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Mohammad et al. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
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200
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH OF UNANI MEDICINE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
PSORIASIS (DA-US-SADAF)
Mohammad Shamim Khan1* Qamrul Hasan Lari2 and Mahmood Ahmad Khan3
1*Unani Medical Officer, Government Unani Dispensary, Kota, Department of Unani Medicine, Rajasthan, India.
2Reader, Department of Kulliyat, State Takmeel-Ut-Tib College, Lucknow, India.
3Guest Lecturer, Diploma in Unani Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
Article Received on 24/11/2017 Article Revised on 14/12/2017 Article Accepted on 04/01/2018
INTRODUCTION
Psoriasis (Da-us–Sadaf) has not been mentioned in any
classic literature since ancient times. It was considered as
Taqash’shur-e-Jild by Unani physicians; Razi (841-926
AD), Majoosi (930-994 AD), Ibn-e-Zohr (1091-1162
AD).[1,3] Joseph Jacob Plenck (1776 AD) also described
it under desquamative disease of skin (Taqash’shur-e-
Jild).[4] In the late 18th century AD, Robert Willan (1757-
1812 AD) recognized psoriasis as an independent
disease.[4] He identified two categories: psora leprosa and
leprosa graecorum. He differentiated it from other skin
diseases with the cooperation of Thomas Bateman. After
that in 1841 AD Ferdinand von Hebra worked on
Willan’s notes and he was first who has given the name
Psoriasis to this skin disorder and described its clinical
picture that is being used today.[4]
Psoriasis is derived from a Greek word “so-ri-a-sis”
which means itching while Da-us-Sadaf is derived from
two Arabic words “Daun” means disease and “Al-Sadaf”
means oyster shell.[5] Psoriasis is a chronic, genetically
determined, inflammatory disease of skin characterized
by well-defined, scaly, erythematous, itchy plaques,
especially on extensor prominence of the body and
scalp.[6] Its prevalence varies from 0% to 11.8% in
different populations of the world and in India varies
from 0.44 to 2.8%. It is twice more common in males
compared to females and most of the patients are in their
third or fourth decade of life at the time of
presentation.[7]
Unani Concept of Psoriasis (Da-us-Sadaf)
In ancient Unani classical literatures, no any disease has
been mentioned with the name of Da-us-Sadaf or
psoriasis. Though the Unani physicians have described
skin ailments characterized by dryness of the skin and
scale formation, which clinically resembles very much
with Psoriasis. The views of different Unani physicians
regarding the disease have been discussed below:-
Abul Hasan Ahmad Bin Mohd Tabari (985 AD)
quoted the views of Rufus (98-171 AD) during the
discussion of Sa’afa (impetigo), in Moalejat Buqratia;
one such type is known as Talaq, in which scales like
pieces of mica are shiny and adherent to the lesion in
large quantity. It is very difficult to treat. Furthermore,
Tabri narrated under the topic of “Qashaf-e-Jild” and
Taqash'shur-e-Jild in Moalejat Buqratia; Qashaf-e-Jild is
the roughness and dryness of skin which is associated
with itching and sometimes without itching. Qashaf-e-
Jild develops due to khilth-e-yabis saudawi (dry
melancholic humor) which becomes dry due to ratubat-e-
mohatarqah (burnt fluid) and accumulates in the outer
layer of the skin, to makes it rough and dry. If there is
heat then itching occurs and if there is no heat then
itching does not occurs. Taqash’shur-e-Jild (scaling of
SJIF Impact Factor 4.161
Review Article
ISSN 2394-3211
EJPMR
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL
AND MEDICAL RESEARCH
www.ejpmr.com
ejpmr, 2018,5(2), 200-205
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Mohammad Shamim Khan
Unani Medical Officer, Government Unani Dispensary, Kota, Department of Unani Medicine, Rajasthan, India.
