Potential of bioactive molecules from photosynthetic microorganisms on Leishmania spp.: A review

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites from the Leishmania genus, representing a significant global public health issue that affects thousands of individuals daily. The existing treatment options are primarily based on pentavalent antimonials. However, adverse side effects, resistance, and ineffectiveness are frequently being reported. Microorganisms, such as microalgae and cyanobacteria, synthesize a broad range of compounds that could potentially serve as candidates for new drug development, given their rapid growth and minimal nutritional requirements. Among these, cyanobacteria have been the most extensively studied, while only one study has examined three genera of microalgae (Nannochloris spp., Picochlorum sp., and Desmochloris sp.). To date, only phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and peptides have demonstrated in vitro leishmanicidal activity, with peptides being the most promising source for the development of future pharmacological products against Leishmania.