Anti Leishmanial Effect of Plantago psyllium (ovate) and White Vinegar on Leishmania major Lesion in BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Background: Leishmania major is the etiologic agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran, and glucantime in­jection is currently used for its treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-leishmanial effect of topical Plantago psyllium and white vinegar in L. major infected BALB/c mice.
 Methods: Thirty infected mice were divided into five groups as follows: Group‌ 1: treated with the combination of ovata powder and white vinegar, Group 2: treated with glucantime, Group 3: treated with white vinegar, Group 4: treated with the combination of ovata powder and water, and Group 5: without any treatment. All the groups were treated for 18 days. Lesion size was measured, and final smears were prepared for microscopic examination.
 Results: The findings indicated that the difference in the mean areas of the ulcers in all the groups before and after treatment was not significant, except for the second (glucantime) and third (vinegar) groups. Also, the results showed that in the first, second, third, and fourth group, 6 (60%), 4 (80%), 3 (60%), and 2 (40%) mice were healed, respective­ly. However, ulcers remained in all the five mice of the control group.
 Conclusion: The combination of ovata powder and white vinegar has been traditionally used to treat leishmanial lesions in Iran. It seems the most anti-leishmanial effect is related to vinegar and supported by Plantago. The route of treatment with this combination is very simple and painless in comparison with injection. Thus, further studies on this issue could help to design more effective and easy-to-use drugs.

Examination of the Topical Effect of the Combination of Plantago ovata and Vinegar on the Improvement of Rural Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions

“…For treating skin lesions, it is better to use therapies that have less systemic absorption and fewer complications. Therefore, considering that the combination of P. ovata and vinegar has been mentioned as lesion relief in TPM texts,[ 17 18 ] the very aim of the present study was to examine the topical effect of the combination of P. ovata and vinegar in the improvement of the rural cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.…”

“…They have noted that the main effect of the treatment was related to vinegar and P. ovata played a supporting role. [ 18 ]…”

“…Regarding the effect of P. ovata and vinegar, only one study was performed on mice and indicated that this combination can provide the best therapeutic effect, the main part of which is related to vinegar and P. ovata has a supportive and maintenance role. [ 18 ]…”