Pharmaceutical equivalent dissertation of Metformin hydrochloride brands

The aim of study is to establish pharmaceutical equivalence of different brands of Metformin tablets available in Karachi, Pakistan. The quality control parameters which are studied are weight variation test, hardness test, thickness, friability, disintegration and dissolution specified by BP/USP [British and United State Pharmacopoeia]. Weight variation and hardness value requirement was complied by all brands. Disintegration time for all brands was within range i.e. 15 minutes and also complies with the BP/USP recommendation. All brands showed more than 90% drug release within forty five minutes. The present conclusion suggests that almost all the brands of Metformin that are available in Karachi meet the specification for quality control analysis. Assay performed by HPLC by keeping flow rate of 1.0 ml/min of the mobile phase and the quantitative evaluation at 225 nm was performed. The retention time of Metformin was found to be 2.5min. Method suitability for the quantitative determination of the drugs was proved by validation according to the International Conference on Harmonization [ICH] guidelines

Knowledge assessment about hazards of smokeless tobacco use in patients coming to a DHQ Hospital

Background: Smokeless tobacco use is not perceived as an addiction in most South East Asian countries therefore both men and women use it frequently

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of smokeless tobacco users about its hazards in District Head quarter hospital, Thatta

Study design, settings and duration: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in District Head Quarter hospital, Thatta for 06 months duration

Subjects and Methods: The statistically calculated sample size was 325. Participants were enrolled using systematic random sampling technique. Written informed consent was taken and information related to demography and smokeless tobacco use was collected from the patients and their relatives on questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS

Results: There were a total of 325 respondents whose mean age was 34 years. Only 4% had higher school certificate or were graduates while 50% had no formal education. The mean age of initiation of Smokeless tobacco [SLT] was 19.3 years. The mean length of use of smokeless tobacco was 13.87 years. The mean number of Smokeless tobacco use was 5.0. Factors influencing SLT use were cultural acceptability, easy access, low price, peer influence and used as mouth freshener. Male respondents were 2.7 times more aware about the hazards of SLT as compared to females [p < 0.001]. Nearly, one-in-three respondents reported trying to give up SLT use in the past

Conclusion: Cultural acceptability, low price and easy access of smokeless tobacco have led to high usage in under privileged uneducated population

Policy message: Tobacco cessation advising and warning should also be placed on smokeless tobacco products and health care providers should advise the smokeless tobacco users to quit it

Comparative study of lipid profile in multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy patients

Objective: To evaluate the lipid profile in Multibacillary and Paucibacillary leprosy subjects and compare them with age and sex matched healthy control subjects

Materials and Methods: This observational study was performed after approval from BASR, University of Karachi in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, from December 2014 to November, 2015. Present study was conducted in 42 newly diagnosed leprosy patients of both sexes and all ages were included in this study. The diagnosis were on clinical ground and bacterial examination by slit skin smear test, and are classified in two groups, Paucibacillary [PB] and Multibacillary [MB], based on the WHO guide lines. 1-5 skin lesions were regarded as PB with no acid fast rods on the smear and skin lesions more than 5 were regarded as MB. A positive bacterial index classifies the patient as MB, regardless of the number of skin lesions with bacteria visible on a smear

Results: A total of 30 control subjects and 42 leprosy patients among 24 Multibacillary and 18 Paucibacillary leprosy were recruited for this study. Biophysical parameters in Multibacillary and Paucibacillary subjects were completely non significant when compared with control group.In biochemical parameters among Multibacillary and Paucibacillary leprosy cases, all the lipid fractions total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL -cholesterol were significantly decreased [p<0.05] but HDL -cholesterol significantly increased [p<0.05] in both Multibacillary and Paucibacillary leprosy groups when compared with control group

Conclusion: This study showed that, all the lipid fractions except HDL cholesterol were decreased significantly [p<0.05], where as HDL Cholesterol was increased significantly [p<0.05] in both Multibacillary and Paucibacillary leprosy groups when compared with control group

