Hexane Fraction of Cinnamomum verum Leaves Induces Apoptosis-like Cell Death in Leishmania amazonensis

Leishmaniasis is a serious public health issue, but current treatments have significant adverse effects. Although the leishmanicidal potential of Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon) bark is well known, the therapeutic potential of its leaves for leishmaniosis is still unclear. Through an in vitro study, we found that the hexane fraction of C. verum leaves had significant cytotoxic effects on L. amazonensis promastigotes (IC50 = 15.43 µg/mL) and amastigotes (IC50 = 16.6 µg/mL), whereas the hydroalcoholic extract and the more polar fractions did not show any effect. The fraction was highly selective against the parasite and induced apoptosis-like cell death, whereas the standard drug, pentamidine, promoted necrosis-like cell death. We suggest that this effect is due to the chemical composition of the fraction, which is rich in phytol and hexadecanoic acid. Our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of the hexane fraction of C. verum leaves for the treatment of leishmaniasis.