Dihydrobetulinic Acid Induces Apoptosis in Leishmania donovani by Targeting DNA Topoisomerase I and II: Implications in Antileishmanial Therapy

Leishmaniasis is the second-most dreaded parasitic disease in the modern world, behind malaria. The lack of effective vaccines demand improved chemotherapy along with the development of lead compounds and newer targets. We report here that the pentacyclic triterpenoid, dihydrobetulinic acid (DHBA), is a novel lead compound for antileishmanial therapy. It acts by targeting DNA topoisomerases. DNA topoisomerase I and II activity was studied using...