ABSTRACT
Psoriasis (Da-us–Sadaf) is one of the most baffling and persistent of skin disorders that affect approximately 11.8%
population worldwide and 0.44 to 2.8% population of India. In Unani classical literatures, Psoriasis, termed as
Taqashshure Jild, is a common skin disorder characterized by dryness of the skin and scale formation just like the
scale of fish. Since ancient times Psoriasis (Da-us–Sadaf) has been treated by eminent Unani physicians like
Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, Razi, Ibn-e-Zohr and Majoosi through different modes of treatment such as Ilaj Bil-
Ghiza (Dietotherapy), Ilaj Bit-Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy) and Ilaj Bid-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy). Herbo-animo-
mineral source of medicine; used possess concoctive & purgative, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer, blood purifier,
ciccative and demulcificant properties, which are the needed principles of treatment for this disease. In the present
paper, an attempt has been made to focus on the concept and management of Psoriasis (Da-us–Sadaf) in Unani
Medicine.
KEYWORDS: Psoriasis, Da-us-Sadaf, Dietotherapy, Regimenal Therapy, Pharmacotherapy.
Mohammad et al. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
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the skin) means peeling from all over body parts is
produced by the hirreef and lazza’a khilth-e-yabis
saudawi (irritant dry melancholic humor) which makes
skin scaly and it cannot occur without itching.[8]
Taqash’shur-e-Jild (scaling of the skin) is quite similar to
the disease Qashaf-ul-Jild (dirtyness of the skin) causes
of both the diseases are similar. The khilt (humor)
responsible for Qashaf-e- jild, is dry but due to scaling of
the skin, khilt is hirreef and lazza’a (irritant). The
difference between the two is that Qashaf-e-Jild can
sometimes be without itching but Taqash’shur-e- Jild
(scaling of the skin) cannot occur without itching. The
production of the khilth (humor) responsible for this
disease is either due to putrefaction and burning in the
blood heat or ratoobat (fluid) or burning of khilte safra
(bilious humor) or akhlat (humors).[8]
Abu Mohaamad Bin Zakaria Razi ((850-923 AD),
written a short descriptions on the topic of Quba and
Taqash’shur in his book named Kitab-ul-Hawi Fit-Tib.
He wrote that it is the roughness of the outer skin which
presented as yellowish-black and yellowish-red color
lesion with itching.[1]
Ali Ibn-e-Abbas Majoosi (930-994 AD), discussed in
his book Kamil-us-Sana’ah about the Taqash’shur-e-Jild
means scaling of the skin, that when balgham-e-mirary
(bilious phlegm) mixed with blood then the tabi’at
(physis) of the body, expels that khilth-e-ghaleez
(viscous humor) towards the skin from internal organs
and accumulates within the skin resulting in scaling of
the skin and durable intense itching. Sometimes, this
abnormal condition develop due to zof-e-jild (weakness
of the skin) because when the tabi’at (physis) tries to
expel the wastes akhlat-e- ghaleeza (viscous humors)
towards the skin then it is unable to expel and resolve
that waste humors due to zof-e-dafey’ah (weakness of
expulsive power) of the skin. Hence, the waste humors
accumulate here and cause the skin become scaly and
itching.[2]
Ibn-e-Zohr (1091-1162 A.D) described regarding
Taqaash’shur-e-Jild that when the khilth-e-sauda moves
towards the skin, then the tabi’at (physis) of the body
differs from that skin, therefore the skin neither gets
nourishment from that khilth (humour) nor excretes it,
which makes the skin scaly.[3]
Ibn-e-Rushd (1126-1198AD) has written in the book
Kitab-ul-Kulliyat, while discussing about the diseases,
produced by cold dry matter that some of the factors
responsible for temperamental imbalance of khilth
(humor) are hereditary, due to which leprosy etc. occurs.
