Management of Indralupta (Alopecia Areata) with Prachchhana Karma and Bibhitaka Lepa—An Open Labelled Single Arm Clinical Trial

Abstract

There are eight branches of Ayurveda, Shalakya Tantra is one of them. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned 11 types of Shiro Roga and Acharya Vagbhatta described 10 types of Shiro Roga; he also described nine types of Shirokapalgata Roga. In Ayurvedic approach, loss of hair is coined out as in term of ‘Indralupta’ under the broad heading of Kshudra Roga except Vagabhatta who has mentioned it under Kapala Roga. According to Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhatta, Vata Doṣha along with Pitta Doṣha resides in Romkoopa (hair root) results in hair fall (Keshapatan). After then Kapha Doṣha along with Rakta Doṣha block Romkoopa (hair root) so no more hair produce on that place, it results in Indralupta. Indralupta occurs due to Rakta Dushti and treatment of Indralupta, Prachchhana karma is stated by major Acharyas. Nowadays, many Ayurvedic practitioners use Bibhitakaa Lepa as a Keshya but we need to prove it scientifically so Bibhitaka has been selected in form of Lepa. Bibhitaka is Keshya so keeping in mind the above reference, we selected the treatment Prahcchhana as Shodhan therapy and Lepan as a Shaman therapy. For evidence database both these treatments were selected. Total 32 patients were registered, in which 30 patients continued their therapy. Prachchhana Karma was done in one sitting followed by Bibhitaka Lepa for 21 days. The effect of therapy was assessed by a specially prepared proforma. The data obtained in clinical study were analysed by using Paired ‘t’ test.