Effect of hormonal contraceptives on serum lipids: a prospective study

To estimate the effects of using hormonal contraceptives on serum lipoprotein levels. Lipid profile was measured at baseline and afterward at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. 1391 Pakistani females taking COCs, DMPA, or non hormonal [NH] contraceptives. The results were calculated by repeated measure ANOVA subsequent to tukey's post hoc test for the multiple comparisons. Statistical examination revealed that differences in lipid profile were significant [p <0.001] among all treated group in comparison with control. DMPA also caused significant rise in Castelli index-I and Castelli index-II as compared to COCs group and control group. This study demonstrated raise in total cholesterol [TC] and triglycerides [TG] as well as very low density lipoprotein [VLDL-C] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDLC]. Whereas, an obvious decrease was observed in high density-lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] in the DMPA-treated group. We concluded that, this inductive study specifies atherogenic cardiovascular risk in women using DMPA on long term basis

Prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners of Cherat, district Nowshera - Pakistan

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 coalminers of Cherat, District Nowshera, KPK, Pakistan, from July 2012 to June2013. Coal miners who worked for more than six months were included. Medical camps were arranged in study areas in which Pulmonary Function Tests and CXR was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. The demographic variables were also noted on a semi structured proforma. The medical examinations of coal miner's revealed that approximately71% [n=284] of coal miners have sign and symptoms of occupational respiratory health problems. The coal miners showed an increased prevalence of coal workers pneumoconiosis [49.50%] i.e. about 47% [n=188] on Chest X-rays [P/A View] and 52.50% [n=210] on Pulmonary Function Tests has findings of coal workers pneumoconiosis. Only 31.75% [n=127] of coal miners have normal pulmonary function tests and 35% [n=140] have normal chest x-ray findings during medical assessment. The prevalence of the pneumoconiosis was high [49.50%] among the Cherat coal miners; and needs proper consideration and attention from the health sector and mining department in order to reduce the high burden of pneumoconiosis among coal miners

Isolation of E-coli in UTI cases with malnutrition in children of distant rural area of Sukkur, Sindh

A cross-sectional study of isolation of Escherichia coli in urine culture of children and its correlation to childhood malnutrition induce microcytic hypochromic anaemia [I.D.A]. Cross Sectional Study. This study was carried out at the Biochemistry Department, GMMMC, Sukkur from 01.12.2011 to 31.05.2013. Study was carry out among the children under 05 [five] years of age. Number of children included in this study was 150. Structured questionnaire were use to obtain the required data. Laboratory investigation of blood, urine samples was performing by standard methods and anthropometric data also collected. The results showed that Escherichia coli positive children are 64.0%, 60.5% Childs has extremely low body weight, 43.6% shows stunting and 21.7% was wasting. This study showed that there is correlation between Urinary tract infection and malnutrition. So, energy yielding nutrients containing 8 - 10 essential amino acids, fates and minerals may be supplemented to less privileged patients of remote rural area of sukkur to enhance immune status

Urinary incontinence three months after delivery; prevalence and risk factors

The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence of urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum and to study how continence status during pregnancy and different factors influence urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum in primiparous women. Pregnant women attending routine antenatal clinic at Ziauddin hospital and Kharader general hospital Karachi were recruited to this study. Urinary incontinence before and during pregnancy was assessed at study enrolment early in the third trimester. Incontinence was re-assessed three months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the role of maternal and obstetric factors in causing postpartum urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence was reported in 15 women [10.6%] out of 141 women, mode of delivery, onset of labor weight of the baby, episiotomy, and the length of the second stage of labor, were not predictive of urinary incontinence after delivery. Adjusted RR for incontinence after spontaneous vaginal delivery compared with elective caesarean section was 2.200 [95% CI .6-7.28] among women who were continent during pregnancy. Urinary incontinence was prevalent 3 months postpartum. The association between incontinence postpartum mode of delivery, onset of labor, perineal trauma and weight of baby was not statistically significant

To compare lipid changes in glycemic controlled type 2 [NIDDM] and glycemic uncontroled type 2 [NIDDM] patients

