Mohamed M, Ahmed MM, Elwaleed EH, Walaa SE and Mahgoub SE
Leishmaniasis which is a neglected tropical disease is a global health problem. The treatment options are limited. They are either toxic or expensive. This study was conducted to test some medicinal plants belonging to Asteraceae family against Leishmania donovani promastigotes. Five plants have been selected: Helianthus annuus leaves, Pulicaria crispa aerial parts, Geigeria alata aerial parts, Acanthospermum hispidum aerial parts and Sonchus oleraceus leaves. H. annuus and P. crispa petroleum ether and chloroform extracts showed significant antileishmanial activity at 50 μg/mL in the general screening test, whereas the other three plant extracts showed significant antileishmanial activity in only one solvent system. H. annuus and P. crispa were further tested at doses range of 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 μg/mL. The IC50 for petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of H. annuus were 4.5 and 3 μg/mL respectively. While the IC50 for petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of P. crispa were 4.9 and 3.75 μg/mL respectively. Thin layer chromatography for the active extracts of H. annuus and P. crispa has revealed the high similarity in their chemical composition which explains the similarity of their antiparasitic activity.