Therapeutic Potentials of Mitracarpus scaber and Ocimum gratissimum in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Imo State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Leishmaniasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and hasbeenthe subject of concerted global efforts for its control. The study was conducted to determine the treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis using Mitracarpus scaber and Ocimum gratissimumin Imo State. Materials and Methods: Preliminary qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out on Euphorbia helioscopia and Ocimum gratissimum using established methods. Data obtained in this study were analyzed using analysis of variance at a 0.05% probability level. Results: The Percentage infection was highest at Umuaku Ntu 19 (13.77), while the least was observed from Umunam Atta 8 (5.79) subjects administered with 0.5% ivermectin in Umucheke and Umuaku Ntu communities had the highest rates (87.5%) of resolution of clinical signs after 0.5% ivermectin intake while those in Umunam Atta community had the lowest rates (70%). Out of the 275 (33.3%) number of subjects, 58 (47.2%) participants benefited from the consumption of extracts of M. scarber in all three communities. Subjects in the Umuaku Ntu community had the highest rates (75%) of resolution of clinical signs after consumption of the extract, while subjects in the Umucheke community had the lowest rates (30%). Out of the 275 (33.3%) number of subjects administered with 20% O. gratissimum, 112 (91.1%) of the participants in all the studied communities had resolution of their clinical signs. Subjects in Umuaku Ntu and Umucheke communities had the highest rates (88%) of disappearance of their clinical signs and symptoms while subjects in Umunam Atta communities had the lowest rates (50%) after the intake of Doxycycline. Conclusion: This study suggests that CL is a public health problem surrounding the study areas; urgent measures should be adopted to mitigate the incidence.