In vitro study of the antihemolytic and antioxidant potential of two essential oils from Salvia officinalis L. and Curcuma longa L. against glucantime® toxicity

Our study is a strategy aimed at improving the therapeutic index of the molecule by reducing its toxicity while maintaining its activity. To this end, we will investigate the use of Salvia officinalis L. and Curcuma longa L. essential oils, which are rich in molecules with potential therapeutic activities. These oils will be tested and evaluated in vitro on the red blood cells by measuring three biological parameters, including intracellular LDH concentration, potassium concentration, and extra cellular hemoglobin level, to assess their antihemolytic activity. Additionally, we will examine markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, and protein carbonylation, to determine their antioxidant activity. Curcuma longa L. and Salvia officinalis L. essential oils have been demonstrated to decrease the destruction of red blood cells significantly. Thereby protecting erythrocytes from hemolysis induced by glucantime. Specifically, the study observed a progressive decrease in intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations, with levels dropping from 77 U/L to 44 U/L in suspensions with Salvia officinalis L. and from 89 U/L to 47 U/L for Curcuma longa L. over time. However, these decreases were not as pronounced as the reduction seen with glucantime alone, which lowered LDH levels from 67 U/L to 21 U/L. Moreover, glucantime treatment led to a significant decrease in intracellular potassium concentration, falling from 2.03 mmol/L to 1.38 mmol/L. In contrast, the presence of the essential oils diminished this effect; potassium levels decreased to 2.1 mmol/L with Curcuma longa L. and to 1.69 mmol/L with Salvia officinalis L. Furthermore, hemoglobin was detected at a low initial concentration of 0.0021 g/L in suspensions containing glucantime, which escalated to 0.201 g/L by the end of the observation period. Significantly, the hemoglobin levels were lower when the essential oils were present. Additionally, the results indicated that Curcuma longa L. essential oil possesses a relatively greater antihemolytic capacity compared to that of Salvia officinalis L. Both essential oils demonstrated antioxidant properties by mitigating oxidative stress effects caused by glucantime, as evidenced by reductions in the levels of catalase, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde, and carbonylated proteins. Our results are suggestive that Salvia officinalis L. and Curcuma longa L. essential oils can protect erythrocytes against glucantime-induced hemolytic phenomena. This effect is due to these essential oils' antioxidant activities. • Salvia officinalis and Curcuma longa essential oils protect red blood cell membranes from glucantime. • Essential oil treatment leads to reduced hemolysis and intracellular LDH in erythrocytes. • The antioxidant effect of essential oils reduces oxidative stress markers in red blood cells. • A potential co-therapy that occurs naturally may be used to enhance the safety of glucantime for patients with leishmaniasis.