Today diabetes is a global problem. Insulin play an inportant role in the lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Glycemic control improves and may even normalize triglyceride and HDL cholesterol level in diabetic petients, therefore one could speculate the improvement of glycemic control beneficidly influence LDL phenolype. The degree of hyperglycemia was assesed by means of measmement of fasting blood glucose and glycosylated heamoglobin [Haemoglobin A[1c]. To compare the lipid profile in good glycemic controlled NIDDM type 2 with glycemic uncontrolled NIDDM type 2 and matched controls. Comparative study. This study was conducted at BMSI, JPMC, Karachi from June 2007 to December 2007. Total 120 subject of either sex, age were included with set criteria in study and were distributed in to three groups. Group A controls, Group B glycemic controlled type 2 NIDDM using oral hypoglycemic drugs regularly - Group C glycemic uncontrolled type 2 NIDDM using oral hypoglycemic drugs regularly. Lipid, lipoprotein and fasting serum sugar and HbA[1c] were analyzed. Highly significantly increase in total cholestrol, triglycerides and LDL cholestrol, while significantly decrease in HDL cholestrol in glycemic uncontrolled type 2 NIDDM . Fasting serum glucose level and HbA[1c] are useful diagnostic index for glycemic controlled and uncontrolled type 2 NIDDM - patient with glycemic uncontrolled type 2 NIDDM have greater disbances in lipid and lypoprotein metabolism which leads to atherosclerosis which futher results in coronary, cerebral and peripheral vascular occlusion

Evaluation of lipid profile in leprosy patients

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that, inspite of its ancient origin, still affects thousands of people throughout the world. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, leading to sensory loss in the skin, muscle weakness and often permanent disabilities of hands and feet. Leprosy is now known to be neither sexually transmitted nor highly infectious after treatment. Approximately 95% of people are naturally immune and sufferers are no longer infectious after as little as 2 weeks of treatment It is completely curable by using multi drug therapy. Mycobacterium leprae was discovered in 1873, by G. H. Armauer Hansen in Norway, therefore leprosy is referred as Hansen's disease. It is a mutilating, debilitating, devastating and deforming disease. To evaluate the lipid profile in leprosy cases and compare them with healthy control subjects. Case Control Study. Present study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, in collaboration with Marrie Adelaide Leprosy Centre [National Training Institute of Leprosy Control Programme], Karachi from June 2009 to May 2011. A total of 60 newly diagnosed leprosy patients of both sexes and all ages were included in this study, among them 44 males and 16 females, aged 13 to 70 years [mean 37.8 +/- 1.71 years]. The diagnosis were on clinical ground and bacterial examination by slit skin smear test and 30 age, sex matched healthy control subjects were taken from general population for comparison. Informed consent was taken from each patient and control subject for this study. All the lipid fractions except HDL cholesterol were decreased significantly high [p<0.01] where as HDL Cholesterol was increased significantly [p<0.05] in leprosy patients when compared with control group. In present study total cholesterol was 127.1 +/- 1.46 mg%, Triglyceride 111.7 +/- 1.68 mg%, HDL Cholesterol 45.4 +/- 0.89 mg% and LDL Cholesterol 80.2 +/- 1.72 mg% in leprosy subjects. It is concluded that, all the lipid fractions except HDL cholesterol were decreased significantly high, where as HDL Cholesterol was increased significantly in leprosy patients when compared with control group, which are in favour of lepers

Comparison of efficacy and adverse effects of trazodone and paroxetine in major depressive disorder

It is an open-label comparative study, conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. The study comprised of two drugs of different groups; total eighty adult patients were enrolled [44 female and 36 male] from the department of psychiatry. Enrolled patients received trazodone 50 mg daily which was gradually increased to 150 mg in divided doses and paroxetine 20 mg daily for a period of 90 days. The results revealed that paroxetine is more effective and has less adverse effects than the trazodone. There was significant improvement in symptoms of sexual disturbance and weight loss of major depressive disorder patients receiving paroxetine

