E-ISSN:2456-3110

Research Article

Ekal Dravya Prayoga

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 12 December
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ekal Dravya Prayoga in Vyanga w.r.t. Melasma

Ramandeep K1*, Ankita G2, Navdeep K3, Gurpreet S4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.8.12.16

1* Kaur Ramandeep, First Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Ug and Pg, Government Ayurvedic College Patiala Punjab India, Patiala, Punjab, India.

2 Goyal Ankita, Lecturer, Department of Dravyaguna UG PG studies, Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala, Punjab, India.

3 Kaur Navdeep, Second Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna UG and PG studies, Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala, Punjab, India.

4 Sama Gurpreet, Second Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna UG and PG studies, Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala, Punjab, India.

Skin (Tvaka) is the general covering of the entire external surface of the body. It is the largest organ of the body both by surface area and weight. Glowing Skin on the face gives self-confidence. Vyanga has become a major problem of the society. Many people are suffering from Vyanga today. The disease Vyanga (chloasma) is considered as a ‘Kshudraroga’ by most Acharyas. Acharya Charak considered Vyanga as a Rakta Pradoshaja Vyadhi. The treatment for melasma in Ayurveda is devoid of side effects it is very effective and it promises to stop the recurrence. The detailed description of its Hetu (causative factors), Samprapti (prognosis), the Chikitsa (local and internal) is given in Ayurved Samhitas. Vyanga can be correlated with Melasma in modern science. It is an acquired pigmentary condition, occurring most commonly on the face. This disorder is predominantly attributed to ultraviolet (UV) exposure and hormonal influences. Methods: To compile all the references of Ekal Dravya Prayog in Vyanga Rog mentioned in Ayurveda texts. Conclusion: After collecting all the data from different Samhitas we can have multiple Ekal Drvaya which will further be used according to the Prakriti of the patient.

Keywords: Kshudra Rog, Vyanga, Melasma, Skin, Twaka, Ayurveda, Ekal Dravya

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Kaur Ramandeep, First Year Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna Ug and Pg, Government Ayurvedic College Patiala Punjab India, Patiala, Punjab, India.
Email: 		Ramandeep K, Ankita G, Navdeep K, Gurpreet S, Ekal Dravya Prayoga in Vyanga w.r.t. Melasma. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(12):108-114.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2807

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-10-12 2023-10-20 2023-10-25 2023-11-01 2023-11-18
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared. Nil. yes. 14.32 none

© 2023by Ramandeep K, Ankita G, Navdeep K, Gurpreet Sand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Skin is the general covering of all external surfaces of the body. The importance of skin is explained in Ayurveda in Tvaka Sharir. It includes a definition of Tvaka, the formation of each layer, and its Adhishthan in the respective layer. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Lohita is the second layer of Tvaka and Vyanga disease resides in the Lohita Tvaka.[1] Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhatta has mentioned Vyanga as Kshudra Roga[2,3] and Acharya Charak has mentioned it as Raktapradoshaj Vikar.[4] Though it is considered as Kshudra Roga (minor disease), but it has got a major importance as a cosmetic problem in the society. It is characterized by the occurrence of Niruja (painless), Tanu (thin), and Shavyavarna Mandalas (bluish-black patches) on the face.[5] As per Acharya Sushruta, Krodha and Ayasa are the main cause of Vyanga,[6] this is supported by Madhavnidan[7] and Yogratnakar[8] too.

As per modern, Vyanga is co-related with melasma. Melasma is most common disorder which is related to melanin. It is a human melanogenesis dysfunction that results in localized, chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin. It is specially seen on cheeks, nose, upperlips forehead, chin and predominately in females. Exact cause of melasma is unknown. However Melanosis most commonly results from exposure to sunlight, due to air pollution, different cosmetic using habits, stressful life, dietary changes, inclination towards junk or fast food, drugs such as phenytoin and OCP (Oral Contraceptive Pills).[9]

In modern medical science, topical steroids have been described in the management of facial melanosis. Frequent and long-term usage of these preparations may produce skin irritation. So, there is a need for effective, safe, and economically cheaper means of treatment to tackle this disease. As per Ayurveda drugs having Kushthagna, Raktashodhaka, Twak Prasdaka, and Varnyakara properties are helpful in the management of Vyanga or Melasma.

Ayurvedic texts such as Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Yoga Ratanakara, and Chakradutta, Bhavprakash, Gada Nigrah have mentioned the pathophysiology and treatment of Vyanga.

In Ayurvedic texts, various therapies like Raktamokshan, Siravedha as well as some medicines for internal & external use are mentioned. The present article is in depth review and compilation of Ekal Dravya from various Ayurvedic texts.

