In vitro anti-leishmanial activity of Boswellia sacra gum resin extract on Leishmania major promastigotes

Background: The adverse effects of traditional chemical treatments have driven interest in herbal compounds for leishmaniasis therapy. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anti-leishmanial effect of Boswellia sacra gum resin extract on the survival of Leishmania major promastigotes. Methods: Leishmania major strain (MHOM/IR/75/ER) was adjusted to 2 × 105 parasites per well. Promastigotes were exposed to a range of B. sacra gum resin extract concentrations (15, 25, 50, 70, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 µg/ml) for 24 hours. Viability and cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) with absorbance measured at 450 nm. Result: The B. sacra gum resin extract reduced promastigotes viability at various concentrations, with statistically significant effects observed at 800, 1600, and 3200 µg/mL (P ≤ 0.05). Cytotoxic effects at 1600 and 3200 µg/mL were significantly greater than those at 15, 25, and 50 µg/mL (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Based on the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity observed, Boswellia sacra resin extract warrants further investigation as a potential agent against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Future in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate efficacy and safety.