Abstract
Background & Objectives: Developing countries have been suffering from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis as an endemic
disease. WHO has recommended Glucantime as a cure for it; yet, there are some constraints in the use of this remedy
such as high costs, unexpected complications, the need for frequent injections, and unsatisfactory efficacy.
Accordingly, this study introduced a new therapy with novel Scrophularia bavanatia extract (SBE) against Leishmania
major compared to Glucantime and investigated the in vitro anti-Leishmania activities of the Local SBE against
Leishmania tropica Promastigotes.
Materials & Methods: This experimental laboratory trial investigated the efficacy of in vitro anti-Leishmania
activities of Scrophularia bavanatia extract against Leishmania tropica promastigotes compared to Glucantime. The
Iranian endemic species including Leishmania (L) major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] was proliferated and maintained in the
standard culture. Then, the proper densities of SBE were provided, sterilized, and added to cultures containing the
parasites. The parasites were counted and divided among micro plates for cell proliferation and then read by ELISA
reader. The data were analyzed and compared to the control group.
Results: The mean survival percentage of the parasite in various concentrations of SBE and the 25 μg Glucantime
concentration in the logarithmic phase at 24 h indicated a statistically significant difference with the control group
(P=0.000); yet, there was no such a significant difference in the stationary phase (P=0.855). Similar to 24 h, there was
a significant difference at 48 h in the logarithmic phase (P=0.007) though there was no such a significant difference in
the stationary phase (P=0.460). There was no significant difference in the mean survival percentage of the parasite at
various SBE concentrations and at 25 μg Glucantime concentration in either the stationary or logarithmic phases at 72
h compared to the control group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results suggested that prevalent SBE had a medical potential similar to Glucantime and induced a
better and more tangible effect on promastigotes survival without parasite resistance against it, without any
complications compared to Glucantime, and with greater availability. However, further studies are necessary to
evaluate the effect in cell culture and in vivo conditions to confirm this