American Society of Hirudotherapy

Overview of herbal and traditional remedies in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis based on Traditional Persian Medicine

Review published in Dermatologic Therapy (2020)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsSafety & Infection ControlParvizi MM et al. · Dermatologic Therapy, 2020

Abstract

This study aims to describe the herbal and traditional remedies in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with an overview on related available evidence in modern medicine. This study is a review that focuses on the most important Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) sources including Avicenna's Canon of Medicine, Jorjani's Zakhīra-yi Khārazmshāhī, and Aazam-Khan's Eksir-e-Aazam, as well as pertinent information from Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database, and Google Scholar by using the keywords salak, rīsh-e-balkhi, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and leishmaniasis for selected remedies. Several oral and topical herbal remedies, such as Vitis vinifera L. (Unripe grapes), Berberis vulgaris L., Rheum ribes L., Santalum album L., Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl (Camphor), Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch, Crocus sativus L., Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb, honey, and Alum root, were mentioned in TPM resources for the treatment of CL. Furthermore, cauterization, cupping, and leech therapy were considered for this purpose. In this review, some evidence-based studies will also be presented that have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of some of these products. In conclusion, the sages of TPM have recommended several systemic or topical medications, in addition to physical procedures, for treatment of CL, all of which could be a base for conducting further research on its efficacy.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReview
Indexed MeSH termsHumansLeishmaniasis, CutaneousMedicine, TraditionalPhytotherapyPlants, Medicinal

Summary

Review of Avicenna's Canon of Medicine and other Traditional Persian Medicine sources for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatments, including herbal remedies, cauterization, cupping, and leech therapy.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) sources for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment mentions leech therapy alongside cauterization and cupping as physical procedures historically recommended for CL management, while focusing primarily on herbal remedies. The article surveys classical texts (Avicenna's Canon, Jorjani's Zakhīra-yi Khārazmshāhī) and modern databases for evidence. Relevance to hirudotherapy is limited to a brief historical mention with no clinical data on leech use, efficacy, or protocols for CL treatment; the review focuses on botanical interventions and does not provide specific information about leech application for this condition.

Citation

Overview of herbal and traditional remedies in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis based on Traditional Persian Medicine.

Parvizi MM et al. · Dermatologic Therapy, 2020

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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