Role of Avalgujaadi Lepa in Shwitra

Abstract

Since ancient times, Shwitra (vitiligo/leukoderma) has been viewed as a major social evil, often causing severe psychological distress and social alienation. According to Ayurvedic concepts, Shwitra stems from Paapakarmas (karmic deeds) and requires holistic management—including Daana, Dharma, and Brahmin Poojana—alongside medicinal therapies, whereas modern medicine links it primarily to melanin deficiency and hormonal influences. To evaluate the efficacy of the classical formulation Avalgujaadi Lepa (Ashtanga Hridaya), a clinical study was conducted on 10 OPD patients with Shwitra. The 3-month trial utilized an intermittent regimen: Months 1 and 3 combined topical application of Avalgujaadi Lepa (Avalguja Bija, Haritaala Churna, and Gomutra) with morning sun exposure (7:00–8:00 AM for 30–60 minutes) alongside systemic oral medications (Aarogyavardhini Vati 500 mg QID with honey and Khadirarishta 25 ml BID post-meals), while Month 2 relied solely on oral medications. Patients followed dietary restrictions (low salt, no fish, plenty of milk) and performed daily Sooryapooja. Initial erythema (reddish hue) appeared in Month 1, followed by a slower deepening of pigment in Month 2, and rapid repigmentation upon reintroducing the lepa in Month 3. Overall, the combined systemic and local treatment yielded highly satisfactory results, with 70% of cases (7/10) showing significant improvement with nearnormal skin tone, 20% (2/10) showing partial improvement, and 10% (1/10) showing no improvement.

KEYWORDS: Shwitra, Avalgujaadi Lepa, Avalguja, Haritaala, Gomutra, Repigmentation, Vitiligo, Ayurveda, Sun Exposure, Aarogyavardhini Vati, Khadirarishta, Sooryapooja, Skin Depigmentation, Ayurvedic Therapy