Ayurveda Recommended Formulae for Vyanga: A Literary Study

Abstract

Ayurveda describes Vyanga as a painless skin disorder which gives dark or bluish discoloration and characterized by irregular patches, primarily on the face can corelate with hyperpigmentation or melasma. It is often triggered by hormonal changes such as pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy and it is emerging issues with many factors now a days. This study was aimed to gather Ayurvedic formulations for Vyanga and identify suitability and effectiveness. Main classical Ayurvedic texts; Sushruta Samhita, Chakradatta, Yoga Ratnakara, Bhava Prakasha, Bhaisajya Ratnavali, and Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita were reviewed by using the keywords “Vyanga” and “hyperpigmentation.” Additionally, scientific journals and research papers from the past five years were analyzed using the same terms. Related 21 formulations were identified in the Authentic books and then analyzed. Bhaisajya Ratnavali contained the highest number of formulations and it was 13 (62%) directly aiming Vyanga, while 04 (19%) recipes were supported by giving same ingredients in the recent publications addressing hyperpigmentation. In the identified 21 recipes, 13 (62%) contained only herbal ingredients, 6 (28.5%) included herbo-mineral components, and 2 (9.5%) contained animal products. Kubuk (Terminalia arjuna), Sadikka (Myristica fragrans), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Velmi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Lothsubul (Symplocos racemosa), and Masura (Lens culinaris) were the most prevalent drugs mentioned for Vyanga. Eleven grinding agents were identified for preparing external treatments for Vanga, including goat’s milk and urine, bee’s honey, ghee, water, butter, cow’s milk, cow dung juice, curd, rabbit’s blood, and Arka latex. Out of these grinding agents’ ghee was the highest prevalent grinding agent. According to the Samprapti of Vyanga, Pitta-samana and Vata-samana drugs can reduce its severity. Most ingredients exhibit Kasaya rasa, Madhura rasa, Laghu and Ruksha guna, and Sheeta virya which helps to reduce Vyanga condition. A novel formulation is proposed for clinical trial validation.