Abstract

Background: NPs (NPs) with unique chemical and physical properties can be used for therapeutic purposes because of their strong antimicrobial activates. NPs have been used as an antimicrobial agents to inhibit microbial growth. Objectives: In view of the strong antimicrobial activity of NPs, the biogenic synthesis and leishmanicidal activity of rod-shaped zinc oxide (R-ZnO) NPs was explored using Lilium ledebourii tuber extract. Materials and Methods: The ensuing NPs are characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and their leishmanicidal activity evaluated against the Leishmania major (L. major) by MTT assay. Results: The R-ZnO NPs displayed excellent leishmanicidal activity against the L. major as they significantly inhibited the amastigotes. The IC50 values of R-ZnO NPs being similar to 0.001 mg.mL(-)(1). R-ZnO NPs can inhibit L. major growth in a dose-dependent manner under in vitro conditions. Conclusion: A simple, low-cost feasible and eco-friendly procedure was developed for biosynthesis of R-ZnO NPs using natural bioresource that can inhibit human parasite cells growth in a dose-dependent manner under in vitro conditions.