effect of Unani antiacne formulation [Zimade Muhasa] on acne vulgaris: a singleblind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

To evaluate clinically the efficacy of Zimade Muhasa, a Unani anti acne formulation, for Busoore labaniya [Acne vulgaris] against 5% benzoyl peroxide. The randomized, single-blind, standard controlled trial of 6 weeks evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of Unani topical antiacne formulation against standard control i.e. 5% benzoyl peroxide in 48 patients of either sex on the basis of Global Evaluation of Acne Scale [GEA Scale] along with arbitrary scale for assessment of effect over postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring and fairness. In addition quality of life was assessed according to Cardiff Acne Disability Index [CADI] questionnaire. The alterations in improvement and possible complications were regularly assessed. After 6 weeks of treatment, compared with baseline both the treatment preparations decreased the acne lesions [P<0.001]. Further, the test formulation improved postinflammatory hyperpigmentation [P<0.001], scarring [P=0.025] and complexion [P0.001]. There was significant [P<0.001] improvement in the quality of life in treatment groups at the end of study. The test formulation was well-tolerated and equivalent to 5% benzoyl peroxide in alleviating acne lesions. Test formulation was also more effectual concerning the effects over sears, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and fairness. This formulation can be used safely to treat active acne as well as in patients with post acne scarring. The clinical relevance may be clarified by longer duration treatment

historical panorama of acne vulgaris

Although acne is described in very ancient writings dating back to Ebers papyrus, its clear description is found after Fuchs coined the term 'Acne vulgaris' and Erasmus Wilson separated it from acne rosacea. The early treatment of acne was based upon the witchcraft. Later new therapies evolved with the discoveries in the field of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The following review focuses on the historical overview of acne vulgaris, highlighting persons and discoveries in medieval and modern period.

Holistic concept of bahaq wa bars and their management in Unani [Grego-Arabic] system of medicine

A comprehensive description of Amraze jild [skin diseases] is available in classical Unani literature. Ancient Greco-Arabic scholars have described Bahaq wa Bars [pityriasis and vitiligo] in detail along with etiopathogenesis, clinical features, complications, and management in their treatises. According to Razi, Ibn Sina, and Majoosi, Bahaq was Bars are chronic skin ailments that are characterized by white discoloration [hypopigmentation] of skin but with a precise difference. While in case of Bahaq, these patches are located superficially on skin, in Bars these are located deep into the skin. These are humoral diseases occurring because of accumulation of excess or morbid Balgham [phlegm] beneath the skin leading to the weakness of quwate mughaiyarah [augmentative faculty] of skin. Ancient Unani scholars have been treating these ailments successfully since antiquity. They have mentioned and practised a compendium of single as well as compound herbo-mineral formulations for the treatment of Bahaq wa Bars. In this paper, authors have tried to elucidate the holistic concept of these skin aliments along with the treatment as mentioned in classics of Unani medicine

Perception of health promotion in Unani medicine

The Unani system of medicine is an age-old, time-tested system of medicine dating back 5000 years to Greece. Like any other form of medical science, Unani medicine strives to find the best possible ways by which a person can lead a healthy life with the least or zero sickness. Unani scholars believe that diseases can be kept at bay by using clean and fresh water, breathing clean air and consuming fresh food. Likewise, a balance should be maintained between the mind and the body so that the metabolic process can take place easily and the body waste evacuated. Unani medicine believes in promotion of health, prevention of diseases and cure through regimental and diet therapies

Therapeutic evaluation of a Unani herbo-mineral formulation in chronic urticaria

Chronic urticaria [Shara] often poses a therapeutic challenge. Alternative medicine, including herbal treatment is gaining popularity for the treatment of refractory skin diseases. To assess the safety and efficacy of a Unani herbo-mineral formulation in the management of chronic urticaria. The randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out at outpatient department of Medicine, National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bangalore, from 15th April, 2009 to 15th April, 2010. Diagnosed patients of chronic urticaria, qualifying the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the clinical trial. The patients were divided randomly into test and control groups after obtaining their informed consents. Test group [20 patients] was administered a herbo-mineral formulation twice daily whereas control group [10 patients] were given placebo orally. The duration of this trial was 4 weeks and follow up was done weekly. The efficacy of the test drug was assessed by the total sign and symptom score [TSSS] and severity of itching, whealing and erythema. The test drug produced significant effect on itching, wheals, erythema and on TSSS without causing any untoward effect or adverse reactions as observed by the safety parameters. The herbo-mineral formulation can be used safely and effectively for the treatment of chronic urticaria

Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Pharmacopeial Unani Formulation in the Management of Taqashshure Jild [Psoriasis]

Taqashshure jild [Psoriasis] is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting up to 1-2% of the world's population and clinically characterized by erythematous, sharply demarcated papules and rounded plaques, covered by silvery micaceous scale. The objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi in the management of psoriasis. 30 diagnosed patients of psoriasis, qualifying the inclusion criteria, were invited for a clinical trial. The randomized, single blind, placebo controlled study was adopted. The patients were divided randomly into test and control groups after obtaining their informed consent. Test Group comprised 20 patients in which Majoon Ushba 5 grams was given twice daily orally and Roghane Hindi was applied locally twice daily. Control group comprised 10 patients who were given placebo drug orally and topically. The duration of this trial was 8 weeks and follow up was done fortnightly. The severity of Psoriasis and efficacy of the research drug was assessed by PASI Scale. The results of both groups were compared and analyzed statistically by applying a suitable test. The study showed significant reduction in the PASI score in the test group [p<0.01] as compared to placebo. Thus it is concluded that Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi can be used safely in the management of psoriasis after considering the safety and effectiveness.

Diabetes mellitus from antiquity to present scenario and contribution of Greco-Arab physicians

Diabetes is known since the age of antiquity. The first description that resembles the features of the disease is found in scroll of Ebers papyrus [1550 BC]. Buqrat [460 BC], the father of Unani medicine did not specifically mentioned Diabetes in his writings, but there are accounts in the buqrat's writings that are consistant with the sign and symptoms of the disease. From the 9th to 11th Century AD, Arabic medicine was at its peak, during this period the Arab physicians translated the works of Greek physicians mainly Buqrat and Jalinoos and enriched them with the knowledge of that era. Ibn Sina a renowned physician of this era described the disease in his book Al-Qanoon and mentioned gangrene and collapse of sexual function as a complication of the disease. No progress was made till the 16th Century AD when Paracelsus reported that Diabetes was due to deposition of salt in the kidneys. After Paracelsus many scientist contribute their views to the development Diabetes, but scientific advances in the 19th and 20th centuries led to the discovery of insulin, which was the turning point in the management of diabetes mellitus. This led to an explosion of multidirectional research into the role of insulin in regulating metabolism and survival. In the present paper historical aspect of Diabetes and contribution of Greco-Arab physicians will be discussed