Protective effect of Croton caudatus Geisel leaf extract against experimental visceral leishmaniasis induces proinflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo

Highlights
- Croton caudatus leaf extracts have been evaluated against Leishmania  donovani infection.
- Semi-purified Hexane extract was found to be most effective growth inhibitor.
- It could alter the biochemical parameters in promastigotes and inhibit amastigotes.
- It could induce the release of NO, IL-12 and TNF-α in infected macrophages.
- Oral therapy of the active extract could induce the release of IFN-γ in vivo.