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ACTA Pharmaceutica Sciencia
2026 , Vol 64 , Num 1
Scabies treatment in Avicenna"s canon of medicine: a comparative analysis of traditional and modern approaches
1 Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye2 Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical History and Ethics, Istanbul, Türkiye
DOI : 10.23893/1307-2080.APS6402 Viewed : 182 - Downloaded : 133 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. Keywords : scabies, Avicenna, traditional medicine, herbal medicine, dermatology