A comparative study on the effects of Jalaukavacarana (leech application) and Manjishtadi Lepa in the management of Vyanga (Melasma)

Abstract

Among the eight branches of Ayurveda, Salakya Tantra deals with the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of diseases that are located above the human clavicular line. Pancakarma treatments are used in Shalakyatantra to cleanse vitiated Dosas located in this region. Vyanga is one of the facial skin disorders. It affects by certain anomaly at any age of the life with male female ratio of 1:9. Modern treatment includes an external application of creams. But long term usage of these preparations may produce irritation in individuals. Hence this study was carried out to nd out a reliable and long lasting Ayurvedic management for Vyanga. In this study, efcacy of Jalaukavacarana (leech therapy) on Vyanga was compared with that of Manjishtadi Lepa application. Open randomized clinical trial of 50 individuals were selected as total sample population. Individuals were divided into two groups (A and B). Group (A) was treated with the application of leeches on the darkest point of patch, till leeches fell down. This procedure was repeated once in a week with 6 applications. In group (B), Manjishtadi Lepa was applied half Angula thickness on the lesion and kept until it gets dried. The results were assessed by using the photographs of the patch and computer technology. Total effect of therapy was observed as marked and moderate improvement in 84% Jalaukavacarana of the individuals by group (A) and marked and moderate improvement was 68% application of individuals in lepa group (B). Reduction was statistically signicant in the level of p<0.05. The study suggests that Jalaukavacarana (leech therapy) and Manjishtadi Lepa can be used in Vyanga. But Vyanga (Melasma) can more effectively be managed with Jalaukavacarana than the application of Manjishtadi Lepa.