Clinical Efficacy of Classical Unani Formulations in Management of Qubāʼ (Tinea Corporis): A Case Series Approach

Background: Tinea corporis, identified as Qubāʼ in Unani medicine, is a common superficial fungal infection. Classical Unani texts offer a holistic management framework, integrating principles of temperament (Mizāj), humoral balance, and both topical and systemic therapies. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of individualized Unani regimens in managing Qubāʼ through symptom monitoring and temperament-based selection of formulations. Methods: Five patients clinically diagnosed with Tinea corporis were treated at HSZH Unani Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal. Oral polyherbal formulations—Itrifāl Shahātra, Majoon Ushba, Habbe Musaffi, Dawā-e-Musaffi, or Arq Shahātra—were administered alongside the standard topical application of Marham-e-Qūba. Treatment duration was 28 days, with assessments on Day 1, 14, and 28 using the Dermatophytosis Symptom Score (DSS). Results: All patients demonstrated progressive improvement with a mean DSS reduction of 75.6% by Day28. Pruritus showed the most significant reduction (85.7%), followed by erythema (76.9%) and scaling (54.5%). The combination of Itrifāl Shahātra + Marham-e-Qūba was the most effective. No adverse events or recurrence were observed. Conclusion: This study highlights the clinical potential of Unani therapies in managing superficial fungal infections. The integration of temperament-based oral regimens and a standardized topical application showed marked symptom relief, safety, and patient satisfaction. Further controlled trials are recommended to validate these findings and expand therapeutic options in integrative dermatology.