When excessive amount of morbid melancholic humour
(ghair tab’yee sauda) accumulates in the body, then
spleen could not absorb it completely because it is
imbalanced either in quantity or quality or both. Being
unable to absorb by spleen, it spreads in the blood, from
which the organs take their nutrition. This leads to
occurrence of dangerous diseases whose recovery into
the healthy state is not very easy as this khilth (humor) is
not suitable for the tabi’at (physis) of the body.[9]
Hakim Akbar Arzani (death 1722 AD) has described
in Tibb-e-Akbar regarding Qashaf and Taqash’shur-e-
Jild that it means as the roughness of the skin and from
which there is peeling like scales of the fish.[10]
Hakim Mohammad Azam Khan (1813--1902) has
written in his book Aksee-r-Azam that the roughness and
scaling of the skin is called Qashf wa Taqash’shur-e-Jild
in which itching and burning occurs.[11]
Pathogenesis
Basic histopathology of psoriasis is regular epidermal
hyperplasia and cellular turnover is increased up to seven
folds and the transit time from the basal layer to the top
of the stratum corneum is 3-4 days rather than usual 28
days. This rapid turnover of keratinocytes alters
keratinization, resulting in thickened epidermis (seen as
papules and plaques) and para-keratotic stratum corneum
(silvery scales). T-lymphocytes for epidermal
proliferation play an important role, but the exact
mechanism underlying this benign proliferation reaction
is unknown.[12]
Etiology
The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown but there
are some precipitating and triggering factors involved in
causation of disease. According to Unani System of
Medicine, abnormal humors (Sauda-e-Mohtaraq, Merah-
e-Safra / Balgham-e-Merari), indigestion, uncleanness;
diet (cold, dry and salty diets) are the factors responsible
for the cause of this disease.[11,8,2,9] According to recent
concept, Psoriasis is considered to be an autoimmune
disease and has a strong genetic prediction in the form of
polygenic autosomal dominant inheritance. Various
factors such as physiological changes of puberty and
pregnancy, recurrent infections, endocrine imbalances,
physical trauma (including sunlight) and Mental stress
precipitate the disease.[13] Drugs like Anti-malarial, β–
Blockers, Anti malignant, Immuno-suppressive, NSAID,
lithium etc. are known to cause psoriasis from drug
reactions. Obesity, alcoholism, smoking and low
humidity may also exacerbate it.[13,15]
Types
Epidemiologically, psoriasis is divided into two major
groups;[16]
Type-1 Psoriasis: It has an onset in the teenage and early
adult life; such individuals frequently have a family
history and there is an increased prevalence of HLA
CW6.
Type-2 Psoriasis: The disease onset is in an individual’s
fifties or sixties, a family history is less common and the
HLA CW6 is not so prominent.
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Clinical Variants
Psoriasis Vulgaris (Nummular or Stable Plaque
Psoriasis) is the most frequent form of psoriasis,
clinically presented as lesion consists of very well
defined, erythematous and scaly plaques with
symmetrical distribution.[13,17] The most common areas to
affect are the elbows, knees, gluteal cleft and the
scalp.[18] It usually begins on the scalp or on the
olecranon and may remain localized in the original
region for an indefinite period or completely disappear,
recur or spread to others parts of the body.[18,19]
Subjective symptoms itching or burning may be present
and may cause extreme discomfort.[19] The initial lesion,
an erythematous papule increase to form a well
circumscribed plaque covered by dry, loosely attached,
silvery white micaceous scales.[19] The amount of scaling
is variable. On scraping the white amorphous scales
resembles wax candle, known as Candle Grease Sign.[13]
Pint points bleeding are observed after removal of scale,
termed as Auspitz’s Sign.[13] Appearance of typical
lesion at the sites of even trivial injuries, called Koebner
or Isomorphic Phenomenon, is the characteristic feature
