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REVIEW ARTICLE
*Department of Herbal Drug Research, B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur, M.P. India.
INTRODUCTION
Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation & acquired strengthening herbs, as well as a continuous
depigmentary disorder. Approximately 50% of the course of probiotics, may also be helpful [6].
cases have the onset of their disease prior to the
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
age of 20 years and 25% prior to the age of 14 The pathophysiological mechanism
years[1]. Vitiligo is characterized by selective involves auto-immune and intrinsic factors that
destruction of melanocytes of the basal layer of affect melanocyte survival, resulting in a loss of
the epidermis and/or occasionally the hair follicle functional melanocytes in the epidermis. One
resulting in white patches on the skin, the mucous hypothesis holds that the auto-immune destruction
membranes and/or white hair [2] . Regardless of age, of melanocytes is responsible for vitiligo, a notion
sex and skin color [3] people with this disorder can
that is supported by the association of vitiligo with
experience emotional stress, particularly if vitiligo multiple auto-immune processes. In addition,
develops on visible areas of the body, such as circulating antibodies against melanocyte-specific
face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals[4]. antigens and cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for
Theories concerning the cause of vitiligo have melanocytes have been demonstrated. Further,
concentrated on three different mechanisms: many genetic markers for vitiligo are related to
autoimmune, autocytotoxic, and neural. The immunity. Alternative concepts include:
disorder has been reported in association with • Oxidative stress, specifically from hydrogen
several endocrinopathies and other disorders of peroxide, in the setting of reduced cellular
autoimmune nature[5] .Vitiligo is not believed to defense mechanisms.
be sex-linked, but 6-38% of patients have a
• Inherent functional defect of melanocytes.
positive family history. Allopathic are only • Reduction of melanocytes due to dysregulation
suppressive therapy not curative i.e. it only cure of their survival and apoptosis
the symptoms not the causes of the disease. Herb • Toxicity from neurochemical transmitters.
treatments that may provide some benefit include [7, 8]
• Viruses (e.g., CMV) .
immune tonics and adrenal tonics, when these
systems are weak. Because many skin problems
ETIOLOGY
are related to liver, bowel function, and food
The etiology is unknown, but some
allergies, liver-regulating herbs and bowel- theories have been used to explain the disease:
*Corresponding Author: Priyanka Soni, Email: soni_priyanka21@rediffmail.com, Contact No: 09907394294
Priyanka Soni et. al / A Review on Traditional and Alteranative Treatment For Skin Disease “Vitiligo”
Auto-immunity - due to frequent associations Triggering - It appears that some event must
with other auto-immune disease such as trigger the destruction of the pigment cells. There
thyroiditis and type I diabetes, the presence of are many proposed triggers and they may not be
anti-melanocyte antibodies, and a response to the same for all vitiligo situations (such as
immunosuppressant therapy; sunburn, trauma, pregnancy, etc.).
Cytotoxicity - the possibility that metabolites for- Immune -The immune system can also be
med during melanin synthesis may destroy involved with the destruction of the pigment cells.
melanocytes; That is why vitiligo is frequently referred to as an
Neural - chemical mediators released at nerve autoimmune disease [9].
endings might destroy melanocytes or inhibit The exact cause of vitiligo is not known. It
melanin production; is an autoimmune disease that is believed to be
Free radicals - excess free radicals might be toxic hereditary. The proposed theories are that stress,
for melanocytes; thyroid dysfunction, skin injury, severe sunburns,
Convergent - a combination of these theories [8]. chemicals, and medicines combined with the
Genetic - There appears to be several genes (such genetic tendency towards vitiligo can all
as NALP1) that cause an individual to be contribute to the condition. However these are
susceptible for developing vitiligo. What these theories that have not yet been substantiated [10].
genes control is yet to be determined.
