Efficacy of topical Samagh-e-Arabi (Acacia Arabica Willd) with Sirka (Vinegar) in Quba Mutaqashshir (Tinea Corporis)A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial

Tinea corporis, known as Quba in Unani medicine, refers to superficial fungal infections affecting the skin, excluding the scalp, beard, face, hands, feet and groin. It presents as circular erythematous scaly and hypopigmented patches with central clearing, forming characteristic ring like lesions called Ringworm. Dermatophytes infect the keratinized stratum corneum but cannot penetrate deeper tissues. In Unani medicine, Quba also called Karyun or Dad, is caused by mirrha-e-sawda or abnormal black bile and involves the body natural forces. Quwwat-i-Tabaiyya diverts harmful humor or Khilt-i-Bad to the skin. Symptoms include roughness, itching, scaling, and dry lesions that may appear blackish, reddish, or pus-filled depending on the causative agents. Globally, tinea infections affect twenty to twenty five percent of the population with high prevalence in India. Males are more susceptible due to outdoor exposure, heat, and friction. According to the Unani system of medicine, the treatment of Quba focuses on the causative factors, such as Akhlat, and the disease intensity, duration, and clinical signs. Numerous Traditional healers have also suggested medications with Mudammil-e-Quruh (healing) and Musaffi-i-dam (blood purifier).Unani physicians have placed a strong focus on topical treatment using products like Zimad (paste), Tila (liniment), and Marham (ointment). Conventional medicine relies on antifungals and corticosteroids, but increasing resistance and recurrence highlight the need for safer alternatives. This study evaluates Samagh-e-Arabi (Acacia Arabica) with Sirka (vinegar), a Unani formulation from Kitabul Umda fil Jarahat, as a potential remedy for Quba. The aim is to provide an effective traditional therapeutic option amid rising antifungal resistance and economic burdens in dermatophytosis management.