A Review of Acne Etiology and Treatment in Iranian Traditional Medicine

Abstract

Background:Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) is based on humors theory. Temperament or mizaj is the result of a combination of four fundamental humors called blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Like any other diseases, acne is the result of humoral imbalance. Acne is a highly prevalent dermatological problem, which has both physical and psychological effects on patients. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of acne formation and natural remedies from the perspective of Persian scientists.Methods:The etiology and treatment of acne were collected and analyzed from selected TPM medical textbooks. Some selected plants in these books were assessed in tabular format and their anti-acne activities were compared with modern medicine’s databases.Results:In the acne treatment, considering six essential schemes for health, diet and herbal remedies as well as manipulation are recommended. Although the mentioned herbs in acne treatment have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects; however, some have special proven effects on the acne formation process. There is also a strong relationship between the digestive system and skin. This paper was rendered to show ancient Persian scholar’s viewpoints on acne and its treatment.Conclusion:Some reported remedies might be beneficial towards further studies on acne treatment.

Herbal Remedies for Acne Vulgaris from the Viewpoint of Persian Medicine

“…There are some clinical evidence about the effectiveness and safety of these herbs in the treatment of acne and other skin infections( 6 ). Although the term which is exactly equivalent to acne is not mentioned as a specific disease in Persian medicine resources, according to the symptoms and signs of acne in medical textbooks, clinical manifestations similar to acne have been considered under the topic of Awram and Bothur (swelling and rashes) in Persian medicine sources ( 7 )…”

“…Based on the principles of Persian medicine, Awram and Bothur occur as a result of humoral imbalances and the body inability to eliminate undesirable and unwanted substances through common and logical ways ( 7 ), therefore, accumulated materials are driven out of the body through other ways like the skin, which can cause various skin problems. In this study, the reference books of Persian medicine such as Makhzan ol advieh ( 8 ), Canon of Medicine ( 9 )and Exir-e Azam ( 10 ) were reviewed for recommended drugs to treatment of Awram and Bothur , most of these medications are resolvent ( Mohallil ) and have dissolving property.…”