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Clinical efficacy of a herbo-mineral Unani formulation in scabies: an open-label randomized controlled study

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Abstract

To compare the efficacy of a herbo-mineral Unani formulation with benzyl benzoate in scabies. A parallel, prospective, open-labeled, standard-controlled, randomized trial was conducted in ZVM Unani College, Pune. Patients were randomized to receive topical application of either test formulation (n = 30) (P. corylifolia, C. anthelminticum, C. tora and sulphur) or 25 % benzyl benzoate (n = 30) respectively for 3 days. The primary and secondary outcomes were change in clinical grading of scabies lesions and intensity of itching respectively. In the present study, 86.67 and 90 % patients were cured in the test and control group respectively. At third follow up, itching severity score mean between the groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.66). At third follow-up mean itching severity score within group comparison from the baseline in both groups were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). No adverse effects were noted. The test formulation was as effective as benzylbenzoate in alleviating scabies.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Principal, ZVM Unani Medical College for providing all amenities for dissertation work. The authors are thankful to patients for their cooperation during the study.

Ethical Statement

The study was started after the approval of Institutional Ethical Committee and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, Maharashtra (Ref No.MMERC/EC/ZVM/2010/5). Written informed consent was obtained from patients in their own language. The study was carried out in the outpatient Department of Moalajat (PG), ZVM Unani Medical College and Hospital, Pune from March 2011 to September 2012. The present study was conducted in concordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and GCP guidelines of the AYUSH Dept. Ministry of Health, Government of India.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Correspondence to Arshiya Sultana.

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Rahman, J., Farooqi, A.H., Sultana, A. et al. Clinical efficacy of a herbo-mineral Unani formulation in scabies: an open-label randomized controlled study. Orient Pharm Exp Med 15, 173–181 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-015-0192-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-015-0192-8

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