Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants against Leptospira spp.: a literature review

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira that affects animals and humans. This disease is usually treated empirically due to its prevalence in precarious areas without basic sanitation. The use of medicinal plants in less industrialized societies has been one of the main therapeutic resources available. Considering the need to use these natural resources to combat leptospirosis in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability, this study aimed to review the literature on the use of plants with medicinal potential in the treatment of leptospirosis. The results showed that even though leptospirosis is a common disease in communities lacking basic sanitation and economic development, the number of studies on the use of plants with medicinal potential is scarce. Most of these studies come from India, and all plants investigated between 2012 and 2020 had antileptospiral action.