Monoterpenic aldehydes as potential anti-Leishmania agents: Activity of Cymbopogon citratus and citral on L. infantum, L. tropica and L. major

► Cymbopogon citratus essential oil, plant-derived product, was active on Leishmania. ► Anti-Leishmania activity of C. citratus was mainly due to citral compound. ► Essential oil and citral promoted depolarization of mitochondrial membrane. ► C. citratus essential oil and citral promoted cell-cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) phase. ► C. citratus and citral represent valuable sources for Leishmania infections control.