Spirulina platensis as a Natural Antileishmanial Candidate: Effective Inhibition of LRV2+ and LRV2− Leishmania major Isolates In Vitro

Mahya  Allahmoradi; Homa  Hajjaran; Zahra  Mirabedini; Hamed  Mirjalali; Mehdi  Mohebali; Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i4.20463

Mahya Allahmoradi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Homa Hajjaran Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Mirabedini Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamed Mirjalali Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Mohebali Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i4.20463

Keywords: Leishmania major; Herbal medicine; Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis); Leishmania RNA virus 2

Abstract

Background: Drug resistance and treatment failure in Leishmania infections are major concerns. Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) enhances host inflammation, indirectly favoring the parasite. Thus, alternative treatments are needed. Spirulina platensis has shown antimicrobial potential.

Methods: The alcoholic extract of S. platensis was tested against L. major with or without LRV2. Anti-promastigote activity was evaluated directly on parasites, cytotoxicity on J774.A1 macrophages, and anti-amastigote effects using the MTT assay.

Results: The extract showed significant, dose-dependent anti-leishmanial activity against both LRV2+ and LRV2− promastigotes (IC₅₀ = 62.5 μg/mL). J774.A1 cells remained viable at 62.5–2000 μg/mL (P = 0.0005). Amastigote growth was inhibited at 1000 and 2000 μg/mL in both strains.

Conclusion: S. platensis extract exhibits strong anti-leishmanial activity and low cytotoxicity, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate against L. major, irrespective of LRV2 status. Further in vivo studies are warranted.