Antileishmanial Effects of Bunium Persicum Crude Extract, Essential Oil, and Cuminaldehyde on Leishmania Major: In Silico and In Vitro Properties

Purpose Cuminaldehyde (CA), an oxidized aldehyde monoterpene, is a major essential oil component in cumin seeds, which has shown different promising medical effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Bunium persicum (Boiss) B. Fedtsch (Apiaceae) and one of its main essential oil constituents, CA, focus on the mechanisms of action. Methods We used a molecular docking approach to examine the capability of CA for binding to IL-12P40 and TNF-alpha. The colorimetric assay was performed to assess the effect of B. persicum crude extract, essential oil, and CA, against Leishmania major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. The expression of IFN-gamma, IL-12P40, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 genes was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction qPCR. Results Docking analyses in the current study indicated CA binds to IL-12P40 and TNF-alpha. These products were safe, extremely antileishmanial, and significantly promoted Th1-related cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-12P40, TNF-alpha), while downregulating the Th2 phenotype (IL-10). Conclusion Cumin essential oil and its major component, CA, possessed powerful antileishmanial activity. The primary mechanism of activity involves an immunomodulatory role toward Th1 cytokine response. Therefore, cumin essential oil and CA deserve further explorations as promising medications for treating leishmaniasis.