Antileishmanial Activity of the Genus Piper: A Systematic Review

Background: Leishmaniases are anthropozoonotic vector-borne diseases, caused by the protozoan Leishmania spp. These diseases have significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and, as there are currently no vaccines available for their treatment, chemotherapy remains the mainstay for anti-leishmanial therapeutics. However, the severe side effects, reduced bioavailability, high cost and chemoresistance, amongst other problems, limit the use of available drugs. In recent years, natural compounds have shown promise as anti-leishmanial agents, especially those extracted from medicinal plants. The genus Piper has been used in traditional medicine and widely explored for its biological properties and bioactive phytocompounds.

Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review of the biological activity of the genus Piper against the etiological agents of leishmaniasis, to provide a perspective for effective and safe phytotherapics, new drugs or potentially active prototype chemical substances.

Methodology: This systematic review was prepared in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The databases used for this review were SciELO, Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, using a temporal profile of 2009 to 2020.

Conclusion: In this review, we summarize a wide range of isolated compounds, extracts and essential oils of the genus Piper that are worth screening given their potential for development as effective anti-leishmanial drugs.