leishmaniasis after further <i>in vivo</i> validations.