Introduction:

Leishmaniasis, a neglected disease that affects over 200 countries, has some limitations in its treatment, the main ones being the possibility of severe collecting effects promoted by medicines and the development of Leishmania varieties with resistance to medication. Considering the problems presented by the current treatments, new medicines have been researched, among them, the essential oils are pointed out as one of the most promising, because besides having natural origin, have good inhibitory potential and can stimulate the organism's defense system against Leishmania.

Aim:

To review addresses the antileishmanial activity of essential oils, more specifically the inhibitory potential and its selectivity. The action mechanisms already reported are also commented.

Results:

The inhibitory potential of essential oils (OE) against Leishmania is influenced mainly by the presence of aromatic hydroxyl in the OE isolated components, by the evolutionary form and by the species of Leishmania. The selectivity presented by the OE is influenced by the chemical composition and the evolutionary form of Leishmania. The main mechanisms of action of OE are mitochondrial apoptosis of Leishmania and, when in amastigote form, stimulation of the immune system of infected macrophage.

Conclusion:

The OE have the potential to be applied as drugs against Leishmania, however, it is necessary to consider the presence of aromatic hydroxyls in their composition for better applicability.