In vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity of Artemisia annua L. leaf powder and its potential usefulness in the treatment of uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop
; 50(1): 52-60, Jan.-Feb. 2017. tab, graf
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-842826
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION:
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The current drugs for CL may be effective but have serious side effects; hence, alternatives are urgently needed. Although plant-derived materials are used for the treatment of various diseases in 80% of the global population, the validation of these products is essential. Gelatin capsules containing dried Artemisia annua leaf powder were recently developed as a new herbal formulation (totum) for the oral treatment of malaria and other parasitic diseases. Here, we aimed to determine the usefulness of A. annua gel capsules in CL.METHODS:
The antileishmanial activity and cytotoxicity of A. annua L. capsules was determined via in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, a preliminary evaluation of its therapeutic potential as antileishmanial treatment in humans was conducted in 2 patients with uncomplicated CL.RESULTS:
Artemisia annua capsules showed moderate in vitro activity in amastigotes of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis; no cytotoxicity in U-937 macrophages or genotoxicity in human lymphocytes was observed. Five of 6 (83.3%) hamsters treated with A. annua capsules (500mg/kg/day) for 30 days were cured, and the 2 examined patients were cured 45 days after initiation of treatment with 30g of A. annua capsules, without any adverse reactions. Both patients remained disease-free 26 and 24 months after treatment completion.CONCLUSION:
Capsules of A. annua L. represent an effective treatment for uncomplicated CL, although further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.Key words
Full text:
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Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Plant Extracts
/
Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous
/
Artemisia annua
/
Antiprotozoal Agents
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
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Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop
Journal subject:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
Year:
2017
Type:
Article