Randomized Clinical Trial of Unani Formulations in Chloasma/ Melasma
Abdul Latif*, Niam Zafar and Abdullah
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine January - March 2012, Vol. 7 No. 1, Pages 19-31
Abstract
Hyperpigmentation is defined as pre- dominance of black-bile (ghalba e sauda) in skin or in blood, in the Unani system of medicine. The various hyperpigmentation conditions are kalaf,
namash, barash, also known by the names of jhaeen, nuktay, lehsun, etc. The hyperpigmentation itself is not a disease but a manifestation that creates a condition of concern and stress for the patient. Melasma is a common acquired symmetric hypermelanosis which is characterized by the presence of light brown-to- dark brown-to –black macules and patches mostly on the sun exposed areas of skin of the face. There are multiple etiologic factors associated with melasma (pregnancy, inflammatory, racial, endocrinal, photo toxicity, photosesnsitivity of drugs and food) but one of the primary causes of its exacerbation is exposure to sunlight. The purpose of this study is to ascertain and assess the efficacy and safety of treatment with Unani formulations in participants with moderate to severe melasma. The study design is Randomized, Single blind Controlled Clinical trial. The control group received oral plus topical treatment with Unani formulations coded as MN and XM, respectively.