20% Cassia alata cream for treating tinea versicolor
Official title: A Single Arm No-treatment Self-controlled Trial Pilot Study Evaluating the Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profile of 20% Cassia Alata Cream Against Tinea Versicolor
Run by The University of The West Indies · NCT05730244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if applying a 20% Cassia alata cream twice daily can clear tinea versicolor in adults aged 18–89.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of The West Indies Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kingston, Other) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05730244 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–89 with clinically and microscopy- or Wood's lamp–confirmed tinea versicolor who have not used antifungal treatment within the prior 4 weeks and have no known allergy to Cassia alata or preservatives.
✕Probably not a fit
Pregnant people, those with lesions that do not meet diagnostic criteria, individuals who used antifungal treatment within the past 4 weeks, or anyone with known hypersensitivity to Cassia alata or its preservatives are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1, single-arm, self-controlled pilot tests a topical 20% Cassia alata extract cream applied twice daily to affected skin while other areas are left untreated as internal controls. Clinical and microbiological resolution will be compared between treated and untreated sites with visits at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Safety, tolerability, and ease of use will be recorded at each visit to document any local reactions or adverse events. Results will be analyzed descriptively and with simple statistical comparisons to inform whether larger controlled trials are warranted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the cream could provide an affordable topical option to clear tinea versicolor with a tolerable safety profile.
How similar studies have gone: Cassia alata has traditional use and limited laboratory reports showing antifungal activity against Malassezia, but clinical trial evidence is scarce, making this a relatively novel clinical test.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18-89 of either sex * Clinical features suggestive of tinea versicolor AND Microscopic confirmation using skin scraping stains with chlorazol black preparation AND/OR Wood's lamp fluorescence * No treatment for versicolor in the preceding 4 weeks * No contraindications to the application of C.alata cream including * No history of allergy to C. alata * No history of preservative allergy Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 or \>89 years * Pregnant females * History of hypersensitivity to C. alata or preservative * Treatment within 4 weeks prior to enrollment * Lesions which do not meet the diagnostic criteria of tinea versicolor
Where it's running
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University of the West Indies, Mona
Kingston, Other, Jamaica Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jonathan D Ho, MBBS, D.Sc — The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
- Study coordinator: Marvin Reid, MB Bs PhD
- Email: marvin.reid@uwimona.edu.jm
- Phone: 8763812939
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.