Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Lantana camara, a flowering plant native to the tropical Americas, has been traditionally used in various ethnomedicinal systems, particularly in parts of India and Africa, for the management of skin diseases, including leprosy. Ethnobotanical surveys and historical records document its use by indigenous practitioners who often prepare topical pastes or decoctions from the leaves to apply to leprous sores and lesions. The rationale for its use seems to be based on the plant’s reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as found in folk medicine traditions. However, these traditional uses are not supported by robust preclinical or clinical scientific studies. There is limited in vitro evidence of Lantana camara displaying antibacterial or wound-healing effects, but these are not specific to Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy, nor have they been validated in the context of leprosy treatment. No well-designed clinical trials or pharmacological studies demonstrate efficacy or safety for leprosy management. Therefore, while its use is documented in traditional medicine, the scientific foundation for employing Lantana camara in the treatment of leprosy is minimal, and such use should be approached with caution.

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