A RANDOMISED OPEN-LABELLED CONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF VATAPATRADI LEPA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MUKHADUSHIKA w.s.r ACNE VULGARIS

Mukhadushika’ is one of such diseases  illustrated in Ayurveda which affects the beauty of the face. This diseases hasbeen described under Kshudraroga inthe classical text. Acharaya Shusrutafirst described Mukhadushika  in  Kshudraroga  in  Nidaansthan 13 /38 in Chikitsasthana 20/37 .It occurs due tovitiation of kapha Dosha, Vata Dosha and  Rakta Dhatu.In Mukhadushika the eruption  like ShalmaliKantaka.The common site of Mukhadushikais face, in which forehead,cheeks,nose, and chin are the prominent sites .

It can becoorelated with Acne Vulgaris in modern science . Acne Vulgaris is anincredibly common cutaneous inflammatory  skin disorder in developed  nation as well as in developing countries likeIndia . In this condition many teenagers, characterized by blockageof pilosebaceous duct and  involves areaof skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous and active  .However , with the rise inhormones, food sensitivities, digestive problems, toxic environments, stress,high carbohydrate diets, and mineral and vitamins deficiencies, acne plaguesall ages .

Topical Antibiotic therapy is recommended forits treatment but their chemical compounds creates adverse effects on the body,so natural non toxic medicines should be used to bring the skin into normal stateby treating problem like Mukhadushika .Acne Vulgaris develops as a result of  hypersensitivityof the sebaceous glands to normal levels of circulating androgens. This processis further exacerbated by the presence of Cutibacterium acnes [ C acnes ]

In Mukhadushika  Saruja (painfull),  Pidika(eruption) are hallmarks of Mukhadushika .Vitiated Dosha get accumulated andobstruct the Lomarupa (pilosebaceousunit) causing localswelling and micro comedone formation .Paka(inflammation) of these elements leads to papules,pustules, and cyst formationwhich on rupture   cause Vranavastu (scar) formation. Allopathictreatments includes the use of topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide , oralantibiotics, steroids , and  oralisotretinoin  . Although its use is limited by teratogenicity andother side effects. Ayurveda has agreat potential in the management of Acne vulgaris is reported. Two types of Chikitsa are explained in the managementof Mukhadushika i.e, Shodhana and Shamanachikitsa. Shodhanachikitsaincludes Vaman ,Virechana, Nasya, Jalaukavcharna and Shiravyadha. Shaman Chikitsaincludes various type of lepa andoral medication.

Inpresent study one such formulations of lepawhich is given in Sharangdharasamhitauttarkhand11 /14-15 is Vatapatradi lepa(trial drug ) is taken to assess its efficacy on Mukhadushika w.s.r to Acne vulagaris and compared with Shalmaliadi lepa ( controlled).

·     The word ‘Mukha’ means face or countenance and  Dushika  means face spoiler or eruption that configuresthe Mukh a(face) .

  ·      The word Mukhadushika  is derived from Mukhamdushayathi Vivarnamkarothiiti Mukhadushika means that which disfigures the  Mukha along with causing discolouarion.