A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF AMLIKA MOOLA LEPA AND AMLIKA BEEJA LEPA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VYANGA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MELASMA

Deepika R.*, Mahesh C. D. and Seema Pradeep

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives: Natural complexion of the body since birth is termed as Prakrutha Varna, where in Prakrutha avastha of Varna indicates healthy and radiant skin. Any changes in Prakrutha Varna can be considered as Roga and one among them is Vyanga. Vyanga is one among Kshudra Roga which might produce distress for the person due to hyperpigmentation of the skin over the face. This, on the basis of clinical features can be compared with Melasma. Melasma is the commonly reported pigmentary disorder in the Indian population. Unsightly blemishes or lesions on face affects emotional and mental wellbeing of a person, which in turn would affect self-confidence causing social stigma leading to the isolation of oneself from the community. In the contemporary science, the expensive topical steroids have been described in management of Melasma, which exhibit adverse reactions like rashes and irritation. Therefore, it is a high time to find a better, safe, inexpensive alternative treatment. Amlika being an abundantly available drug is indicated in Skin disorders. Acharya Vagbhata in Astanga Sangraha has mentioned application of Amlika moola in the management of Vyanga in the form of lepa. Also, Amlika moola (Tamarindus indica Linn.) is proven to have antityrosine and antioxidant properties. Though, Moola is described to be indicated in Skin disorders according to classical literatures, no studies have been conducted on Melasma. Also, Seed coat extract of Same drug, Tamarindus indica Linn. (Amlika) is proven to inhibit tyrosinase enzyme, which is responsible for production of melanin. Hence, the above study was taken up to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Amlika beeja and Amlika moola lepa in the management of Vyanga. Methods: In this study 30 subjects diagnosed with Vyanga w.s.r Melasma, were randomly selected and assigned into two groups, with 15 subjects in each group. The diagnosis was done by clinical features of Vyanga w.s.r Melasma. The trial drug Amlika moola Lepa was administered to the subjects of Group A and the trial drug Amlika beeja Lepa was given to subjects of Group B. Intervention was given for 21 days and study period was of 35 days. Assessment was done on 0 th day, 14 th day, 21st day, 35th day by using Fairness meter scale, Grid method, Arbitatory grading, Photographs. The data obtained was statistically analysed by using Parametric test and non-Parametric test, the results were represented in forms of tables and graphs. Results: Within Group A and Group B, there was statistically highly significant difference in reducing the amount of discolouration. Between the groups, Amlika beeja Lepa showed statistically better results than Amlika moola Lepa. No adverse drug reactions were observed during the course of study. Interpretation & Conclusion: Both Amlika beeja Lepa and Amlika moola Lepa was effective in reducing the amount of discolouration due to their Vatahara and Pittahara properties. Also due to the presence of various phytochemicals, both interventions acted as an antioxidant and had an impact on any stage in the process of melanogenesis. Amlika beeja lepa was effective in reducing the area of the lesion than Amlika moola lepa. Thus, both the interventions can be used since beeja is cost effective and easily available it can be readily used in Vyanga w.s.r. Melasma.

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