Efficacy of Adding Topical Honey-Based Hydroalcoholic Extract Nigella Sativa 60% Compared to Honey Alone in Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Receiving Intralesional Glucantime

Background : Based on the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of honey and Nigella sativa and their reported therapeutic effects on improving wound healing, this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of honey-based topical Nigella sativa extract compared to topical honey in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis receiving intralesional glucantime. Methods: In a prospective clinical trial, 150 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis were selected and randomized into two groups. In each group, patients received topical honey or hydroalcoholic Nigella sativa extract 60% twice per day along with intralesional injection of glucantime once per week. The treatment continued until ulcers were completely healed or for a maximum of 12 weeks. Results: During 12 weeks, complete cure was achieved in 61 patients (81.3%) treated with topical honey-based hydroalcoholic Nigella sativa extract 60% versus 48 patients (64%) in the other group. There was a significant difference between the healing rates of the two groups (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The efficacy of adjunct honey and Nigella sativa extract along with intralesional glucantime is more than that of honey alone in increasing the clinical cure, and decreasing the residual scar size and the required dose of glucantime. Key words: Acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, Glucantime, Honey, Nigella sativa.