Services and practices of health care providers in a rural area of Faisalabad

[1] To determine the mode of services being rendered and practices done by the health care providers of the study area. [2] To identify various socio-demographic factors about the health care providers. A health care provider provides preventive, curative, rehabilitative and spiritual health services to the community. Health care is being provided by not only the registered and qualified doctors, but also by non-qualified non-registered and inexperienced persons in Pakistan. A total of 57 health care providers from the union council 42 area in district Faisalabad were included. A pre-tested questionnaire to know about the services and practices of the individuals was served upon them to collect the relevant data. Cross-sectional study. Union council 42 area in district Faisalabad. 2008. Out of 57, 30 [52.63%] were males and 27 [47.37%] were females. Most of them, 18 [31.6%] were above 49 years of age. 51 [89.47%] were practicing in the private; whereas, only 2[3.51%] in the public sector. Most of the individuals, 21 [36.8%] were LHW and only 2[3.5%] were doctors or medical assistants; 3[5.3%] were dispensers, 9[15.8%] were hakeems and 7 [12.3%] homeopaths. Most of them, 40[70.2%] were matriculates and 14[24.6%] graduates. Only 20 [35.1%] were having certificates and 11[19.3%] were diploma holders. Further, only 2[11.76%] out of 57 were registered with PM and DC and Punjab Medical Faculty. 30 [52.6%] individuals were rendering curative and only 5 [8.8%] preventive services. None of the health care providers was rendering laboratory, x-ray or ultrasound services. Most of the individuals, 36 [63.2%] were practicing allopathy and 7[12.3%] homeopathy way of treatment. Further, most of the professionals, 45 [78.95%] were not doing any surgery. As regards sterilization, the most 8[66.7%] were practicing boiling of instruments. Most of them 47 [82.45%] were giving injections to the patients, however, using disposable syringes, and 27[57.4%] were disposing of the syringes by cutting the needles to dump. 20 [42.55%] were referring their patients to DHQ Hospital and 47 [82.46%] were keeping the record. Qualified medical professionals were scarce in the locality. However, allopathic system of medicine was being widely practiced. Only LHWs were providing curative services with proper training to deliver first aid services

Vibrio cholerae; waterborne outbreak

To isolate the etiological agent of diarrheal outbreak, identification, antibiogram of isolated bacteria. Stool samples from patients and water samples from reservoir of water collected in transport media. Culture and sensitivity test were performed in Microbiology Laboratory of Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta. The isolated strain was confirmed by National Institute of Health Laboratory Islamabad and Agha Khan University hospital laboratory Karachi. The outbreak was controlled by preventive measures. More than five thousand people affected in the outbreak, including all age and both sexes. Twenty three deaths [0.4%] occurred in this outbreak. The stool samples from patients and from 5 water reservoir tanks collected for analysis of etiological agent responsible for the outbreak. The stool and water samples revealed isolation of Vibrio cholerae Inaba, El Tor, which was sensitive to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline, Doxycyline and intermediate to Choloramphenicol and Erythromycin. Resistant to Nalidixic Acid Polymaxin B, and Co-trimaxazole. The Vibrio cholerae Inaba, El Tor was the causative agent of this outbreak and the first outbreak which occurred in Balochistan due to Vibrio cholerae Inaba, El Tor

Relationship between silica dust exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in workers of dust generating industries of district Peshawar

