Clinical efficacy of a herbo-mineral Unani formulation in scabies: an open-label randomized controlled study

To compare the efficacy of a herbo-mineral Unani formulation with benzyl benzoate in scabies. A parallel, prospective, open-labeled, standard-controlled, randomized trial was conducted in ZVM Unani College, Pune. Patients were randomized to receive topical application of either test formulation (n = 30) (P. corylifolia, C. anthelminticum, C. tora and sulphur) or 25 % benzyl benzoate (n = 30) respectively for 3 days. The primary and secondary outcomes were change in clinical grading of scabies lesions and intensity of itching respectively. In the present study, 86.67 and 90 % patients were cured in the test and control group respectively. At third follow up, itching severity score mean between the groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.66). At third follow-up mean itching severity score within group comparison from the baseline in both groups were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). No adverse effects were noted. The test formulation was as effective as benzylbenzoate in alleviating scabies.