A SYNOPTIC REVIEW ON PRIYALADI LEPA: AN AYURVEDIC TOPICAL FORMULATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF DARUNAKA (DANDRUFF)

Abstract

Pityriasis capitis commonly known as Dandruff is a common skin disorder that mainly affects the scalp. It is one of the most common cosmetic problems. It is more likely a social stigma and affects the aesthetic value of a person. In Ayurveda, Acharya Sushruta mentions Darunaka (dandruff) under Kshudra kushta roga (minor skin ailment) and some other authors mention it as Shirah-Kapalagata roga (head and skull diseases). Symptoms of Darunaka are kandu (itching), Keshachyuti (hair fall), Twaksphutana (scaling) and rukshata (dryness). Darunaka can be closely co-related to Pityriasis capitis. Though not being a life-threatening disease, it is affecting almost half of the population from pre-pubertal age to old age of any gender with recurrence and frequent relapses. Ayurveda classics majorly emphasizes the bahya lepa upachaar (external paste application) as a line of treatment in Darunaka. Priyaladi lepa is one such formulation recommended in Sharangadhara Samhitha for Darunaka chikitsa, but not often applied in routine Ayurvedic practice. So, this study aims to appraise the pharmacological activity of the formulation Priyaladi lepa regarding its anti-dandruff efficacy. Rasapanchaka and Dosha karma (Ayurvedic Pharmacological attributes) of ingredients were compiled from Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and other Ayurvedic literature. Pharmacological actions were compiled from original research articles from Google Scholar, Research Gate and PubMed etc. research databases. A study on each ingredient of Priyaladi lepa collectively demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-pruritic, antioxidant and exfoliation effects. These pharmacological activities encourage further research and henceforth to utilize the same for the effective management of Darunaka (Dandruff).