of the disease.[19] Affected nails become likes dents made
with a ball point pen; tan-oval spots of 2-4 mm in
diameter, is called Oil Spots or Oil Drop Sign.[19] The
healing psoriatic lesions become non scaly and dusky in
colour enriched by a clear peripheral zone, termed as
Hallo or Woronoff Ring.[6,13]
Guttate Psoriasis (Eruptive Psoriasis) is most common
form in children and young adults.[18] Characterized by
sudden crops of small erythematous shiny papules
appearing on the trunk and proximal part of the
extremities.[13] It frequently present after upper
respiratory tract infection.[6,13]
Inverse Psoriasis (Flexural Psoriasis) affects the
intertriginous regions including the axilla, groin, sub
mammary area and navel.[6,19]
Erythrodermic Psoriasis (Exfoliative Psoriasis) may
extend to involve the entire body surface and present as
generalized redness and scaling all over the body with
chills and rigors.[17] Severe itching and burning are the
disturbing symptoms.[13]
Pustular Psoriasis is a severe form in which the lesion
consists of tiny superficial sterile pustules which may
appear on psoriatic plaque or occur independently.[13,17]
Pustule may coalesce to form lakes of pus.[16]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on Family history,
Clinical features, history of previous attacks and seasonal
variation of psoriasis. Sometime skin biopsy for typical
histopathology and skin scrapping (KOH smear) may be
needed to confirm the disease and to distinguish from
other skin disorders.[18]
Unani Therapy
The main aim of treatment for psoriasis is to control
epidermal proliferation and to expel out the abnormal
humor from the body. Although there is no complete
cure yet, da-us-sadaf (psoriasis) can be managed by
achieving some important guidelines described by Unani
system of Medicine; broadly involved the three types of
therapy as follows.[20]
a) Ilaj Bil-Ghiza (Dietotherapy)
b) Ilaj Bit-Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy)
c) Ilaj Bid-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy)
Ilaj Bil-Ghiza (Dietotherapy)
Unani physicians have advised soft and easily digestible
food like Mash (black gram), Kaddu (Pumpkin),
Asfanakh (Spinach), fresh milk and Ma-ul-Jubn (Whey)
should be used. Soup of Mash (Black Gram) and Kaddu
(Pumpkin), fresh milk with Mash (Black Gram) and
Kaddu (Pumpkin), Himsiya (Gram) and Maghz-e-Badam
(Almond), prepared diets has been recommended. Cold
dry, hard and melancholic producing diets like red meat,
salty fish and cheese should be avoided.[20]
Ilaj Bit-Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy)
This type of Unani therapy facilitates the waste disease
material resulted from derangement of Khilth (humor) to
expel out from the body by three mode of regimes; fasd
(venesection), ta’leeque (leeching) and ta’reeque
(sweating).
Fasd (Venesection): Mohammad Tabri clearly described
in his book Moalejat-e-Biqratiyah, that the treatment of
taqash’shur-e-jild (desquamative skin) is to cut linear and
open the Rag-e-Ba’saleeque (Baselic Vein) of both hand
with intervening period of 7 days until body power
becomes weak.[8]
Ta’leeque (Leeching): Ibn-e-Sina (Avicenna) and
Indian unani physicians have suggested that Ta’leeque
(Leeching) is very effective and beneficial in chronic
inflammatory skin diseases and unhealed ulcer.[21]
Ta’reeque (Sweating): Buqrat stated that intradermal-
epidermal diseases should be treated by Ta’reeque
(Sweating).[22] Most probably it resolves the retained and
underlying waste or viscous humor in skin causes
taqash’shur-e-jild (desquamative skin). It is adopted by
three sources of regimes; Hammam (Bathing), Inkebab
(Vapour Bath), Abzan (Sits Bath).
1. Hammam (Bathing): regular daily bath or twice in
a weak is more effective for the resolution of
inflammatory skin diseases.[8]
2. Inkebab (Vapour Bath): It should be taken with
hot water by adding some Muhallil-e-Auram (anti-
inflammatory) and Mu’arriq (diaphoretic) drugs like
Baboona (Matricaria chamomilla) 30 gm, Akleel-ul-
