**Author details**

even at higher concentrations. The main target of licochalcone A was the mitochondrion of the parasite, whereas the host mitochondrion remained unaffected [48]. The reason for the same is still unknown but further studies suggested that the parasite respiratory rate was affected resulting in an overall decrease in parasite O2 consumption and CO2 production with a decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial dehydrogenases [50]. In vivo studies also showed high parasite elimination in in vivo studies upon intraperitoneal administration of licochalcone A as opposed to intralesional or oral administration [49]. All these findings suggests potential role of licochalcone A as an antileishmanial agent although studies understanding the

mechanism of this compound is still underway (**Figure 10**).

158 Biological Activities and Action Mechanisms of Licorice Ingredients

**Figure 10.** The effect of licochalcone A on the mitochondrion of the *Leishmania* parasite.

All these compounds have effectively showed their potential as antileishmanial agents. Future works leading to clinical trials of these compounds alone or in conjunction with present chemotherapeutics may highly benefit the *Leishmania* distressed people. Overall the immunomodulators of the herbal origin like licorice and its constituents open up avenues for formu-

We would like to acknowledge all our funding agencies, past and present: University Grants Commission, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), National Academy of

lation of cost-effective and low-toxicity drugs for diseases with limited treatment.

**5. Conclusion**

**Acknowledgements**

Purnima Gupta1 , Anindita Ukil1 and Pijush K. Das2\*

\*Address all correspondence to: pijushdas@iicb.res.in

1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India

2 Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
