Unveiling of the antileishmanial activities of Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite through its potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects

This study aimed to produce linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite (LZNPs) and assess its in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects against Leishmania major. LZNPs was produced through the synthesis of an ethanolic solution containing polyvinyl alcohol. The average size of LZNPs was determined to be 105 nm. The findings indicated that LZNPs displayed significant (p < 0.01) antileishmanial effects on promastigotes and amastigotes. Following exposure of promastigotes to LZNPs, there was a notable rise in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells from 9.0 to 57.2 %. The gene expression levels of iNOS, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha in macrophages were upregulated in a dose-dependent approach following exposure to LZNPs. LZNPs alone and in conjunction with glucantime (Glu) resulted in a reduction in the diameter and parasite load of CL lesions in infected mice. Treatment of the CL-infected mice with LZNPs at 25 and 50 mg/kg mainly in combination with Glu-reduced the tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased both gene and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes as well as raised the expression level of IFN-gamma and IL-12 cytokines, whereas caused a significant reduction in the expression level of IL-4. The present study shows that LZNPs has potent antileishmanial effects and controls CL in a mice model through its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Further investigation, especially in clinical trials, could explore the potential use of this nanocomposite in managing and treating CL.