Mulk (Astragalus hamosus) 30 gm, Qaisoom
(Artimisia abrotanum) 30 gm, Marzanjosh
(Origanum majorana) 15 gm, Izkhar (Andropogon
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jwarancusa) 15 gm, Badyan (Foeniculum vulgare)
15 gm, Post Beikh-e-Karafs (Apium graveolens root)
15 gm, Gul-e-Surkh (Rosa damascena) 15 gm, in 10
liters of water and boiling these drugs until one
fourth part evaporated.[21]
3. Abzan (sits bath): It should be taken with hot water
by adding some Muhallil-e-Auram (anti-
inflammatory) and Mu’arriq (diaphoretic) drugs like
Tukhm-e-Kataan (Linum usitatissimum) 15 gm,
Tukhm-e-Teerah Tezak (Eruca sativa) 15 gm,
Tukhm-e-Gazar (Daucus carota) 15 gm, Tukhm-e-
Shaljam (Brassica rapa) 15 gm, Suddab (Ruta
graveolens) 15 gm, Lablab (Dolichos lablab) 15 gm,
Badyan (Foeniculum vulgare) 15 gm, Berg-e-Karafs
(Apium graveolens leaf) 15 gm, Gandana (Allium
ascalonicum) 15 gm, Karam Kallah (Brassica
oleracea) 200 gm, Unsul (Allium cepa) 2 gm,
Roghan-e-Zaitoon (Olive oil) 34 gm. in 3 liters of
water and boiling these drugs until one third part
remain.[21]
Ilaj Bid-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy)
The recommended basic lines of treatment for psoriasis
are Nuzuj wa Tanqiyah-e-Akhlat-e-Ghair Tabayiah
(Concoction and expulsion of abnormal humors)
specially Sauda (Melancholic humor) along with
Tahleel-e-auram (Resolution), Tasfeeh-e-dam (Blood
Purification), Indimal-e-zakhm (Cicatrization), Taskeen-
e-Jild (Demulcefication), Tarteeb-e-Umoomi wa Muqami
(General and Local Moisturization) and use of Jali
(Detergent) drugs.[23,24] keeping in view of these above
pharmacological properties, the Unani drugs to be
prescribed in psoriasis (da-us-sadaf), are as follows;
Mohammad Tabri suggested Nuskha Matbookh for
evacuation of abnormal Melancholic humor in the
treatment of Taqasshur-e-Jild. Ingredeints of Nuskha
Matbookh are Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium) 24 gm,
Shahatra (Fumaria officinalis) 40 gm, Pursiya wa Shan
(Adiantumcapillus-veneris) 35 gm, Tamar-e-Hindi
(Tamarindus indica) 35 gm, Haleela Zard (Terminalia
chebula) 40 gm, Turanjabeen (Alhagi pseudalhagi) 52
gm, Anjeer (Ficus carica) 3 pieces, Unnab (Zizyphus
vulgaris) 40 pieces, Luk (Lac) Neem kob 7 gm, Revand
(Rheum emodi) 7 gm, Mavaiz Munaqqa (Vitis vinifera)
82 gm, Baerg-e-Enab-us-Salab (Solanum nigrum) one
palm to be boiled in 1700 ml of water. After evaporation
of 2/3 of water, it to be filtered and preserved, given to
the patient orally with mixing of sugar 17 gm. and
Roghan Badam Shirin (Almond oil) 17 gm. in two to
three divided doses on empty stomach. Diarrhea
occurred within 2-3 times and abnormal humor
evacuated from body, after that mutton of goat (neck
part), spinach and soup prepared by Maash (Black
Gram) and Kaddu (Pumpkin) should be given to the
patient to restore body powers.[8]
Ali Bin Abbas Majusi suggested that Sharbat Banafsha
35 gm and Turanjabeen (Alhagi pseudalhagi) 35 gm, at
only morning daily and as diets vegetables of Maash
(Black Gram / Vigna mungo), Badam (Almond) and
Himsiyah (Black Chickpea) to be given to the patient
until abnormal humor concocted completely. Thereafter
Nuskha Matbookh; Gul-e-Banafsha (Viola odorata
flower)17 gm, Haleelah Siyah (Terminalia chebula -
black fruit) 17 gm, Haleelah Zard (Terminalia chebula -
yellow fruit) 17 gm, Haleelah Kabuli (Terminalia
chebula - brown fruit) 17 gm, Sana Makki (Cassia
angustifolia) 24 gm, Bisfayij (Polypodium vulgare) 10
gm, Turbud (Ipomoea turpethum) 10 gm, Gul-e-Surkh
(Rosa damascena) 10 gm, Gul-e-Nelofer (Nymphaea
lotus) 10 gm, Tukhm-e-Kasni (Cichorium Intybus seed)
10 gm, Asslussoos (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 10 gm,
Ustukuddoos (Lavandula stoechas) 14 gm, Mavaiz
Munaqqa (Vitis vinifera fruit) 35 gm, Unnab (Zizyphus
vulgaris) 20 pieces, Aalu Siyah (Solanum tuberosum) 20
pieces, Sapistan (Cordia latifolia) 20 pieces, to be boiled
in 1500 ml of water. When 500 ml water remain after
evaporation, it to be filtered and preserved, given to the
