Background: Leishmaniasis is an important health problem in Iran. Considering the importance of the disease and its resistance to the chemical drugs, this study aimed to examine the effect of artemether on the recovery of lesions caused by Leishmania major.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on 25 Balb/c mice in 5 groups: two groups were treated with artemether (ointment and injection), one group with glucantime and the two control groups. The mice infected with Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) were treated for two weeks. Finally, the lesion diameter was evaluated.

Results: Mean diameter of lesion in the infected group treated with ointment of artemether decreased from 1.294 to 0.214 cm five days after the start of treatment until the end of treatment, a significant difference was seen in the mean diameter of lesions between the infected group treated with artemether and the untreated group (P<0.05). Mean diameter of lesion in the infected group treated with artemether injection decreased from 0.913 to 0.256 cm four days after the start of treatment until the end of treatment, a significant difference was seen in the mean diameter of lesions between the infected group treated with artemether and untreated group (P<0.05). Moreover, five days after the start of treatment until the end of treatment, a significant difference was seen in the mean diameter of lesions between the group treated with glucantime and untreated group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Administration of artemether ointment, as a painless and easy method, is effective in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.