In-vitro evaluation of nano-liposomal formulation of Fluconazole and Amphotericin B against visceral leishmaniasis

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of a dual and single drug loaded nano-liposomal formulation of Amphotericin B and Fluconazole for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis with plain drugs.

We have formulated nano-liposomes (200–250 nm) from Amphotericin B and Fluconazole using dry film hydration method and have tested their efficacy on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania donovani strain. Physicochemical characterization, entrapment study, stability study, in-vitro release study, in-vitro macrophagic uptake studies (Confocal microscopy) and in-vitro antileishmanial activity were evaluated for various formulations containing Amphotericin B and Fluconazole.

The in-vitro cellular uptake confocal studies revealed that NR-loaded AmpB + Flu nanoliposomes have enhanced cellular uptake of formulation. The in-vitro inhibition of promastigotes and amastigotes with liposome containing both Amphotericin B and Fluconazole was significantly more than with liposomes containing individual drugs. The IC50 and CC50 of AmpB + Flu nanoliposomes against promastigotes was found to be 3.308μg/mL and 73.48μg/mL respectively, while the IC50 against axenic and intramacrophagic amastigotes was found to be 3.412 and 3.7028μg/mL respectively.

In conclusion, Liposomal formulation containing both Amphotericin B and Fluconazole had significantly greater efficacy than conventional combination and other formulation with individual drugs. Current dual drug loaded formulation may have a favourable safety profile, and if production costs are low, it may prove to be a feasible alternative to currently available therapy after in-vivo testing.