Evaluation of efficacy and safety of a topical Unani formulation in ButhuÖ¿r Labaniyya (Acne Vulgaris).

Buthuֿr Labaniyya (Acne vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units and is characterized by seborrhea, the formation of comedones, erythematous papules and pustules, less frequently by nodules, and, in some cases, is accompanied by scarring. The main cause of acne is excessive sebum production, and microbial colonization by Propionibacterium acne. According to classical Unani literature, the main cause of Buthuֿr Labaniyya is the hyperactivity of Ghudud-e-Dohniya (sebaceous glands), which results in increased production of oily material, which gets clogged into the openings of these glands, and then inflamed, which remains unresolved in the skin. It is estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population, making it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide.In India, acne is prevalent in 72.3% of adolescents and 27% of the adult age group. In modern system of medicine, which includes topical and systemic antibiotics, such as benzoyl peroxide, doxycycline, clindamycin, etc. and retinoids are also infrequently used. These drugs have several limitations, long-term use of these medications causes serious adverse effects such as erythema, peeling, burning, and drying of the skin. Additionally, Propionibacterium acne drug resistance may restrict the use of topical antibiotics and producing only symptomatic relief. In the classical literature of Unani, a number of formulations and single drugs are mentioned for the management of acne and also very effective in scar prevention. These polyherbal medications mainly have Jali (Detergent), Muhalil (Resolvent), and Mujaffif (Desiccative) properties and have been used by ancient Unani physicians for centuries to treat Buthuֿr Labaniyya.This polyherbal topical Unani formulation is selected from Al-Qarabadin and Ḥāziq which includes, Irsa (Iris ensata), Post-e-Siras (Albizia lebbeck) and Barg-e-Neem (Azadirachta indica) will be evaluated in the management of Buthuֿr Labaniyya.