patient orally in 2-3 divided doses on empty stomach by
adding Maghz-e-Floos-e-Khayar-e-Shambar (Cassia
fistula) 52 gm. and Turanjabeen (Alhagi pseudalhagi) 52
gm. Abnormal humor evacuated from body through
Diarrhea, after that to moisturizes the body, Ma-us-
Sha’eer (barley water), mutton of kid and chiks, soup
prepared by Maash (Black Gram) and Kaddu (Pumpkin)
should be advised as diets. It also advised to take bath
twice in a week and after bath Roghan Banafsha (Violet
herb oil), Roghan Kaddu (Pumpkin oil), Roghan Badam
Shirin (Almond oil) to be applied local all over body.[2]
Ibn-e-Zohr prescribed for the treatment of taqash’shur-
e-jild, that melancholic humor to be expelled out by
giving Bisfayij (Polypodium vulgare), Afteemoon
(Cuscuta reflexa), Hajr-e-Lajward (Lapis Lazuli) and
Khareeq-e-Siyah (Helleborus niger) orally. Tiryaq
Farooq 2gm and Sharbat Asslussoos 35 ml with plane
water at every 5th day and 8 hours after Khameeri Naan
(Leavened bread) with soup of chicks to be used. Maghz
Tukhm-e-Kharpazah (Muskmelon seed’s pulp) with
Roghan Baboona (Chamomile oil) to be applied locally
on desquamated lesions as paste.[3]
Hkm Akbar Arzani recommended that sterilized the
body from waste matter by giving Tabeekh-e-Afteemoon
and Ma-ul-Jubn (Whey) orally. Ingredients of Tabeekh-
e-Afteemoon are Afteemoon (Cuscuta reflexa) 24 gm,
Haleelah Siyah (Terminalia chebula-black fruit) 24 gm,
Haleelah Zard (Terminalia chebula-yellow fruit) 24 gm,
Haleelah Kabuli (Terminalia chebula - brown fruit) 24
gm, Amla Khushk (Emblica officinalis dried) 10 gm,
Baleelah (Terminalia bellerica) 10 gm, Shahatra
(Fumaria parviflora) (30 gm), Afsanteen (Artemisia
absinthium) 30 gm, Gul-e-Ghafis (Gentiana olivier) 17
gm, Turbud (Ipomoea turpethum) 3 gm, Ghareeqoon
(Polyporus officinalis) 52 gm, Mavaiz Munaqqa (Vitis
vinifera) 52 pieces, to be boiled in 2070 ml of water until
¾ part of water evaporated. Remaining ¼ part of water
preserved after filtering and then it to be given to the
patient orally in two to three divided doses with mixing
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of 24 g of sugar. After cleansing of waste humor Itrifal
Sagheer with Gulqand to be given also. Wet diet like
mutton of baby animals, Kaddu (Pumpkin) and Maash
(Black Gram) to be advised as food to moisturized the
body.[10]
Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine
(CCRUM) Department of AYUSH New Delhi-India, has
listed the Advia-e-Mufradah (Single Drugs) and Advia-
e-Murakkabah (Compound Drugs) used in psoriasis in
his booklet named “Unani Treatment for Some Common
Skin Disorders”.[20,25] They are described as follows;
Advia-e-Mufradah (Single Drugs)
Afsanteen (Artimesia absinthium Linn), Asgand
(Withania somnifera), Tukhm-e-Babchi (Psoralia
corylifolia seed), Baad Aaward (Volutarella divaricate),
Chiraita (Swertia chirayita), Post-e-Neem (Azadiracta
indica), Kamela (Mallotus philippinensis), Shahatra
(Fumaric parviflora), Sandal (Santalum album), Haleela
(Terminalia chebula), Unnab (Zizyphus jujuba), Qust
Shirin (Saussurea lappa), Berg-e-Inderjau Shirin
(Wrightia tinctoria), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Mundi
(Spheeranthus indicus), Bisfaij (Polypodium vulgaris),
Chob Chini (Smilax china), Ghongchi (Abrus
practorius), Ushba (Smilex ornata), Gul-e-Gao Zaban
(Borago officinalis).[20,25] As per need, all above
medicine to be used in psoriasis (da-us-sadaf) as single
or multiple in the form of Joshanda (decoction),
Khesanda / Zulal (infusion), Safoof (powder) orally.
Advia-e-Murakkabah (Compound Drugs)
The formulation drugs for the treatment of psoriasis (da-
us-sadaf) are administered by oral as well as topical.
Descriptions of these Formulations; mostly belongs to
the Pharmacopeal, Drugs in details are as follows;
Systemic / Oral Therapy[20,25,27]
Majun Ushba: It is a Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood
Purifier) and indicated in all types of psoriasis (da-
us-sadaf). 5-10 gm. to be taken in the morning and
evening with plain water on empty stomach.
