Understanding dermatophytosis ( Qūbā ) in Unani medicine: Classical descriptions and evidence from recent clinical studies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Dermatophytosis (tinea), described as Qūbā in Unani medicine, remains a common superficial fungal infection with a significant global burden. Rising antifungal resistance, frequent relapses, and treatment failures have prompted exploration of complementary therapeutic systems such as Unani medicine and other Ayush systems. Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize classical Unani perspectives on Qūbā with insights from modern clinical literature on dermatophytosis, and to contextualize the therapeutic potential and emerging clinical outcomes of Unani formulations in dermatophytosis management. Methods: Classical Unani texts by Ibn Sı̄nā, Rāzı̄, Jurjānı̄, and others were critically reviewed to extract concepts related to etiology, classification, and treatment of Qūbā. A targeted database search (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar) identified randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports assessing the efficacy and safety of Unani interventions. Results: Unani literature attributes Qūbā to morbid Sawdā accumulation and emphasizes humoral correction through Tanqiya (purification), Taḥlı̄l (resolution), and topical applications. Modern clinical studies involving Majūn Ushbā, Marham Rāl, Marham Khārish Jadı̄d, vinegar-based polyherbal pastes, and herbal antimicrobial soaps report symptom reduction and early mycological clearance, in some cases suggesting potential non-inferiority to terbinafine and fluconazole in limited cohorts. Improvement within 4–8 weeks and favorable tolerability were commonly observed, though follow-up duration and adverse event reporting were often limited. Conclusion: Unani medicine presents a holistic, culturally aligned therapeutic system for dermatophytosis, with promising preliminary clinical outcomes. However, to move beyond exploratory evidence, larger, rigorously designed multicentric trials, standardized pharmacognostic profiling, mechanistic validation, and structured safety monitoring are required to define its role within evidence-based integrative dermatology.
Institution: Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine
Language: English
Topic: Nail Diseases and Treatments
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7162655145