Antiparasitic Activity of Essential Oils Against the Parasite Trypanosoma cruzi: An Integrative Review

Trypanosoma cruzi is identified as the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of individuals in vulnerable regions. Available treatments have limitations due to inefficacy against resistant strains and severe side effects. In this context, medicinal plants have been considered promising therapeutic alternatives, with essential oils (EOs) standing out for their antiparasitic properties and potential for the development of new drugs. Addressing this issue, an integrative literature review was conducted to compile reports on the activity of EOs against T. cruzi from 2003 to 2023. Articles were selected from recognized databases, including PUBMED, Scopus, Web of Science, SCIELO, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The results highlighted more than 60 plant species identified as promising, with the highest numbers reported in the families Myrtaceae (14 species), Annonaceae (10 species), and Verbenaceae (10 species). Among the species with the greatest anti-Trypanosoma cruzi potential, Duguetia quitarensis (IC50 = 0.26 μg/mL, trypomastigotes), Guatteria punctata (IC50 = 0.029 μg/mL, trypomastigotes), Fusaea longifolia (IC50 = 0.3 μg/mL, trypomastigotes), Dysphania ambrosioides (IC50 = 1.9–12.2 μg/mL, amastigotes), and Phania matricarioides (IC50 = 2.2 μg/mL, amastigotes) stood out. These findings suggest that essential oils hold significant potential for controlling and reducing mortality associated with Chagas disease.