In vitro Evaluation of Yazd Honey Effect on Leishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] Promastigotes

Background and Aim: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic illness carried by the bite of some species of sand flies. The cause of the disease is protozoan parasites of the genus leishmania. This study investigated the in vitro evaluation of Yazd honey effect on Leishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] promastigotes in stationary and logarithmic phases. Materials and Methods: Multifloral honey obtained by Yazd’s experienced beekeepers (Yazd, Iran) in the 2016–2017 harvest season was included in the study. The L. major strain, cataloged as [MRHO/IR/75/ER], was cultured in BALB/c mice. We extracted amastigotes from the spleens of these mice, which we then converted into promastigotes within the Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle (NNN) medium. The L. major strain was then carefully supplied at various times, and the parasite populations within the specified culture were monitored and quantified using both slide microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. We started with a consistent amount of parasites and placed them into vials with screw-caps filled with 5 mL of a liquid medium. This medium was infused with honey at various levels, including 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 micrograms per milliliter. These vials were then incubated for several durations: starting from zero and continuing at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Results: The results of the counts taken were measured against those of the control group and showed that parasite load reduced with increasing Yazd honey concentrations (6.25 to 50 µg/mL) and contact duration (6-96 hours). Conclusion: The findings revealed that honey has the capacity to curb the growth and survival of parasites, positioning it as a potential subject for research in both animals and humans.