IJPBA, July - Aug, 2010, Vol. 1, Issue, 3
emerged as a promising therapy. A meta-analysis grafting showed the best results in segmental
in 1999 found that narrowband UVB was the most subtypes, and in patients less than 20 years old.
effective and safest therapy for generalized However, no children less than 10 years were
vitiligo.Subsequently a number of open trials in included in the study. Significantly, localization of
children with generalized vitiligo have been the vitiliginous area did not affect treatment
conducted, with the best results on the face and outcome, as it often does in medical therapies
neck and in vitiligo present for a shorter duration. such as narrowband UVB phototherapy. A
Hands and feet show little response. Treatment comparison of mini-punch grafting and splitskin
three times per week seems to have a somewhat grafting in chronic, stable, segmental vitiligo
better response than twice per week. showed better results with split-skin grafting,
particularly over the face and extremities.
MICROPHOTOTHERAPY - UVB
A variation of narrowband UVB, EPIDERMAL CELL TRANSPLANTATION
microphototherapy has been used to treat both There are limitations to autologous mini-
segmental and non-segmental vitiligo. The beam punch grafting and blister roof grafting, primarily
is focused only on areas affected by vitiligo. An a cobblestone appearance and limited treatment
open trial of adults and children with both area per session. Therefore, epidermal cell
segmental and generalized vitiligo were treated transplantation has been investigated as a
with this modality. Seventy percent achieved treatment option. A recent study of epidermal cell
normal pigmentation in greater than 75% of transplantation found that the best results are seen
treated areas. This may be the treatment of choice in segmental vitiligo, with some improvement for
in patients with <30% BSA (body surface area) those with generalized vitiligo. In this technique, a
involvement and the best treatment for children, melanocyte-rich suspension is applied to the
as the cumulative dose of radiation is very low affected area and then allowed to graft. The best
and non-affected skin does not become results are seen when only one site is involved.
hyperpigmented. The main advantage to this technique is that only
one time treatment is necessary, if successful.
MONOCHROMATIC EXCIMER LIGHT
(MEL) COSMETIC COVERUPS
Monochromatic excimer light (MEL) has If all treatments have failed; the patient
been used to treat adults with either segmental or does not wish to undergo treatment; or while
generalized vitiligo. Good results were found, treatment is ongoing, cosmetic coverups can be
with 95% of patients showing some very useful. A recent study investigated quality of
repigmentation and approximately 50% greater life in vitiligo patients and the effect of using
than 75% repigmentation. Significantly, three camouflage. Using camouflage, particularly for
patients responded to MEL who had not the face, head and neck improved the patients’
responded to narrowband UVB in the past. quality of life, especially for “feelings of
© 2010, IJPBA. All Rights Reserved. 223
Priyanka Soni et. al / A Review on Traditional and Alteranative Treatment For Skin Disease “Vitiligo”
embarrassment and self consciousness” and and soaked in vinegar at night. After two hours,
“choice of clothing”. A number of brands are when leaves appear, it should be rubbed on the
available including Dermablend, Covermark, leucoderma patches.
Derma Color, Dermage, and Elizabeth Arden Turmeric and Mustard oil is also considered
Concealing Cream. beneficial in the treatment of leucoderma. About
500 gm, of turmeric should be pounded and
soaked in eight kg of water at night. It should be
Bleaching heated in the morning till only one kg of water is
Finally, in adults, bleaching of remaining left. It should then be strained and mixed with 500
pigmented skin may be considered. Emphasis gm of mustard oil. This mixture should be heated
must be made that this is NOT recommended for till only the oil is left. It should be applied on
children. The child may not fully comprehend the white patches every morning and evening for a
permanent depigmentation of monobenzyl ether of few months [17].
hydroquinone (monobenzone), or the Q switched
ruby laser, or even the fading effect of TREATMENT IN TRADITIONAL SIDDHA
hydroquinone. MEDICINE
with generalized vitiligo. Treatment of vitiligo Vitiligo has emerged as a threatening disease
depends on subtype and age, with a number of especially in the Tropical countries. It is also
IJPBA, July - Aug, 2010, Vol. 1, Issue, 3
promising treatments for children on the horizon, evident that those who suffer from Vitiligo
including narrow-band UVB phototherapy and develop inferiority complex. In the author’s
surgical techniques [13-15] . clinical observation,
• Professional hair dressers,
TRADITIONAL REMEDIES FOR • Those who use pesticides in their
TREATMENT OF VITILIGO agricultural lands,
Psoralea seeds should be steeped in the juice of • Those who have the regular habit of hair
ginger or cow's urine for three days. The fluids dyeing and
should be renewed every day. The seeds should • Those who wear footwear made out of
then be rubbed with hands to remove their husks, cheap rubber tyres are more prone for this
dried in the shade and powdered. One gram of this disease.
powder should be taken every day with fresh milk Special notes regarding Vitiligo are found in many
for 40 days continuously. The ground seeds Siddha literatures and manuscripts. The
should also be applied to the white spots[16]. formulation aroused out of the author’s clinical
Babchi seeds, combined with Tamarind seeds, experience cures Vitiligo completely [18] .The
are also useful. Equal quantity of both the seeds important herbs that cure Vitiligo are listed below.
should be steeped in water for three to four days. 1) Aristolochia indica, Linn (Family:
They should then be shelled and dried in the Aristolochiaceae).
shade. They should be ground into paste and According to Siddha literatures, this plant has
applied to the white patches for a week. If the curative effects in cardiac diseases, delirium, toxic
application of this paste causes itching or the type of dropsy / anasarca (Visha sobai), malarial
white spots become red and a fluid begins to ooze fever (Kulir suram), Anemia, Scabies, Allergy,
out, it should be discontinued. If there is no Body and joint pains and amenorrhea. Apart from
itching or reddening, babchi seeds should be taken these properties, the root of Aristolochia is highly
also for 40 days. effective against Vitiligo .
Red clay used for leucoderma is found by the 2) Tribulus terrestris, Linn (Family:
river side or on hill slopes. The clay should be Zygophyllaceae)
mixed in ginger juice and applied over the white Siddha system identifies various types of Tribulus.
spots once a day. The copper contained in the clay The fact that tribulus has ‘Photo helium’ property
seems to bring back skin pigmentation and ginger was first revealed by ancient Tamil literatures
juice serves as a milk stimulant, facilitating in- some 2000 years ago. This fact comes to light
creased blood flow to the spots. through the Tamil Literatures “Aga Nanooru and
Radish seeds paste of the is valuable in treating Pura Nanooru and Seevaga Sinthamani. is one
leucoderma. About 35 grams of these seeds among the important types of Tribulus. According
should be powdered in vinegar and applied on the to the Siddha text, ‘Pathartha Guna Chinthamani’,
white patches. For better results, seeds should be it removes Megha diseases and Vitiligo[19].
finely pounded, mixed with a little white arsenic
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Priyanka Soni et. al / A Review on Traditional and Alteranative Treatment For Skin Disease “Vitiligo”
3) Thespesia populnea, Corr. (Family – Ayurveda is the most ancient system of medicine.
