European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF VARNYA YOGA (MANJISHTHA-YASHTIMADHU-SARIVA) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VYANGA (MELASMA)

Rijuana Sultana*, Subir Kumar Khan, Nabanita Chakraborty, Tapas Bhaduri

ABSTRACT

Background: Vyanga is described in Ayurveda as a Kshudra Roga characterized by painless, thin and brownish-black discoloration predominantly affecting the face. Clinically, it may be correlated with melasma, a common acquired disorder of facial hyperpigmentation. Melasma has a multifactorial pathogenesis involving melanogenesis, ultraviolet exposure, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal influences and genetic susceptibility. Ayurveda emphasizes the use of Varnya, Raktashodhaka and Pittashamaka drugs for disorders associated with abnormal complexion. Manjishtha, Yashtimadhu and Sariva are traditionally described as having properties relevant to skin health and complexion. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Manjishtha-Yashtimadhu-Sariva Varnya Yoga in the management of Vyanga (melasma) and compare oral, topical and combined oral-topical administration. Materials and Methods: An open-label, comparative, randomized clinical study was conducted in patients clinically diagnosed with Vyanga (melasma). Sixty patients who completed the study were divided into three groups of 20 patients each. Group A received Manjishtha-Yashtimadhu-Sariva Churna orally at a dose of 5 g twice daily after lunch and dinner for 45 days. Group B received the same formulation as Lepa twice daily for 45 days. Group C received both oral Churna and topical Lepa for 45 days. Patients were assessed at baseline and during follow-up. Subjective parameters included Daha and Kandu, while objective parameters included number, size and colour of patches and Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Results: All three groups demonstrated improvement in subjective and objective parameters. Overall subjective improvement was 26.35% in Group A, 28.29% in Group B and 43.75% in Group C. Reduction in number of patches was 44.19%, 48.89% and 60.71%; reduction in patch size was 30.00%, 33.33% and 54.17%; and improvement in patch colour was 39.58%, 45.83% and 62.06% in Groups A, B and C, respectively. MASI reduction was 60.60% in Group A, 68.20% in Group B and 74.40% in Group C. Within-group improvements were highly significant, with p<0.001 for the principal objective parameters. Between-group comparisons demonstrated significant superiority of Group C over Groups A and B for MASI. Conclusion: Manjishtha-Yashtimadhu-Sariva Varnya Yoga was associated with improvement in Vyanga (melasma) in all three treatment groups.

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