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a common cause of morbidity worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between silica dust inhalation and COPD among workers of dust generating industries. This cross sectional study was conducted in three main industrial regions of Peshawar i.e. Industrial Estate Hayatabad, Industrial area Ring Road and Industries of Warsak Road Peshawar. A preformed questionnaire was used to interview 160 workers, 40 each from stone-grinding, ceramics, pottery and brick industries respectively. Only workers having worked for more than five years were selected through convenient sampling. A total of 160 workers were interviewed out of which 56[35%] were symptomatic while 104[65%] were asymptomatic. Among symptomatic ones, 20[19.8%] were in 20-40years age group and 36[61%] in 41-60 years age group. In regard to exposure status, 7[26%] were symptomatic in those exposed for 5-10 years, 29[31.5%] amongst those exposed for 11-15 years and 20[49%] in those exposed for 15-20 years. With respect to working hours, none was symptomatic in those who had worked for 6 hours or less while 56[40%] were symptomatic in those who had worked for 8 or more hours. Among 128 smokers, 48[37.5%] were symptomatic and amongst 32 non-smokers 8[25%] were symptomatic. Amongst the symptomatic cases symptoms appeared within 5-10 years in 7[12.5%] of the cases, within 10-15 years in 29[51.8%] of the cases and within 15-20 years in 20[35.7%] of the cases. The major symptoms reported were cough in 56[100%] of the cases, dyspnea in 48[85.7%] and wheezing in 49[87.5%] of the symptomatic cases. The study revealed that majority of respondents who were exposed to silica dust for ten years or more, had respiratory problems. The severity of the problems was directly proportional to the duration of exposure to silica dust, density of dust [maximum in stone crushing], hours of daily exposure and other contributory factors like tobacco smoking and increasing age

To evaluate the role of diclofenac sodium on renal parenchyma of young albino rats

To study the effects of commonly used non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium on the kidneys of young albino rats after therapeutic dose. Early clinical and pharmacological studied of oral and parental forms of diclofenac sodium began shortly after the drug was discovered. However there is scanty information about the toxicities of normal dose of diclofenac in young albino rats. The present study is therefore designed to observe the gross and microscopic changes in kidney following administration of this drug in young albino rats. For this experimental study 16 albino rats were used; they were divided into two groups, each comprising of 8 animals. Group-1 received normal saline 10ml/kg body weight while group-2 received diclofenac sodium 2mg/ kg body weight for two weeks. Micrometry was done on kidney tissue for proximal and distal tubular count, their diameter and the no of cells in these tubules. Highly significant changes were observed both in proximal and distal tubules of kidney. Even in therapeutic doses, Diclofenac Sodium causes damage to kidney tubules in young albino rats

Danazol versus oil of evening primrose in the treatment of mastalgia

To evaluate the efficacy of Danazol and Oil of Evening Primrose [OEP] in the treatment of Mastalgia, and to note their undesirable effects during the course of treatment. An open, non-randomized, comparative study, carried out from Nov 2004 to Nov 2005. Department of General Surgery, Surgical Unit-Ill [Ward 26], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. A total of 100 female patients with moderate to severe breast pain who visited the Out-patient Surgical Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. After clinical evaluation, investigations and informed consent, all patients were assigned to two groups alternatively. Mastalgia in all the patients was gauged before and during the treatment according to the Cardiff Breast pain Score [CBS]. Patients with discrete lumps, nipple discharge, lactation, pregnancy and breast abscess were excluded from the study. Group-I [n = 50] patients were given Danazol 100mg b. i. d per oral and Group-II [n = 50] Efamol [Oil of evening primrose] 500mg b. i. d per oral for three months periods. All patients were seen at 4 and 12 weeks, their level of mastalgia assessed and information sought about adverse effects of the drug. Out of the 100 patients, 70% belong to the age group 15-25 years, 20% to 26-35 years and 10% beyond 35 years of age. The overall response with Danazol was 76% in contrast to 68% response in the patients treated with OEP The patients who were treated with Danazol showed 32% distressing but reversible side effects as compared to 12% in OEP which were not distressing and also reversible. Danazol offers good pain control in mastalgia but with distressing side effects, where as Oil of Evening Primrose [OEP] also showed good pain control but without mtich distressing side effects

Role of clinical examination and ultrasound in detecting in the size of breast lump and its corelation with pathological specimen size

