Management of Vyanga With Herbal Formulation: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Vyanga (Melasma) is a condition of localized hypermelanosis which affects face, and continues to be a challenging problem as it causes immense mental stress and depression. Although various products are available in the market for the management of Vyanga, they have some adverse side effects, particularly towards pregnant and lactating mothers. Their prolong use in other normal persons also leaves side effects. Therefore there is a need to look for more efficacious agents with lesser side effects. In the Ayurvedic classics there was mention of Vyanga which was described under kshudra roga of twaka roga which can be compared with today's melasma. It was found that a huge number of herbal medicines as well as shastra karma were described in classics for treatment of Vyanga. Among the herbs, I selected Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) as my drug of choice. The clinical efficacy of the combination was evaluated in 100 patients of Vyanga. Improvement was assessed on the basis of classical sign and symptoms as per pre-defined scores, laboratory investigations and photographs. The improvements in various subjective sign and symptoms were evaluated in terms of percentage improvement. In the study 98% patients got complete improvement in subjective parameters by the use of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) along with Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) in both ointment and tablet form.