Aim and Objectives

1. To search and re-evaluate the Vyanga in various Ayurvedic literature with special references to Melasma.
2. To evaluate and elaborate the etiology, and pathophysiology of
3. To elaborate and discuss the Ekal Dravya for Vyangas.r. to melasma.

Materials and Methods

The present article is the review of Ayurvedic texts, modern literature, and various research papers.to compile the materials related to Vyanga and Melasma have been collected from Brihatrayi, Laghutrayi, and other Ayurvedic books.

Disease Review

Vyanga

In Ayurveda, Vyanga has been elaborated as one of the Kshudra Rogas (minor ailments). The literary meaning of Vyanga is “Vi + Aņga” i.e. (‘Vi’ means Vikrata, Vigata, Vikala) Vikŗta Anga. Description of Vyanga is found in almost all the Ayurvedic classics.[10]
Acharya Charaka has mentioned Vyanga as a Raktapradoshaj Vikar i.e., aggravated Pitta along with Rakta. Acharya Sushrutha was the first Acharya who mentioned Vyanga under Kshudra Rog in Nidansathan. Vyanga is a pathological situation of the facial skin that is produced due to the vitiation of Vata, Pitta, and Rakta. It is a common pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetrical hyper-pigmented macules on the face.

Nidana

As per Acharya Sushrutha, the main Nidana of Vyanga is-[11]

  • Aayas
  • Krodh
    Other Nidana are,
  • Shok

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  • Shrama

Lakshana

  • Niruja (Painless)
  • Tanu (Thin)
  • Shavavarna Mandalas (Bluish-black patches) on face.

Bheda

Acharya Vagbhatta explained the types of Vyanga[12]

1. Vatik
2. Paittik
3. Kaphaj
4. Raktaj

Samprapti Vyanga

As Varnotpatti based on Ashrayaashrayee Bhavas, the derangement of Pitta Dosha leads to the abnormality of Raktadhatu.[13]

Etiological factors like Krodha, and Shoka mainly vitiate Pitta which in turn affects the Jatharagni and normal functioning of Ranjak Pitta.

On the other hand, Shrama and Shoka will lead to Udana Vata vitiation, thus vitiated Ranjak Pitta and Rakta Dhatu as well as Udanavata travel in the body through Dhamanis and gets Sthansamshraya in Mukhagatatwacha and causes the vitiation of Bhrajakapitta.

Melasma

Hyperpigmentation refers to patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding areas of skin. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It can affect people of all skin types.

Melanin is a substance in the body that produces hair, eye, and skin pigmentation. Melasma is also called chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”.

In modern science, the exact cause of melasma is unknown. However, some factors are explained as etiopathogenesis, those are:[15]

  • Sunlight
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Role of female hormonal activity
  • Phenytoin
  • Cosmetics

  • Poor immune system
  • Nutritional deficiency
  • Stress
  • Phototoxic drugs
  • Antiseizure medication

Table 1: List of Dravya that act on Vyanga in Ayurveda.

SNDrugB.N.Active ConstituentReferencesPart UsedFormulationApplication
1.Kapitha[17]Feronia elephantum CorreaRiboflavine,
Vitamin -C		Su.Chi.20/36FruitKalkaExternal
2.Manjistha [18]Rubia cordifolia Linn.Manjistin,
Purpurin
Anthraquinone		Chakradut 55/44
,As.U. 37/2		MoolaChurna with MadhuExternal
3.Vat[19]Ficus bengalensis Linn.TanninVrindamadhav
57-77		VatankuraKalkaExternal
4.Jati[20]Jasminum officinale Linn.Salicyclic acid, JasminineG.N.
3.5.149		Leaf, fruitKalkaExternal
5.Badar[21]Ziziphus jujuba Lam.SpinosinChakradut
55/49		BeejmajjaLepExternal
6.Ingudi[22]Balanites aegyptiaca Linn.SaponinB.P.Chi 61/40PhalmajjaLepExternal
7.Arjun[23]Terminalia arjunaGallic acid, Ellagic acid,
Tannins,
Catehchines		Y.RBarkLepExternal
8.Jatiphal[24]Myristica fragrans Houtt.Myristicin, Myristic acid, Esters of myristic acidB.P.Chi
61/42		Beej and KoshaLepExternal
9.Javitri[25]Myristica fragrans Houtt.Volatile oil (4-15%), PectinB.P.Chi
61/42		ArilLepExternal
10.Yastimadhu[26]Glycyrrhiza
glabra Linn		LiquirtinCh.Su.
25/40		MoolaLepExternal
11.Masur
Daal[27]		Lenus culinarisCatechins & Gallocatechin,
Tannins		B.P.Chi 61/43LentilsKalkaExternal
12.Varun[28]Crateva nurvala Buch-HamLupeol, Lactic Acid, Succinic AcidB.P. Chi 61/41TwakaKalka with Aja KsheeraExternal