Sharbat Ushba Khas: It is an excellent Musaffi-e-
Dam (Blood Purifier) and cures all types of psoriasis
(da-us-sadaf). 25 ml. to be taken after mixing with
water in the morning and evening on empty
stomach.
Arq Ushba: It is also Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood
Purifier) and useful in all types of psoriasis (da-us-
sadaf). 125 ml. to be taken after mixing with 25 ml
of Sharbat Ushba in water at the morning and
evening on empty stomach.
Itrifal Shahatra: It has Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood
Purifier), Munzij wa Mus’hil-e-Sauda (Concoctive &
Purgative Melancholic Humor) and Murattib-e-
Umoomi (General Moisturizer) properties. It is used
in all variety of psoriasis (da-us-sadaf). 5-10 gm. to
be taken in the morning and evening with plain
water on empty stomach.
Arq Shahatra: It has Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood
Purifier), Dafey-e-Ta’affun (Antiseptic), Munzij-e-
Sauda (Concoctive Melancholic Humor) activities.
It is beneficial in all variety of psoriasis (da-us-
sadaf) especially in pustular psoriasis and
normalizes the blood circulation in the body. 125 ml.
to be taken after mixing with 25 ml of Sharbat
Unnab, in water at the morning and evening on
empty stomach.
Habb e Mussaffi khoon: It is an effective Musaffi-
e-Dam (Blood Purifier) and indicated in all types of
psoriasis (da-us-sadaf). 2 pills to be taken in the
morning and evening with plain water on empty
stomach.
Sharbat Murakkab Mussaffi Khoon: It is an
excellent and very effective Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood
Purifier), Mus’hil-e-Sauda (Purgative Melancholic
Humor) and cures all types of psoriasis (da-us-
sadaf). 25 ml. to be taken after mixing with 125 ml
of Arq Murakkab Mussaffi Khoon in water at the
morning and evening on empty stomach.
Arq Murakkab Mussaffi Khoon: It is a Musaffi-e-
Dam (Blood Purifier), Dafey-e-Ta’affun (Antiseptic)
and used in all types of psoriasis (da-us-sadaf). 125
ml. to be taken after mixing with 25 ml of Sharbat
Unnab, in the water at the morning and evening on
empty stomach.
Sharbat Sandal: It has Dafey-e-Ta’affun
(Antiseptic) and Musakkin (Sedative) activities. It is
especially suggested in generalized & localized
pustular psoriasis. 25 ml. to be taken after mixing
with water at the morning and evening on empty
stomach.
Sharbat Unnab: It has Musaffi-e-Dam (Blood
Purifier), Munzij-e-Safra wa Sauda (Concoctive Bile
& Melancholic Humors) and Mulattif (Demulcent)
properties, It also normalizes the blood circulation in
the body. It is useful in erythrodermic, flexural and
pustular psoriasis (da-us-sadaf) especially. 25-50 ml.
to be taken after mixing with water at the morning
and evening on empty stomach.
Sharbat Banafsha: It has Mulattif (Demulcent),
Murattib (Moisturizer) and Mu’arriq (diaphoretic)
actions. It is useful in all types of psoriasis (da-us-
sadaf). 25 ml. to be taken after mixing with water at
the morning and evening on empty stomach.
Topical Application
Marham Ghulabi: It is a Nafe-e-Busoor wa
Qurooh (Anti-rashes & Anti-ulcer) and most
effective in all types of psoriasis (da-us-sadaf)
among all topical drugs available in unani
medicine.[20]
Marham Daus Sadaf: It heals psoriatic lesions.[20]
Roghan Narjeel (coconut oil): It has Dafey-e-Da-
us-sadaf (Anti-psoriatic), Dafe-e-Kharish (Anti-
pruritic), Muqavvi-e-Mana’at (Immunomodulator),
Murattib (Moisturizer) and Mundamil-e-Qurooh
(Wounds Healer) activities.[28]
Mohammad et al. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
www.ejpmr.com
205
Roghan Gandum (Wheat oil): It resolves chronic
inflammation and cures epidermal thickining.[27]
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that Unani physicians have been
successfully treating psoriasis (da-us-sadaf) since ancient
times by adopting various modes of treatment; Ilaj Bil-
Ghiza (Dietotherapy), Ilaj Bit-Tadbeer (Regimenal
Therapy) and Ilaj Bid-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy). Further
studies and research are required in this area.
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