Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial

Background and objectives: Acne vulgaris stands as the prevailing dermatological condition on a global scale, prompting exploration into diverse therapeutic modalities. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a formulation comprising Kalonji (Nigella sativa) and Sirka (vinegar) in comparis...

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Main Authors: Shaikh Nisar Ahmed Abbas, Arshan Horti, Muhammed Rashid Allapat, Mamadapur Saba Abdul Razzaq, Farooqui Shazia Parveen, Nazim Husain
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X25000020
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author Shaikh Nisar Ahmed Abbas
Arshan Horti
Muhammed Rashid Allapat
Mamadapur Saba Abdul Razzaq
Farooqui Shazia Parveen
Nazim Husain
author_facet Shaikh Nisar Ahmed Abbas
Arshan Horti
Muhammed Rashid Allapat
Mamadapur Saba Abdul Razzaq
Farooqui Shazia Parveen
Nazim Husain
author_sort Shaikh Nisar Ahmed Abbas
collection DOAJ
description Background and objectives: Acne vulgaris stands as the prevailing dermatological condition on a global scale, prompting exploration into diverse therapeutic modalities. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a formulation comprising Kalonji (Nigella sativa) and Sirka (vinegar) in comparison to benzoyl peroxide 5 % for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods: In this open-label randomized controlled trial, 40 participants with acne in the age bracket of 13–40 years completed the 28-day treatment period. The Unani group received a Nigella sativa seed powder and cane vinegar, while the control group received benzoyl peroxide 5 % gel. Both interventions were applied topically at night. Primary outcomes encompassed changes in the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and Cook’s Acne Grading Scale using PSAG scores. The secondary outcome was the change in Quality of Life assessed through the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI). Safety evaluations included baseline and post-treatment measurements of hemograms, serum creatinine, serum bilirubin, and random blood sugar levels. Results: The GAGS scores showed a mean difference of −2.600 (95 % CI: −5.770 - 0.570, d=0.57, p = 0.105), PSAG scores exhibited a mean difference of −0.600 (95 % CI: −1.793 - 0.593, d=0.49, p = 0.315), and CADI scores displayed a mean difference of −1.500 (95 % CI: −3.470 - 0.470, d=0.32, p = 0.132) at the trial conclusion. Conclusions: This trial suggests that the formulation may have therapeutic potential as an alternative acne treatment. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are recommended. Clinical trial registration: The clinical trial was registered with Clinical Trial Registry – India under the registration number CTRI/2022/05/042368 on May 4, 2022.
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spelling doaj-art-b2fa94b7423e41eeb210361db345f9182025-08-20T03:31:37ZengKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology2950-306X2025-03-012110006910.1016/j.jdsct.2025.100069Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trialShaikh Nisar Ahmed Abbas0Arshan Horti1Muhammed Rashid Allapat2Mamadapur Saba Abdul Razzaq3Farooqui Shazia Parveen4Nazim Husain5Department of Moalajat (Medicine), Luqman Unani Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Bijapur, Karnataka 586101, IndiaDepartment of Moalajat (Medicine), Luqman Unani Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Bijapur, Karnataka 586101, IndiaDepartment of Moalajat (Medicine), Luqman Unani Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Bijapur, Karnataka 586101, IndiaDepartment of Moalajat (Medicine), Luqman Unani Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Bijapur, Karnataka 586101, IndiaRegional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600013, IndiaRegional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Silchar, Assam 788014, India; Corresponding author.Background and objectives: Acne vulgaris stands as the prevailing dermatological condition on a global scale, prompting exploration into diverse therapeutic modalities. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a formulation comprising Kalonji (Nigella sativa) and Sirka (vinegar) in comparison to benzoyl peroxide 5 % for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods: In this open-label randomized controlled trial, 40 participants with acne in the age bracket of 13–40 years completed the 28-day treatment period. The Unani group received a Nigella sativa seed powder and cane vinegar, while the control group received benzoyl peroxide 5 % gel. Both interventions were applied topically at night. Primary outcomes encompassed changes in the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and Cook’s Acne Grading Scale using PSAG scores. The secondary outcome was the change in Quality of Life assessed through the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI). Safety evaluations included baseline and post-treatment measurements of hemograms, serum creatinine, serum bilirubin, and random blood sugar levels. Results: The GAGS scores showed a mean difference of −2.600 (95 % CI: −5.770 - 0.570, d=0.57, p = 0.105), PSAG scores exhibited a mean difference of −0.600 (95 % CI: −1.793 - 0.593, d=0.49, p = 0.315), and CADI scores displayed a mean difference of −1.500 (95 % CI: −3.470 - 0.470, d=0.32, p = 0.132) at the trial conclusion. Conclusions: This trial suggests that the formulation may have therapeutic potential as an alternative acne treatment. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are recommended. Clinical trial registration: The clinical trial was registered with Clinical Trial Registry – India under the registration number CTRI/2022/05/042368 on May 4, 2022.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X25000020Busoor-e-LabaniyyaKalonjiSirkaUnani medicine
spellingShingle Shaikh Nisar Ahmed Abbas
Arshan Horti
Muhammed Rashid Allapat
Mamadapur Saba Abdul Razzaq
Farooqui Shazia Parveen
Nazim Husain
Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology
Busoor-e-Labaniyya
Kalonji
Sirka
Unani medicine
title Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
title_full Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
title_fullStr Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
title_short Evaluation of the efficacy of topical Nigella sativa L. with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial
title_sort evaluation of the efficacy of topical nigella sativa l with vinegar in the treatment of acne vulgaris a randomized controlled trial
topic Busoor-e-Labaniyya
Kalonji
Sirka
Unani medicine
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X25000020
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