Abstract
BACKGROUND: Otomycosis is complicated for patients and
otologists since it always needs long-term care and follow-up, but the
recurrence rate remains high. Management is targeted toward intensive
aural toileting with the administration of topical
antifungals. Classical antifungal agents, including azoles and
polyenes, have shown increased resistance. This has contributed to
studies into medicinal plants as an alternative therapy for fungal
infections.
OBJECTIVE: This research aims to examine the potential
vestibulotoxic effects of the henna leaf (Lawsomnia inermis), an ancient
folk medicine, on the inner ear of a rat animal model.
METHODS: Twenty-four healthy, adult male Wistar Kyoto rats were
categorized into three groups (A, B, C) with eight rats each.
Baseline vestibular parameters were tested before endoscopic-guided
transtympanic instillation of aqueous and ethanol henna extract into the
right middle ear of rats in Group A and B, respectively. At the same
time, normal saline was instilled in the right middle ear of rats in
Group C. Vestibular parameter testing was conducted on rats
post-instillation of transtympanic Henna at intervals of 4 hours, 24
hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, one week, two weeks and three weeks.
RESULTS: All vestibular parameters documented were not
affected after the instillation of henna extract into the middle ear.
CONCLUSION: Henna extract is a safe and potential
alternative in treating otomycosis even with tympanic membrane
perforation, as it has no vestibulotoxic adverse effects.