Histamine H1-receptor antagonists against Leishmania (L.) infantum: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation using phosphatidylserine-liposomes

- Leishmania promastigotes were susceptible to seven H1-antagonists.
- Cinnarizine was effective against the amastigotes, with an IC50 value of 21 μM.
- H1-antagonists showed moderate mammalian cytotoxicity (IC50 values 57 to 229 μM).
- Free cinnarizine failed to treat Leishmania-infected hamsters at 100 mg/kg.
- The liposomal cinnarizine (3 mg/kg) reduced the parasite burden to 54% in liver.