A Case Study on the Efficacy of Sanshamana Chikitsa in Vitiligo (Shwitra)

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1 10
    By

    Khicchi Afrin Mustafa,

  • Mahendra Prasad,

  • Rashmi Prakash Gurao,

  • Ankita Sharma,

  1. MD Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  4. MD Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo (Shwitra), a pigmentary disorder characterized by the loss of melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for melanin production. This results in the appearance of white or depigmented patches on the skin, is interpreted in Ayurveda as a Tridoshaja condition primarily involving vitiation of Pitta and Rakta. Vitiligo poses a major psychological burden in addition to being a cosmetic issue due to its visible appearance and associated social stigma. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Sanshamana Chikitsa in the management of Vitiligo (Shwitra) through a single detailed case study. Case Presentation: A 49-year-old female had been presenting with depigmented patches (white spots) on the forehead, perioral region, dorsal aspects of both hands, dorsal aspect of the left forearm, and the left eyelid for a duration of six months. The patient also reported mild itching and a burning sensation over the affected areas. The patient received Ayurvedic therapy, including Rakta Shodhaka and Kushtahara Shamana Aushadis, local applications and Phototherapy (PUVA).  Result: Significant improvement in the affected areas and a notable reduction in the VASI score were observed after 60 days of treatment, with a considerable decrease in the size of the patches across all affected regions. Additionally, symptoms such as itching and burning were substantially reduced within the first two months. The outcome of this study indicates that early intervention using Ayurvedic therapy, incorporating both internal and external treatment modalities, was effective in the management of  vitiligo (Shwitra).

Keywords: Vitiligo, Shwitra, Ayurveda, Sanshamana Chikitsa, Phototherapy, VASI.

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy ]

How to cite this article:
Khicchi Afrin Mustafa, Mahendra Prasad, Rashmi Prakash Gurao, Ankita Sharma. A Case Study on the Efficacy of Sanshamana Chikitsa in Vitiligo (Shwitra). Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2025; 13(01):1-10.
How to cite this URL:
Khicchi Afrin Mustafa, Mahendra Prasad, Rashmi Prakash Gurao, Ankita Sharma. A Case Study on the Efficacy of Sanshamana Chikitsa in Vitiligo (Shwitra). Research and Reviews : A Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturopathy. 2025; 13(01):1-10. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoasyn/article=2025/view=236618


References

  1. 1.Chakrapanidatta. Ayurveda Dipika Commentary on Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 7. Varanasi: Chaukhambha; 2023. Reprint ed. p.458
  2. Dalhana. Nibandhasangraha Commentary on Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 9. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia, Vishwabharati Publications; 2021. p.442.
  3. 3.Trikamji YT, editor. Charaka Samhita of Agnivesa with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Indriyasthana, Chapter 9. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2021. p.368.4.
  4. Sharma RK, Dash Bhagwan. English translation on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika on Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, Sutrasthana,Chapter 28, Verse 12, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office. Reprint 2008:576.
  5. 5.Tripathi HP. Harit Samhita: Hari Hindi Commentary, Sthana III, Chapter 39, Verses 50–52. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2009. Reprint ed:422.
  6. 6.Shastri AD. Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika: Sushruta Samhita, Nidanasthana, Chapter 5, Verse 3. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Prakashan; 2019. Reprint ed.
  7. 7.Vriddha Jivaka Acharya, Kasyapa Samhita, Chikitsasthana, Kushta Adhyaya, 9/2, Varanasi: Choukhamba Viswabharati; 2002:2.
  8. Sharma RK, Dash Bhagwan. English translation on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika on Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, Chikistasthana, Kushta chikista: Chapter 7, Verse 173,174, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office. Reprint 2007:361.
  9. Stuart H. Ralston, Ian D. Penman, Mark W. J. Strachan, Richard P. Hobson, Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine, 23rd edition, 2018, page no-1257.
  10. 10.Sharma RK, Dash Bhagwan. English translation on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika on Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, Chikistasthana, Kushta chikista: Chapter 7, Verse 175, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office. Reprint 2007:362.
  11. 11.Hamzavi I, Jain H, McLean D, Shapiro J, Zeng H, Lui H. Parametric modeling of narrowband UV-B phototherapy for vitiligo, using a novel quantitative tool: the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index. Archives of Dermatology. 2004;140(6):677-683. doi: 10.1001/archderm.140.6.677.
  12. 12.Sharma RK, Dash Bhagwan. English translation on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika on Agnivesa’s Caraka Samhita, Nidanasthana, Chapter 5, Verse 3, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit series office. Reprint 2008:67.
  13. Patil S., Patil K., Narode K., Narode S. and Durugkar U. Clinical evaluation of Shashilekha vati in the management of Shvitra with special reference to Vitiligo, International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2015; 3(8)- 46-5
  14. 14.The Ayurvedic Formulary of India Part I second revised English edition, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy- 2008, Page No.91
  15. 15.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Volume- I, page no 32, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy, New Delhi. From: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf
  16. 16.Shenoi SD, Prabhu S. Photochemotherapy (PUVA) in psoriasis and vitiligo . Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2014;80:497-504
  17. Mishra, Dr Siddhinandan.Ayurvediya Rasashastra. Varanasi : Chaukhamba oriental, 1997. (Rasa ratna samucchaya 2/2)
  18. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Volume- I, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy, New Delhi. From: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf
  19. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Volume- I, page no 8 ,Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy, New Delhi. From: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf
  20. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Volume- I, page no 8 ,Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy, New Delhi. From: http://www.ayurveda.hu/api/API-Vol-1.pdf
  21. 21. Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KB. Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti – inflammatory agent, against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009;41(1):40–59. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010 PMid:18662800 PMCid:PMC2637808.)
Regular Issue Subscription Case Study
Volume 13
Issue 01
Received 06/11/2025
Accepted 20/12/2025
Published 21/12/2025
Publication Time 45 Days
44

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics