Clinical trial of certain ayurvedic medicines indicated in vitiligo

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Clinical trial of certain ayurvedic medicines indicated in vitiligo
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Sr. Donata, M. Kesavan, Sr. Austin, K.S. Mohan, K. Rajagopalan, Ramadasan Kuttan


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Clinical trial of certain ayurvedic medicines indicated in vitiligo

Year: 1990

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by depigmented white patches that can affect various body parts, predominantly found in tropical regions. While the exact cause remains unclear, factors such as auto-immunity and heredity might contribute to its development. Current treatments, including trimethyl psoralen and ACTH hormones, often yield unsatisfactory results. This study investigates the efficacy of two Ayurvedic preparations in treating vitiligo among ten patients experiencing the condition for six months to two years.

Mechanism of Treatment

The study evaluated an internal Ayurvedic preparation consisting of dried ginger, black pepper, pippali, and leadwort root fermented in cow’s urine, alongside an external paste made from various medicinal herbs, including Psoralea corylifolia. Of the ten patients, six exhibited positive responses to treatment, evidenced by increased melanin formation, while two experienced adverse skin reactions. Notably, the treatment also indicated a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, likely linked to the anabolic properties of cow's urine, and an increase in total white blood cell counts, suggesting heightened immune stimulation. The absence of noteworthy changes in haematological parameters further reinforces the treatment's tolerability.

Conclusion

The findings from this clinical trial suggest that the Ayurvedic formulations tested can be beneficial for managing vitiligo, with six out of ten patients experiencing positive outcomes. While some patients faced adverse reactions, particularly with the external paste, the detailed analysis indicates that the treatments did not compromise hematological or biochemical parameters significantly. The study highlights the potential of Ayurveda in treating conditions like vitiligo, warranting further research to validate and understand the underlying mechanisms of these therapeutic measures.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the aim of the clinical trial on Ayurvedic medicines for vitiligo?

The trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an Ayurvedic preparation consisting of internal medicine and an external paste in treating vitiligo. Ten patients participated, and their responses were monitored over six months.

What ingredients were used in the internal Ayurvedic preparation?

The internal preparation contained dried ginger, black pepper, pippali, and leadwort root, which were fermented in cow's urine. This mixture was taken twice daily before meals, mixed with boiled water.

What were the results of the treatment in the trial?

Out of ten patients, six showed positive responses, indicating increased melanin formation. However, some patients experienced adverse skin reactions, particularly those sensitive to sunlight.

How did the Ayurvedic treatments affect the patients' haematological and biochemical parameters?

The treatments did not significantly alter most haematological and biochemical parameters. However, a notable reduction in blood sugar levels was observed, which may indicate a hypoglycemic effect from the ingredients.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Clinical trial of certain ayurvedic medicines indicated in vitiligo”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
In the context of the clinical trial, 'drug' refers to the Ayurvedic preparations tested on vitiligo patients. This encompasses both the internal medication derived from herbs fermented in cow’s urine and the external paste made of various medicinal plants. The efficacy and safety of these drugs were evaluated throughout the study.

2) Blood:
Blood is a crucial fluid in the human body, serving multiple functions such as transporting oxygen and nutrients, and fighting infections. In this study, the blood parameters were monitored to assess the safety and biological impact of the Ayurvedic treatments on vitiligo patients, ensuring there were no adverse effects.

3) Amala (Amalā):
Amala in this context may refer to the Amala Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, India, where the study was conducted. The facility provided a setting for clinical trials and Ayurvedic research, emphasizing the integration of traditional medicine with modern scientific evaluations.

4) Sugar:
In the study, 'sugar' specifically refers to blood sugar levels that were monitored before and after treatment. A significant reduction in blood sugar was observed, indicating a potential hypoglycemic effect from the Ayurvedic preparations, which merits further investigation for understanding the preparations' impact on metabolic functions.

5) Piper longum:
This refers to an Ayurvedic herb used in the internal drug preparation. Known for its medicinal properties, Piper longum is believed to stimulate hepatic function, possibly enhancing the metabolism of melanin precursors which may contribute to the treatment's efficacy in mitigating vitiligo symptoms.

6) Medicine:
In this research, 'medicine' encompasses the Ayurvedic interventions utilized to treat vitiligo. This includes the internally administered concoction of various herbs and the externally applied paste. The study aims to explore the therapeutic potential and safety of these traditional medicines in clinical practice.

7) Pippali (Pippalī, Pīppalī, Pippalin):
Pippali, or Piper longum, is one of the key ingredients in the Ayurvedic internal drug formulation. Its role is significant in traditional medicine as it is believed to enhance digestion and absorption, possibly aiding in the efficacy of the treatment for skin disorders such as vitiligo.

8) Water:
In the preparation of both the internal and external medicinal formulations, water plays a vital role as a solvent. Boiled water is used to dilute the internal drug extract, making it consumable, while in the paste, it helps achieve the desired consistency for effective application on skin lesions.

9) Hand:
In the context of the clinical trial, 'hand' pertains to a common site where vitiligo patches may appear. Understanding the distribution of lesions helps evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the treatments applied in various body areas, including commonly affected regions like the hands.

10) Zingiber officinale:
Known as ginger, Zingiber officinale is utilized in the Ayurvedic internal medication. Its inclusion in the formulation is based on its recognized health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, which may enhance the overall health of patients undergoing treatment for vitiligo.

11) Burning sensation:
This term describes a common side effect reported by patients after applying the external paste. The burning sensation indicates a reaction to the paste, possibly due to the potent herbal ingredients combined with sun exposure, warranting careful monitoring of patient tolerance during treatment.

12) Plumbago zeylanica:
Leadwort root, known scientifically as Plumbago zeylanica, is included in the internal drug formulation. It is reputed for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda, potentially contributing to the healing process in skin disorders such as vitiligo by influencing pigmentation pathways.

13) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study emphasizes analysis and interpretation of the results obtained from the clinical trial. It addresses the implications of the findings, compares them with existing literature, and explores mechanisms of action, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the Ayurvedic treatments tested.

14) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
An ancient system of medicine originating from India, Ayurveda focuses on holistic health and the balance of body, mind, and spirit. The study investigates Ayurvedic approaches to treat vitiligo, highlighting traditional practices and remedies within a clinical research framework to validate their efficacy.

15) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the potential harmful effects of treatments on the body. The study monitored biochemical parameters to assess the hepatotoxicity and overall safety of the Ayurvedic formulations used for treating vitiligo, ensuring no adverse reactions occurred during the clinical trial.

16) Swelling:
Swelling refers to a possible adverse skin reaction experienced by some patients after applying the external paste. This inflammatory response indicates sensitivity to the treatment, underscoring the need for careful evaluation and monitoring of individual patient reactions throughout the trial.

17) Pungent:
The term pungent describes the strong odor of the internal Ayurvedic formulation, which was noted by patients. This aspect may influence patient compliance with the treatment, highlighting the importance of tolerability in herbal preparations used for therapeutic purposes in clinical settings.

18) Itching:
Itching is another potential adverse reaction noted in patients who used the external paste. It serves as an indicator of skin sensitivity and possible allergic responses to the ingredients in the preparation, necessitating close patient monitoring and assessment during and after treatment.

19) Science (Scientific):
In this context, 'science' refers to the systematic study and empirical investigation of the Ayurvedic treatment's efficacy on vitiligo. The trial employs scientific methodologies to evaluate traditional remedies, bridging the gap between ancient medical practices and contemporary clinical research.

20) Cancer:
While the primary focus of the study is on vitiligo, the mention of 'cancer' relates to the hospital's comprehensive treatment approach. This indicates an integrated medical environment where Ayurveda is explored not only for skin conditions but also for potential applications in oncology research.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Clinical trial of certain ayurvedic medicines indicated in vitiligo’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Pippali, Cow urine, Black pepper, Dried ginger, Adverse reaction, Ayurvedic preparation, Heamatological parameters, Vitiligo, Hypoglycemic effect, Biochemical test, Immune stimulation, Positive response, Pungent odour.

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