Malvaceae) According to Ayurveda Vitiligo & Leucoderma
Siddha literatures, the root of hundred years old are termed ‘Kilas’. It is further known as ‘Darun’,
Thespesia has the power of curing chronic ‘Charun’ and ‘Switr’ as this is tridosa. It is a skin
Leprosy. Siddha text ‘Agasthiyar Gunavagadam’ disorder mainly due to inappropriate diet
claims that Thespesia cures skin diseases, pain combination intake regularly and formed due to
arising out of bites, Ascitis, dropsy, eczema and disturbance of tridoashas namely ‘Vaat’, ‘Pitta’
venereal diseases. The matured inner bark of and ‘Kapha’. After aggravation it moves & affects
Thespesia, when chewed, cures Vitiligo occurring to rakta, mans and med dhatus. Vitiligo cure can
in the lips. Some other specific herbs, given in the be achieved with ancient Ayurvedic herbs which
form of ‘Chooranam’ (fine powder) cures Vitiligo are basically meant for treating the root cause of
and restores the normal skin colour [20]. diseases. As Ayurveda enhances immunity power
Homeopathic Treatment by improving metabolism of the body, lack of
Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It which is the only known reason for Vitiligo &
means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the Leucoderma. This theory is well applicable in
patient as a person, as well as his pathological complete vitiligo cure and leucoderma cure also as
condition. The homeopathic medicines are ancient Ayurveda is a treasure of different herbal
selected after a full individualizing examination combinations which can really cure vitiligo &
IJPBA, July - Aug, 2010, Vol. 1, Issue, 3
and case-analysis, which includes the medical leucoderma as in both the condition auto
history of the patient, physical and mental immunity is the basic reason. . While treatment, a
constitution etc. A miasmatic tendency patient’s immunity power is also developed with
(predisposition/susceptibility) is also often taken the help of our herbal immunostimulators to such
into account for the treatment of chronic extent so that the patient’s body can counteract to
conditions. The medicines given below indicate any disease causing agents such as Bacteria,
the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete Viruses, and Parasites etc[23]. Only four points has
and definite guide to the treatment of this to be considered & remembered for full Vitiligo
condition. The symptoms listed against each cure & Leucoderma cure which are
medicine may not be directly related to this 1. To choose correct ayurvedic medicines.
disease because in homeopathy general symptoms 2. To have patience & to develop positive
and constitutional indications are also taken into thinking.
account for selecting a remedy[21]. 3. To strictly follow dietary restrictions.
Homeopathic Remedies 4 To have faith in the treatment.
Ars.alb, Ars.sulph.flavum, Bacillinum. Graphites, Herbs Reported for Treatment of Vitiligo
Mercsol, Nat.mur, Nit.acid, Nux vom, Phos. Vitiligo is a depigmentation or whitening of the
Sep, Sil , Sulph, Thuja. skin, possibly due to an autoimmune disorder.
Yoga Therapy There is no satisfactory treatment or cure. Herb
Ideally kapalbhati should be done in the morning treatments that may provide some benefit include
in empty stomach, if early morning is a problem immune tonics and adrenal tonics, when these
then it should be performed after 3-4 hours of systems are weak. Because many skin problems
meal. One should sit in sukhasana or padmasana are related to liver, bowel function, and food
and should inhale passively and exhale forcefully. allergies, liver-regulating herbs and bowel-
This provides aeration to blood circulation. Even a strengthening herbs, as well as a continuous
handicapped who is unable to sit in padmasana course of probiotics, may also be helpful. Herbs
can do it sitting on the chair with straight spine. which are reported as antivitiligo agents are
Inhalation and exhalation should be from nostril mentioned in Table no 1.
and abdominal muscles should come into act. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Kapalbhati purifies blood circulation by aerating it The patient should avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic
and has been extremely beneficial in skin beverages and all condiments and highly flavored
treatment like skin psoriasis, eczema, allergies, dishes
leucoderma, vitiligo.It has a wonderful effect and
is a miracle for acne treatment several mental CONCLUSION
disorders including anxiety, depression and even In conclusion, vitiligo is a
schizophrenia had been cured by this asana [22]. hypopigmented and autoimmune disorder causes
Ayurvedic Treatment the formation of white patches on the skin. There
is no satisfactory treatment or cure. Herb
© 2010, IJPBA. All Rights Reserved. 225
Priyanka Soni et. al / A Review on Traditional and Alteranative Treatment For Skin Disease “Vitiligo”
treatments that may provide some benefit include allergies, liver-regulating herbs and bowel-
immune tonics and adrenal tonics, when these strengthening herbs, as well as a continuous
systems are weak. Because many skin problems course of probiotics, may also be helpful.
are related to liver, bowel function, and food
encapsulated /day
8 Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) Ginger tincture, tea, tablet, bowel
capsule strengthening
9 Ammi visnaga (Apiaceae) Khella tincture, internally pigmentation
and externally enhancer
10 Milk Thistle ( Asteraceae) tablet, tincture, liver protectant,
capsule c tonic
11 Tribulus terrestris ( Zygophyllaceae) Gokhru Fruit powder repigmentation