Effect of peel and leaf extract of walnut (Juglans Regia L.) on cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by leishmania major in BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in many countries, including Iran. Walnut (Juglans Regia L.) has been intensively used in traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases. We demonstrated in this study for first time the effects of topical application of the ointment-based extract of Juglans regia in vivo. Materials and methods: BALB/c mice were infected at the base of the tail with Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) subcutaneously. Mice were assigned to 4 groups as treatment and control groups. Results: The results showed generally significant differences between the experimental groups in terms of mortality (P=0.063). Conclusion: This study indicated a significant post-Treatment decrease in the lesion size and parasite count in infected animals, compared to control groups. The results of this study establish the efficacy of Walnut-based topical ointment, and pave the way for further research in its therapeutic applications.