Evaluating the Efficacy of Tukhm Turb (Raphanus sativus L. Seeds) in Melasma: Insights from Recent Research and Traditional Unani Literature

Melasma is a common pigmentary skin condition that predominantly affects individuals with darker or light brown skin tones, with a prevalence of up to 70% in pregnant women. Ibn e Sina, a renowned Unani scholar, described Kalaf as a skin discoloration resembling melasma in its clinical features. The Unani system of medicine, known for its plant-based remedies, highlights the potential of Tukhm Turb (Raphanus sativus seeds), a member of the Brassicaceae family, for treating melasma. According to Unani principles, Tukhm Turb possesses Jālī (detergent), Mulaṭṭif (attenuant), Muḥallil (anti-inflammatory), and other beneficial properties. Modern studies corroborate these attributes, demonstrating that Raphanus sativus has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tyrosinase-inhibiting activities, which are attributed to its phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glucosinolates, brassinosteroids, and flavonoids. This review examines the traditional use of Tukhm Turb for melasma in Unani literature and evaluates findings from recent pharmacological studies, clinical trials, and in-vitro/in-vivo investigations. A systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect was conducted, alongside a review of classical Unani texts using keywords like “melasma,” “Kalaf,” “Raphanus sativus,” and “Raphani semen.” The integration of classical and modern evidence suggests that Tukhm Turb may be effective in managing melasma due to its multifaceted pharmacological properties. While promising, further rigorous clinical studies are required to validate its efficacy and establish its potential as a standard treatment for melasma. Keywords: Alkaloid, Flavonoid, Kalaf, Raphanus sativus, Traditional Medicine, Tukhm Turb