Understanding Dermatophytosis (Quba) in Unani Medicine: Classical Descriptions and Evidence from Recent Clinical Studies

Background: Dermatophytosis (tinea), described as Quba in Unani medicine, remains a common superficial fungal infection with a significant global burden. Rising antifungal resistance, frequent relapses, and treatment failures have prompted exploration of complementary therapeutic systems such as Unani medicine and other Ayush systems. Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize classical Unani perspectives on Quba with insights from modern clinical literature on dermatophytosis, and to contextualize the therapeutic potential and emerging clinical outcomes of Unani formulations in dermatophytosis management. Methods: Classical Unani texts by Ibn Sina, Razi, Jurjani, and others were critically reviewed to extract concepts related to etiology, classification, and treatment of Quba. A targeted database search (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar) identified randomized trials, observational studies, and case reports assessing the efficacy and safety of Unani interventions. Results: Unani literature attributes Quba to morbid Sawda accumulation and emphasizes humoral correction through Tanqiya (purification), Ta.lil (resolution), and topical applications. Modern clinical studies involving Majun Ushba, Marham Ral, Marham Kharish Jadid, vinegar-based polyherbal pastes, and herbal antimicrobial soaps report symptom reduction and early mycological clearance, in some cases suggesting potential non-inferiority to terbinafine and fluconazole in limited cohorts. Improvement within 4–8 weeks and favorable tolerability were commonly observed, though follow-up duration and adverse event reporting were often limited. Conclusion: Unani medicine presents a holistic, culturally aligned therapeutic system for dermatophytosis, with promising preliminary clinical outcomes. However, to move beyond exploratory evidence, larger, rigorously designed multicentric trials, standardized pharmacognostic profiling, mechanistic validation, and structured safety monitoring are required to define its role within evidence-based integrative dermatology.