Author/Authors :
Soomro, Farooq Rahman Chandka Medical College - Leishmaniasis Cell Leprosy Unit, Pakistan , Pathan, Ghulam Murtaza Chandka Medical College - Leishmaniasis Cell Leprosy Unit, Pakistan , Abbasi, Parvez Chandka Medical College Hospital - Pathology Department, Pakistan , Bhatti, Nuzhat Seema Chandka Medical College Hospital - Pathology Department, Pakistan , Hussain, Javeed Chandka Medical College Hospital - Dermatology Department, Pakistan , Sarwar, Ghulam Chandka Medical College Hospital - Dermatology Department, Pakistan , Bhutto, Abdul Manan Chandka Medical College Hospital - Dermatology Department, Pakistan , Yoshihisahashiguchi Kochi University - Kochi Medical School - Department of Parasitology, Japan
Abstract :
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in many parts of Pakistan. The mainstay of treatment is systemic pentavalent antimonials. However, many indigenous plants are also used for its treatment.Objective To test the hypothesis that Mat lippia (Bucan), a local plant, may be topically effective in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.Patients and methods The study comprised of two parts. Part 1: An alcoholic extract from the leaves of the plant was obtained and then 20% ointment in petroleum jelly was made. In part 2, eighty patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated with this ointment applied thrice daily for six weeks. Patients were followed up initially twice a week and then at weekly intervals for six weeks.Results 60% showed excellent response and 20% exhibited fair improvement.Conclusion 20% Mat lippia ointment seems to be effective in the treatment of leishmaniasis. However, further comparative studies are warranted to confirm these findings
