Therapeutic evaluation of a Unani herbo- mineral formulation in chronic urticaria

Background Chronic urticaria (Shara) often poses a therapeutic challenge. Alternative medicine, including herbal treatment is gaining popularity for the treatment of refractory skin diseases.Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of a Unani herbo-mineral formulation in the management of chronic urticaria.Patients and methods The randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out at outpatient department of Medicine, National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital, Bangalore, from 15th April, 2009 to 15th April, 2010. Diagnosed patients of chronic urticaria, qualifying the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the clinical trial. The patients were divided randomly into test and control groups after obtaining their informed consents. Test group (20 patients) was administered a herbo-mineral formulation twice daily whereas control group (10 patients) were given placebo orally. The duration of this trial was 4 weeks and follow up was done weekly. The efficacy of the test drug was assessed by the total sign and symptom score (TSSS) and severity of itching, whealing and erythema.Results The test drug produced significant effect on itching, wheals, erythema and on TSSS without causing any untoward effect or adverse reactions as observed by the safety parameters.Conclusion The herbo-mineral formulation can be used safely and effectively for the treatment of chronic urticaria