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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales-PECET, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Luz Estella
LE
Mesa
Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales-PECET, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Daniel
D
Vasquez
Iwerliewen Fir Bedreete Volleker-IFBV- Réseau belgo-luxembourgeois de valorisation des herbes médicinales-BELHERB, Niederanven, Luxembourg.
Pierre
P
Lutgen
Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales-PECET, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Iván Darío
ID
Vélez
Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales-PECET, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Adriana María
AM
Restrepo
Grupo de Investigación Biología de Sistemas, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Medellín, Colombia.
Isabel
I
Ortiz
Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales-PECET, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Sara María
SM
Robledo
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031172:Artemisia annua / Q000737:chemistry*; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007891:Leishmania / Q000187:drug effects; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts