# A Review on Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Antiparasitic Potential of Mangifera indica L

## TL;DR

This review explores how mango (Mangifera indica) may offer natural treatments for parasitic diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis, based on its bioactive compounds and traditional use.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of M. indica's antiparasitic potential, highlighting gaps in mechanistic and clinical research.

## Key findings

- M. indica extracts and compounds like mangiferin show strong antiparasitic activity against malaria and helminths.
- Ethanolic extracts and mangiferin are more effective than other methods or compounds in many studies.
- Research on leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis is encouraging but limited, while data on toxoplasmosis and amoebiasis is speculative.

## Abstract

Parasitic infections remain a major global health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings where they are closely tied to poverty and inadequate sanitation. The increasing emergence of drug resistance and the limited accessibility of current therapies highlight the urgent need for novel, safe, and affordable alternatives. Mangifera indica L. (mango), a widely cultivated fruit tree deeply rooted in traditional medicine, has long been used to treat conditions symptomatic of parasitic diseases, including fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a rich spectrum of bioactive compounds, notably mangiferin, phenolic compounds and terpenoids, which exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. This review critically synthesizes evidence on the antiparasitic potential of M. indica against protozoa, such as Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica, and free-living amoebae, as well as helminths. Strongest evidence exists for malaria and helminth infections, where both crude extracts and isolated compounds demonstrated significant activity in vitro and in vivo. Encouraging but limited findings are available for leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, while data on toxoplasmosis and amoebiasis remain largely speculative. Variations in efficacy across studies are influenced by plant parts and extraction methods, with ethanolic extracts and mangiferin often showing superior results. Despite promising findings, mechanistic studies, standardized methodologies, toxicological evaluations, and clinical trials are scarce. Future research should focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms, exploring synergistic interactions with existing drugs, and leveraging advanced delivery systems to enhance bioavailability.