Efficacy and safety of Joshanda aftimoon in Taqassur-e-Jild (Psoriasis): An OPD based case series study on five patients

Abstract

Psoriasis is an inflammatory and proliferative condition of skin. In Unani literature psoriasis is described in the name of Taqassur-e-Jild. It is one of the most horrible skin disorders that affect approximately 2-3% of the worldwide population. According to Unani concept Taqassur-e-Jild is a Saudavi (Black bilious) disease. Ibn-e-Zohar described regarding Taqaashshur-e-Jild that when the Khilt-e-Sauda moves towards the skin, then the tabiyat (Physis) of the body differs from that skin, therefore the skin neither gets nourishment from that Khilt (Humour) nor excretes it, which makes the skin scaly. It is characterized by dryness of the skin and scale formation just like the scale of fish. In conventional Medicine psoriasis is generally treated with multiple steroids drugs where as in Unani Medicine treatment is based on package therapy i.e. dietotherapy, regimenal therapy and pharmacotherapy. Various Unani drugs which acts as Munzij-wa-Mushile Sauda and evacuate the morbid material from the body like Aftimoon, Post Halela Zard Turbud, Bisfayej, Sheham Hanzal, Ghariqoon, Sana, Kharbaq etc. Some compound formulations which are highly effective for the management of psoriasis like Joshanda Aftimoon, Majoon Najah, Majoon Chobchini for orally whereas some are usesd as locally like Roghan Gul, Roghan Narjeel, Roghan Banafsa, Roghan Badam Shirin, Roghan Hindi etc. This case series study will be new vistas for the management of psoriasis which is unresponsive to long term oral/local corticosteroids or pulse therapy.