Traditional Wisdom Meets Chronic Disease: Unani Success in Managing Psoriasis with Zimad and Leech Therapy-A Case Report
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder marked by erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales, significantly affecting patients’ physical and psychological well-being. Conventional therapies, while often effective in symptom control, can result in side effects or limited long-term efficacy. Unani medicine, a traditional holistic system, incorporates unique therapeutic modalities such as Zimad (topical applications) and Taleeq (leech therapy), which aim to restore humoral balance and detoxify the body.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Unani therapeutic interventions, specifically Zimad and Leech therapy, in a patient with chronic psoriasis unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Methods: A 45-year-old female with 15-year history of psoriasis was presented with widespread lesions, erythema, scaling, and pruritus. The patient was treated with Unani regimens like Taleeq (Leech Therapy) in which, two leeches over the affected site were applied twice a week for 10 sittings along with herbal Zimad containing anti-inflammatory and keratolytic properties was applied twice daily. Clinical assessment was performed at baseline, 21st day and 35th day using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Results: Marked improvement was observed after 35 days of treatment. Erythema, scaling, and itching were significantly reduced, with a notable decrease in PASI and DLQI scores. The patient reported improved quality of life and no adverse effects. The outcome suggests potential benefits of Unani therapy in managing psoriasis.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates that Unani therapies, particularly Zimad and Taleeq, may offer an effective complementary approach for managing chronic psoriasis, especially in patients who are unresponsive to conventional treatments. These modalities appear to support symptom relief through detoxification and humoral correction without adverse events. Larger-scale clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Keywords: Psoriasis, Taqashshur al-Jild, Zimad, Taleeq, Leech Therapy, Unani
Keywords:
Psoriasis, Taqashshur al-Jild, Zimad, Taleeq, Leech Therapy, UnaniDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i6.7214References
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