Study on Unani treatment for dandruff and its cosmetic effects.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Clinical Study on the Management of Huzaz/Abria (Dandruff) with a pharmacopoeal Preparation of a Unani Medicine and its Cosmetic Evaluation
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Altaf Hussain Shah, Amanullah Haji, Shameem Ahmad Rather, Tanzeel Ahmad, Abdul Nasir Ansari, G Soff
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Clinical Study on the Management of Huzaz/Abria (Dandruff) with a pharmacopoeal Preparation of a Unani Medicine and its Cosmetic Evaluation
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Dandruff, referred to as Huzaz or Abria in Unani medicine, is a prevalent condition that affects approximately 15-20% of the global population, characterized by scaling and itching of the scalp. While dandruff is easily treatable, many options overlook the cosmetic aspects of hair care. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Unani pharmacopoeal formulation in treating mild seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and to compare its effectiveness with a standard drug, 2% ketoconazole shampoo, exploring the treatment's impact on hair quality and cosmesis.
Efficacy of Unani Treatment
The clinical study included 50 patients, with 30 receiving the Unani formulation and 20 the ketoconazole shampoo. Assessment parameters included itching, scalp shedding, erythema, hair frizz, hair combing ease, and hair smoothness, measured before and after 30 days of treatment. Results indicated that both treatments significantly reduced symptoms like itching, erythema, and scale shedding (p<0.01) compared to pre-treatment values. However, improvements in hair frizz, combing ease, and smoothness were more pronounced in the Unani treatment group, although not statistically significant (p=0.576). This highlights the potential of Unani formulations in promoting better hair conditions alongside symptom relief.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that the Unani pharmacopoeal formulation is as effective as the conventional ketoconazole shampoo in alleviating dandruff symptoms while offering additional benefits for hair aesthetic quality. This study emphasizes the importance of considering hair cosmesis in dandruff treatments, presenting an effective natural alternative that has been validated through traditional use. Further research involving larger sample sizes and extended treatment periods is necessary to establish the formulation's broader clinical applicability and safety in diverse patient populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Huzaz/Abria and how is it characterized?
Huzaz/Abria, commonly known as dandruff, is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis characterized by scaling and itching on the scalp. It affects 15-20% of the world's population and can occur in individuals of any age or gender.
How was the efficacy of the Unani formulation evaluated?
The efficacy of the Unani formulation was compared with a standard drug (2% ketoconazole shampoo) in a study involving 30 patients treated with Unani medicine and 20 with the standard drug, assessing parameters like itching and scalp shedding over 30 days.
What were the findings regarding hair cosmesis?
The study showed that the Unani formulation was effective in treating dandruff symptoms and provided better hair cosmesis, such as improved hair smoothness and combing ease, compared to the standard drug, though the results were not statistically significant.
What are the key ingredients in the Unani formulation?
The Unani formulation contains several natural ingredients, including Althaea officinalis (Khatmi) for soothing properties, Cicer arietinum (Nakhud) with antifungal effects, and Trigonella foenum-graecum (Methi) known for its antiseptic qualities, contributing to effective dandruff treatment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study on Unani treatment for dandruff and its cosmetic effects.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and diseases. In this context, Unani medicine is highlighted as a comprehensive system using natural drugs and formulations to treat conditions like dandruff, emphasizing its holistic and therapeutic approach.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The study evaluates Unani pharmacopoeal formulations as potential drugs for treating dandruff, comparing their efficacy to conventional chemical treatments, thereby expanding the understanding of treatment options available for this condition.
3) Itching:
Itching is a common symptom of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by an uncomfortable sensation leading to the urge to scratch. In the study, reduction of itching was a critical parameter assessed for treatment efficacy, affecting patients’ quality of life and compliance with treatments.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science systematically studies phenomena, generating knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis. The clinical study of Unani medicine's efficacy against dandruff underscores the practical application of scientific methods in evaluating traditional remedies, fostered by empirical evidence and statistical analysis to justify treatment claims.
5) Trigonella foenum-graecum:
Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek or 'Methi', is a herb featured in the Unani formulation evaluated in the study. It possesses medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and contributes to the formulation's efficacy in treating scalp conditions, enhancing the overall appeal of natural remedies.
6) Activity:
In a medical context, 'activity' refers to the efficacy of a drug or formulation in producing a therapeutic response. The study measures the activity of Unani formulations against dandruff symptoms and compares it to a standard treatment, highlighting how both approaches manage these skin issues effectively.
7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies drug action, mechanisms, and therapeutic effects. In managing dandruff, understanding the pharmacological properties of the Unani formulation helps validate its effectiveness and guides practitioners in choosing appropriate treatment methods based on evidence and scientific rationale.
8) Discussion:
Discussion in a clinical study encompasses the interpretation and analysis of results, providing context and implications for findings. Here, it addresses the performance of Unani formulations compared to standard treatments, acknowledging both their effectiveness and the need for further research in the field of dandruff management.
9) Irritation:
Irritation refers to localized inflammation of the skin, often accompanied by redness and discomfort. Dandruff is associated with scalp irritation, prompting the use of soothing treatments. The study evaluates how both Unani and standard treatments minimize irritation, thereby improving patients' comfort and scalp health.
10) Methi:
Methi, or Trigonella foenum-graecum, is integral to the Unani formulation used in the study for dandruff treatment. Its historical use in traditional medicine showcases its potential benefits, such as antifungal properties, thereby validating its inclusion in formulations aimed at alleviating scalp conditions.
11) Blood:
In the context of the study, 'blood' refers to the systemic factors influencing skin conditions and overall health. Unani medicine considers humors in the blood, such as 'Dam-e-soudavi' (black bile), which are believed to affect scalp health, highlighting the holistic approach in treating dandruff.
12) Post:
In clinical studies, 'post' usually denotes the period following treatment or an intervention. The evaluation of post-treatment results against baseline measures is crucial for assessing the efficacy of Unani formulations and provides necessary data for determining the outcomes and success of interventions over time.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Study on Unani treatment for dandruff and its cosmetic effects.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Informed consent, Statistical analysis, Significant difference, Inclusion criteria, Exclusion criteria, Clinical study, Randomized controlled trial, Ethical Clearance, Cost-effective treatment, Efficacy comparison, Seborrhic dermatitis, Unani medicine, Natural source.