Scabies treatment in Avicenna’s canon of medicine: a comparative analysis of traditional and modern approaches
Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia, cilt.64, sa.1, ss.17-32, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 64 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.23893/1307-2080.aps6402
- Dergi Adı: Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, EMBASE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.17-32
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Avicenna, dermatology, herbal medicine, scabies, traditional medicine
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Scabies, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, is a contagious skin disease with growing drug resistance, prompting interest in alternative treatments. Avicenna (Ibn Sina), a key figure in medieval Islamic medicine, proposed a humoral-based model in The Canon of Medicine, involving internal cleansing, dietary regulation, and topical applications. This study examines Avicenna’s treatment protocols, including herbal and mineral remedies, and compares them with modern dermatological practices. Key interventions include purgatives like Cuscuta epithymum and Cassia senna for detoxification, and topical agents such as sulfur, lead oxide, and rose oil. Their pharmacological properties are evaluated based on the current literature. Findings suggest that aspects of Avicenna’s approach, especially natural antiparasitic and detoxifying methods, align with modern views. While promising, further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of these historical treatments. Integrating traditional knowledge with evidence-based medicine may support the management of resistant scabies.