Ahmed A. M. Ali

Infections caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania are a major worldwide health problem with high morbidity and mortality in developing countries especially Sudan. The incidence of the disease has amplified since the emergence of AIDS. Since the discovery of the first drugs for Leishmaniasis treatment (i.e., pentavalent antimonials), up to now the search for substances with antileishmanial activity, without toxic effects, and able to overcome the emergence of drug-resistant strains still remains as the current goal. Moreover, in the absence of a vaccine there is a crucial need for effective drugs to replace/supplement those in current use. The plant kingdom is undeniably treasured as a source of new medicinal agents.   A thorough review of the literature on Sudanese plant extracts of natural origin either showing antileishmanial activity or expected to have, depending on the phytochemical screening is presented in this article. The review include 12 plants, their geographical distribution, the parts utilized, the type of extract, and the organism tested. The level of activity exhibited by the extracts depended largely on the type of solvent used for the extraction and the plant part used. Tannins demonstrated to be the key element of the antileishmanial properties and it is highlighted as potential source through the search for new Sudanese antileishmanial medicinal plants. The array of Sudanese medicinal plants that have demonstrated antileishmanial activity suggests that the hope to discover novel antileishmanial drugs is high.