To assess and compare the role of clinical examination and ultrasound in detecting the size and nature of breast lump in relation to gross pathological specimen size. Retrospective case review analytical study which was conducted in Ward-26, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi over a period of two years i.e. September, 2002 to September 2004. All female patients visited outpatient department of Ward-26 with definitive breast lump above 12 years of age were included. Fifty eight patients age ranging froni 15 - 60 years were scanned in study. Out of which 35 patients [60.3%] turned out to be benign and 23 [39.6%] patients malignant cases. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and clinical examination for benign lesion is 100% but in case of malignant disease the specificity of ultrasonography is 95.7% i.e. in one case ultrasonography did not detect the malignant condition. The digital examination and ultrasonography found comparable and correlated best with gross histopathological specimen in case of benign condition while in case of malignant lesion, tumor size assessed clinically depicted a stronger correlation [r=0.9] with pathological findings while ultrasonography underestimated 6 cases out of 23. Gold standard criteria of histopathological diagnosis confirmed that physical examination measurement remains the method of choice in evaluating the disease preoperatively. The role of ultrasonography in benign lesion is undoubtful but prediction of pathological outcome is not improved by ultrasonography in malignant conditions. The combination of physical examination with ultrasonography significantly improves the accuracy of non-invasive assessment of tumor dimensions

Study of environmental risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in Peshawar

To assess the environmental risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in Peshawar. Study Cross sectional observational study. Medical department, Khyber Teaching Hospital [KTH], Peshawar. From August 2004 to November 2005. A total of 156 patients, 87 males and 69 females, with clinical diagnosis of the disease, confirmed on sputum smear microscopy were selected. Relevant information was recorded with the help of a pre-designed questionnaire, prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study. The age range of the patients was from 8 years to 86 years with an average age of 47.5 years. A total of 102[65.38%] patients had positive family history of the disease. Eighty-four [53.84%] patients were from social class, with income less than 5000/month. Pulmonary tuberculosis was recorded in 142 [91.02%] patients. Eight patients had developed tuberculosis meningitis and six patients had developed TB of bones [Potts disease]. Reactivation of tuberculosis was recorded in 29[21.79%] patients. The main risk factors observed in the respondents were positive family history of the disease, housing conditions, over crowding, joint families, poverty and ignoring DOTS strategy for treatment

Lecturing in medical education

Undergraduate medical students attend more lectures than they see patients. Lectures provide an entree into a difficult topic, different perspectives on subject, up to date resume of research and relevant clinical and laboratory experience. They also provide hints and guidelines on how to learn a topic or a procedure

Leprosy awareness among doctors during survey of district Larkana

The purpose of study was to measure the level of awareness about Leprosy among doctors working at Chandka Medical College Hospital Larkana and Talukas of Larkana district. The survey was primarily focused on disease symtomatology, source of infection, cure and acceptance of leprosy patients in society. The results obtained show that doctors knew the symptoms and source of leprosy but majority of the doctors were ill informed about its cure and acceptance in civil society. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed out of which 25/250 questionnaires were improperly filled and 225/250 questionnaires were properly filled and scrutinized. Out of 225 doctors 172/225 [76.4%] knew the symptomatology of the disease while 53/250 [23.5%] doctors were unaware about the symptoms of leprosy. 133/172[77.3%] doctors had knowledge about the source of infection, while 39/172[22.6%] did not. Regarding treatment of leprosy 60/133 [45.1%] doctors knew management and on the contrary 73/133[54.8%] doctors were not sure about treatment. 21/60[[35%] doctors accepted social activities like having a cup of tea with a leper or working in the same environment or keeping them as helpers. While 39/60[65%] doctors rejected lepers socially

Clinical trial of 20% Mat lippia [bucan] topical ointment for cutaneous leishmaniasis; a preliminary trial

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in many parts of Pakistan. The mainstay of treatment is systemic pentavalent antimonials. However, many indigenous plants are also used for its treatment. To test the hypothesis that Mat lippia [Bucan], a local plant, may be topically effective in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The study comprised of two parts. Part 1: An alcoholic extract from the leaves of the plant was obtained and then 20% ointment in petroleum jelly was made. In part 2, eighty patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated with this ointment applied thrice daily for six weeks. Patients were followed up initially twice a week and then at weekly intervals for six weeks. 60% showed excellent response and 20% exhibited fair improvement. 20% Mat lippia ointment seems to be effective in the treatment of leishmaniasis. However, further comparative studies are warranted to confirm these findings