Effect of Resveratrol and Its Derivatives on Leishmania Viability: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: Leishmaniasis is among the seven more significant tropical diseases, and it is a major global health issue with a wide range of clinical symptoms and potentially lethal consequences. Resveratrol and its derivatives have been shown to have anti-Leishmanial properties. This study aimed to use a meta-analysis of relevant papers to determine the leishmanicidal impact of resveratrol and its derivatives. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search method was used to query the electronic databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus up until June 2021. The articles that met the inclusion criteria were chosen. Random-effects models were used to calculate mean differences in IC50 (concentration corresponding to a 50% reduction in Leishmania) for each outcome. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the evidence. To assess heterogeneity and the stability of the pooled data, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. The Egger's and Begg's tests were used to assess publication bias. Results: In the meta-analysis, nine studies were considered. Resveratrol (RSV) and its derivatives significantly reduced survivability in Leishmania promastigote [24.02 mg/ml; (95% CI 17.1, 30.8); P<0.05; I2 = 99.8%; P Heterogeneity = 0.00] and amastigote [18.3 mg/ml; (95% CI 13.5, 23.2); P<0.05; I2 = 99.6%; P Heterogeneity= 0.00]. The meta-analysis revealed a considerable publication bias. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the effect magnitude was similar, but the heterogeneity was reduced. According to subgroup analysis, the pooled effect sizes of leishmanicidal resveratrol and its derivatives were altered by the kind of stilbenes and Leishmania species. Conclusion: According to the findings of this meta-analysis, RSV and its derivatives could be a possible therapeutic option for leishmaniasis. However, more research is needed to confirm and employ this chemical against Leishmania.