Introduction In the grand narrative of medicine, the use of plants for therapeutic purposes is as old as civilization itself. Among the intriguing array of botanicals applied in medicine, Panwad (Cassia tora L.), Sarshaf (Brassica nigra L.), and Kunjad (Sesamum indicum L.) have etched their names in the annals of ringworm infection treatment. Referenced in the classical literature of Unani Medicine, these plant-based drugs have exhibited promising results, especially when applied topically in the form of a paste, known as zimad.
In light of this, scientists embarked on a journey to harness the potentials of these traditional remedies. The outcome? The development of a topical cream incorporating extracts of these three plants. This article explores this exciting development process, the test results, and the potential benefits of this herbal cream.
The Development of Ziyun Cream
The Formulation Process
A total of 16 prototype batches (labelled F1-F16) were formulated. Each batch contained different concentrations (20%, 40%, and 50%) of hydro-alcoholic extracts of the aforementioned plant drugs in water-removable bases1. Following an examination of these 16 batches, three were selected as final batches: F4 (containing 20% extract), F6 (containing 40% extract), and F16 (containing 50% extract).
Testing for Optimal Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)
The in vitro antidermatophytic activity of the cream was tested to determine the optimal MIC against fungi causing dermatophytosis.
Safety Testing: Dermal Irritation Study
Before any topical cream can be approved for use, it has to pass through a series of safety tests. For Ziyun Cream, a dermal irritation study was carried out using New Zealand Albino Rabbits.
Efficacy Testing: In Vivo Antidermatophytic Activity
The antidermatophytic activity of the cream was also tested in vivo. Different concentrations of the prepared cream (20%, 40%, and 50%) were applied on Wistar rats to assess their antifungal capability.
Results and Analysis
The final batches of the cream showed promising results in all the tested parameters. There was significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity, which increased with the concentration of the drug – a clear indication of dose-dependent efficacy. Moreover, no microbial growth was observed in the prepared formulation, pointing to its potential safety.
Concluding Remarks
The study's findings reveal that the Ziyun Cream possesses significant antidermatophytic activity against fungi causing dermatophytosis. Therefore, it stands as a potentially effective and safe alternative topical agent for treating dermatophytosis.
"The use of traditional plant-based remedies is not merely a return to the past; it's a step towards a future where we harness the best of both modern and ancient medical knowledge." - Anonymous
# Sample Code for MIC Calculation def calculate_MIC(concentration, zone_of_inhibition): MIC = concentration / zone_of_inhibition return MIC
References
PRIMARY KEYWORD: Ziyun Cream
SECONDARY KEYWORDS: Panwad, Sarshaf, Kunjad, dermatophytosis, in vitro, in vivo, antidermatophytic activity, MIC, Unani Medicine, zimad, plant-based drugs
Additional Information: Unani Medicine is a traditional system of healing and health maintenance observed in South Asia. The term zimad refers to a type of topical medication in the form of a paste. Tone of Voice: Professional, informative, engaging
Footnotes
The use of water-removable bases is a common practice in cream formulation, facilitating the easy removal of the cream with water. ↩