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Samprapti Ghatak[14]

  • Dosha - Vata (Udana)-pitta (Bharajaka)
  • Dushya - Ras, Rakta
  • Adhishthan - Mukhagat Tavak
  • Vyadimarg - Bhahya
  • Srotas - Rasvah, Raktavah
  • Srotodushtiprakar - Sang
  • Agni - Vishamagni
  • Sadhaya-Asadhayata - Sadhaya

Table 2: Raspanchak of Dravya that act on Vyanga in Ayurveda

SNDravyaRasaGunaViryaVipakaDoshakarmaKarma
1.Kapitha[29]KashayaLaghu--Vatapitta
Shamaka		Lekhaniya
2.Manjishtha[30]Tikta, Kashaya, MadhuraGuru,
Ruksh		UshanKatuKaphapittshamakaRaktprasadak, Raktshodhak, Varnya, Twachya
3.Vat[31]KashayaGuru, RukshSheetKatuKaphapitt
Shamaka		Varnya
4.Jati[32]Tikta, KashayaLaghu, Snigdh, MriduUshnaKatuTridoshaharaKushthghan, Kandhughan
5.Badar[33]MadhurGuruUshana-Kaphapittkar, VataharaRakta shodhak
6.Ingudi[34]Tikta, KatuLaghu,
Snigdh		UshnaKatuKapha-VatashamakKusthghan
7.Arjun[35]KashayaLaghu, RukshSheetKatuPitta-KaphashamakRaktvikar
8.Jatiphal [36]Tikta, KatuLaghu, TikshnaUshnaKatuKapha-VatshamakKusthaghan
9.Javitri [37]Tikta, KatuLaghu, TikshnaUshnaKatuKapha-VatshamakKusthaghan
10.Yastimadhu[38]MadhuraGuru, SnigdhSheetMadhurVat-pittashamakVranya, Kandhughan
11.Masur daal[39]-Laghu, RukshsheetMadhurKaphapitt kara,
Vatahara		Raktvikar
12.Varuna[40]Tikta, KashayaLaghu, RukhsaUshaaKatuKaphavatashamk,
Pittavardak		Raktadoshahar

Epidemiology

Its prevalence in women is around 50%-70% in pregnancy stage and 8%-29% of women on oral contraceptive pills. In men its prevalence is between

20.5%-25.38% of the cases. In men malar pattern is more common than the Centro-facial and mandibular patterns. A Study conducted in male patients with melasma has shown that the levels of testosterone were low indicating a role of subtle testicular resistance in the pathogenesis of melasma.[16]

Discussion

Although Melasma is only a common and benign pigmentation abnormality, it is one of the unattractive dermatoses. Vyanga is one of the most common skin problems in all over the world treated by dermatologists. Several Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Hridaya, Ashtang Sangrahya, Bhavaprakash, Chakradatta, Yogaratnakar, Gada Nigrah, Sharangadhara Samhita and modern literatures have been reviewed concerning with melasma.

The Rasas (taste) are said to possess two important Karmas that is Chhedana and Upashamana. The drugs which are administered in the form of Lep mainly are of Tikta (bitter), Kaṣhaya (astringent) Rasas. These Rasas do the Chhedana of Prakupita (vitiated) Vata and Pitta and Upashamana which means it does not allow the Utklesha of Doshas and maintains the equilibrium and thus pacifies Pitta which is the main culprit in the causation of Vyanga. Out of these 11 drugs, some of the drugs possess Snigdha (unctuous) Guna (property), and others possess Laghu (light), and Ruksha (dry) Gunas. Snigdha Guna is responsible for Mardava and Varna Prasadana whereas Laghu and Ruksha are the properties of Agneya Dravya, which in turn are responsible for Prabha, Prakasa, and Varna.

Conclusion

As per Ayurveda, Vyanga is the disease mentioned in Kshudra Rogadhikara. It is the most common disease being noticed nowadays affecting one's life quality. The treatment for Vyanga or Melasma in Ayurveda is very effective with no recurrence and no side effects. In Ayurvedic treaties, there is great treasure of single and compound formulations which are capable of disintegrating the Samprapti and fully curing the disease Vyanga. In the present study,efforts have been made to collect data on a single drug available in our Samhitas. The market is filled with different compound formulations for


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Vyanga but none of the single drug is available for Vyanga. So the Ekal Dravya should be used in practice according to the Prakriti, patient condition, and disease severity.

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