bark extract induces oxidative stress mediated cellular apoptosis in parasite modulated by its active phytosterol constituent.

Visceral leishmaniasis still remains a leading cause of parasitic deaths, with modern pentavalent antimonials showing limited efficacy and health risks. The methanolic bark extract of the Northeastern Indian plant, , demonstrated potent leishmanicidal effects against the parasite , demonstrating IC values of 20-36 µg/ml, with selective toxicity for parasites over healthy cells. It induced parasite death through elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress elements, reduced arginase activity, nuclear fragmentation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. A GC-MS study and molecular docking identified stigmasterol as a primary component, an antileishmanial compound that inhibits parasite efficiently.