The nanoemulsion-based nanogel of Artemisia dracunculus essential oil with proper activity against Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major

The most common form of leishmaniasis is cutaneous leishmaniasis, and it is distributed in around 100 countries. Preparing essential oil-based nanoformulations with the leishmanicidal effect is a promising strategy for the development of new drugs. In this study, the leishmanicidal effects of essential oils of Artemisia dracunculus, Zataria multiflora, and Zingiber officinale against promastigotes of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major were first evaluated. The nanoemulsion of the most potent essential oil, A. dracunculus, was then prepared; particle size was 7.86 ± 4 nm, and particle size distribution (SPAN) was 0.96 ± 0.1. By addition (1.5% w/v) of carbomer 940, nanoemulsion transformed into the nanogel dosage form. The leishmanicidal property of the nanogel was significantly better than that of non-formulated A. dracunculus essential oil. Interestingly, the promastigotes viabilities at a 160 μg/mL concentration were decreased to ~ 0%. The prepared green nanoformulation could be used as supplementary drugs in cutaneous leishmaniasis.