Overview of herbal and traditional remedies in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis based onTraditional Persian Medicine

Abstract

This study aims to describe the herbal and traditional remedies in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with an overview on related available evidence in modern medicine. This study is a review that focuses on the most important Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) sources including Avicenna's Canon of Medicine, Jorjani's Zakhīra‐yi Khārazmshāhī, and Aazam‐Khan's Eksir‐e‐Aazam, as well as pertinent information from Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database, and Google Scholar by using the keywords salak, rīsh‐e‐balkhi, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and leishmaniasis for selected remedies. Several oral and topical herbal remedies, such as Vitis vinifera L. (Unripe grapes), Berberis vulgaris L., Rheum ribes L., Santalum album L., Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl (Camphor), Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch, Crocus sativus L., Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb, honey, and Alum root, were mentioned in TPM resources for the treatment of CL. Furthermore, cauterization, cupping, and leech therapy were considered for this purpose. In this review, some evidence‐based studies will also be presented that have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of some of these products. In conclusion, the sages of TPM have recommended several systemic or topical medications, in addition to physical procedures, for treatment of CL, all of which could be a base for conducting further research on its efficacy.

Applications of Ma'aljobon, a natural remedy from traditional Persian medicine, in dermatology: A journey from past to modernity

“…Ulcer is disruption of continuity occurring in flesh and its surroundings which may become purulent 17 . This skin condition, that is, frequently mentioned in TPM sources, is known as “ Qoruh ” and “ Rish ,” and has various types, such as “ Sa'fah ,” “ Nar ol‐farsi ,” “ Rish‐e‐balkhi ,” and leprosy 8,25,26 …”

“…Nar ol‐farsi is also progressive blistery pimples, accompanied by pruritus and burning, caused by burned bile blended with black bile. Rish‐e‐balkhi is also an ulcer accompanied by crust and pus 17,26 …”

“…17 This skin condition, that is, frequently mentioned in TPM sources, is known as "Qoruh" and "Rish," and has various types, such as "Sa'fah," "Nar ol-farsi," "Rish-e-balkhi," and leprosy. 8, 25,26 Sa'fah is the ulcer which occurs mostly on the head and face. Nar ol-farsi is also progressive blistery pimples, accompanied by pruritus and burning, caused by burned bile blended with black bile.…”

“…Rish-e-balkhi is also an ulcer accompanied by crust and pus. 17,26 Ma'aljobon has a special role in the treatment of skin lesions, 2,7-9,12,21,27 especially when these lesions are infectious and ulcerative. 4 Avicenna recommends its use for Sa'fah and Rish-e Balkhi, combined with C. Epithymum and Fumaria Parviflora.…”

Boswellic Acids Show In Vitro Activity against Leishmania donovani

“…Fractionation of this extract revealed that triterpenoid compounds, in particular, contribute to its antiplasmodial effects [2]. Whereas antimicrobial activities of essential oils are well known in general, reports about the application of Boswellia oleo-gum-resin or its constituents against Leishmaniasis are scarce [5,6]. A commercially available essential oil, mainly obtained from B. carteri alongside further Boswellia spp., showed an IC 50 value of < 12.5 µg/mL against promastigotes and 22.1 ± 4.2 µg/mL against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis [7].…”