A Randomized parallel group open label active controlled clinical study to compare the efficacy & safety of Marham-e-Dād with Terbinafine in the Management of Qūbā (Ringworm) - A Cohort Study

Authors

  • Anam Farah Sayyed Nisar
  • Qamar Uddin
  • Shaikh Mohd Aamir Sharfuddin
  • Ansari Mohd Danish Mohd Nasim
  • Huma Khatoon
  • Syeda Hajra Fatima
  • Sayyed Minhaj
  • Mohammad Danish

Keywords:

Qūbā, Dermatophytosis, Ringworm, Marham-e-Dād, Unani Medicine, Terbinafine..

Abstract

Qūbā (Dermatophytosis / Ringworm) is a common superficial fungal infection affecting nearly one-fourth of the global population. Despite the availability of antifungal agents such as terbinafine, recurrence, adverse effects, and emerging resistance remain major therapeutic concerns. Unani medicine describes Qūbā as a skin disorder caused by derangement of humours and recommends several topical formulations, including Marham-e-Dād, for its management.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Marham-e-Dād compared with topical terbinafine 1% cream in the management of Qūbā (Ringworm). Methods: A randomized, parallel-group, open-label, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted at the National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD), Hyderabad. Sixty KOH-positive participants with clinically diagnosed Qūbā were randomized equally into the test group (Marham-e-Dād) and control group (Terbinafine 1%). Both interventions were applied topically twice daily for six weeks. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the Total Sign and Symptom Score (TSSS), while mycological cure was confirmed by KOH examination. Safety was evaluated through clinical monitoring and laboratory investigations. Results: Both treatment groups showed significant improvement in pruritus, erythema, scaling, and central clearing after six weeks of therapy. Mycological cure was observed in a substantial proportion of participants in both groups. Marham-e-Dād demonstrated clinical efficacy comparable to topical terbinafine, with good tolerability and no serious adverse events or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities...

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Published

2025-12-12

How to Cite

1.
Sayyed Nisar AF, Uddin Q, Aamir Sharfuddin SM, Danish Mohd Nasim AM, Khatoon H, Fatima SH, et al. A Randomized parallel group open label active controlled clinical study to compare the efficacy & safety of Marham-e-Dād with Terbinafine in the Management of Qūbā (Ringworm) - A Cohort Study. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 12 [cited 2026 Sep. 12];14(33S):1385-404. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/10521

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 33S (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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