# Unveiling the Leishmanicidal Mechanism of 4‐Nerolidylcatechol Isolated From Piper peltatum Against Leishmania infantum

## TL;DR

This study shows that a compound from Piper peltatum effectively kills Leishmania parasites and induces cell death with low toxicity to human cells.

## Contribution

The first report on the leishmanicidal activity and mechanism of 4-nerolidylcatechol from Piper peltatum.

## Key findings

- 4-NC and the extract induced apoptosis in Leishmania through reactive oxygen species production.
- 4-NC and the extract showed minimal toxicity to human cells at higher concentrations.
- The study tested 4-NC against L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. infantum.

## Abstract

The present study assessed the leishmanicidal activity of 4‐nerolidylcatechol (4‐NC) (1) isolated from Piper peltatum leaves against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. infantum. The plant was fractionated, leading to the isolation and chemical identification of 4‐NC (1). Biochemical techniques were subsequently employed to investigate the mechanism of action of both the extract and the compound. The induction of cellular apoptosis through reactive oxygen species production appears to be a predominant mechanism of action. In addition, both 4‐NC (1) and the hydroethanolic extract showed minimal toxicity to human cells, even at higher concentrations. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report highlighting the leishmanicidal properties of 4‐NC (1).