Premature Graying Research Articles

Review on Nilibhringadi Taila: An Effective Keshya Medication

One third of the population, including both men and women, experience hair problems, making it one of the most prevalent issues in the world. Both men and women in India are very sensitive about their hair. Numerous reasons, including hormone imbalances, stress, rising work pressure, poor dietary practises, and excessive use of chemical cosmetics, have contributed to a rise in cases of hair diseases and hair problems. Losing one's hair can be embarrassing and detrimental to one's confidence and self-esteem. Ayurveda provides some successful external hair management therapies. The pharmaceutics and therapeutics of Ayurvedic dose forms are quite specialised. Sneha Kalpana is a collection of medicated Taila and Ghrita that treat a wide variety of diseases in people of all ages. Sneha kalpas produced by Ayurvedic pharmaceutics are broadly utilised for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. It is the only Kalpana used in all four ways that these formulations can be administered: Pana, Abhyanga, Nasya, and Basti. In Ayurveda, hairs are referred to as Kesha, and medications that are effective for hairs are referred to as Keshya medications. In this article we have made an effort to describe the formulation Nilibhringadi Taila which is described in Sahasrayogam and Chikitsa Manjari. Nilibhringadi Taila is an Ayurvedic and herbal oil, which is useful to improve the quality of hair, to treat split hairs, premature greying and baldness. All ingredients in formulation are best hair growth promoters. It is widely used and prescribed formulation in India. Here not much more work has been done on this formulation. So we are trying to review this formulation for further knowledge and scope.

Prevalence of Premature Hair Greying, its Associated Factors and Impact on Quality of Life in Medical Students from Rajasthan, India

Background: Considering the paramount significance of hair in life, greying hair at a young age can be extremely distressing. In addition, an incompletely understood aetiology and scarcity of treatment options make premature hair greying (PHG) noteworthy. Aims: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PHG in medical college students from Rajasthan, India, and any sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of PHG and to determine its effect on the quality of life (QOL). Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 295 students of a medical college in western Rajasthan, India, under the age of 25 years. A scalp examination was done to count grey hair. All factors were investigated using structured, pre-validated questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of premature greying of hair was 41.4%. Sociodemographic factors such as older age, rural residence and positive family history were significantly associated with PHG. The number of meals, fruit consumption and irregularity of meals were the lifestyle factors associated with PHG. The QoL of 54.1% of students with grey hair was poor; males and rural residents were more affected. Conclusions: Premature greying of hair is a fairly prevalent condition in medical college students affecting their QoL. Factors such as family history, age, residence and eating habits may predispose students to PHG.

A brief overview on the concept of Palityaw.s.r. premature hair greying

Introduction: The traditional Indian medical system of Ayurveda employs the term Khalitya (~Hair fall) to describe hair loss, while the premature greying of hair is denoted by the term Palitya (~ Hair greying). Khalitya and Palitya are classified as Paitik (~dosha regulating body temperature and metabolic activities) disorders, which originate from the Dosha (~the regulatory functional factors of the body formed by the synchronized interplay between the five basic elements within any living system) known as Pitta. According to Ayurvedic principles, consistent disruption of the Pittadosha (~dosha regulating body temperature and metabolic activities), which represents the body’s heat and metabolism, may result in premature greying of hair. As per Ayurveda principles, the consumption of substances that enhance Pitta can lead to an aggravation of Pittadosha (~dosha regulating body temperature and metabolic activities), which is believed to be a contributing factor in the manifestation of grey hair. Materials and methods: Palitya (~premature greying of hair) information is gathered from many Ayurvedic and modern medical textbooks, magazines, journals, and the internet. It is a review paper with data gathered from all relevant sources. Result: All of the aforementioned formulations were acquired as a result of premature greying of hair. Discussion & Conclusion: Ayurveda has been identified as a viable alternative therapeutic approach for the condition of premature greying that was natural and harmless.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of KIT Mutation in a Patient wıth Piebaldism, Congenital Cataract and Aphakic Glaucoma

Background: Piebaldism (OMIM #172800) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by congenital poliosis and stable patches of leucoderma. Piebaldism is caused by mutations in the KIT and SNAI2 genes. The most common mutations are detected in the KIT gene. Case presentation: A 5-year-old boy, who was followed-up for aphakic glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery, was consulted to the medical genetics and dermatology departments due to premature graying of the hair, white forelock in the frontal region of the scalp, whitening in the inner part of the eyebrows and eyelashes and patchy leukoderma with hyperpigmented islands inside on the extremities and trunk. DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygous missense c.1861G>A mutation in the KIT gene. Mutation was evaluated using in silico 3D-structure analysis and bioinformatics tools Conclusion: KIT gene has a critical role in melanoblast migration, proliferation, differentiation and survival and molecular dynamics simulation and modeling proved that this variant inhibits the migration of melanoblasts and melanocytes by reducing the enzymatic activity of the KIT protein.

Premature graying of hairs: Ayurveda perspective

Premature graying of hairs: Ayurveda perspective

Review on formulation and evaluation of polyherbal hair gel formulation

Dandruff is a skin condition with symptoms includes flaking and sometimes mild itchiness cause to the scalp. They are many bacteria, fungus causing scalp infections which lead to further hair problems or skin issues. There is one of the common conditions candidiasis which is typically caused on the skin or mucus membrane caused by candida. Herbal extract of gauva leaves, amla and aloe found to be effective in treating Candidiasis. Guava leaves are rich in Vitamin B & C that helps in nourishing hair and also aids hair growth. Guava leaves shows antibacterial and antifungal activity on gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Vitamin C present in Amla which is 20 times more than that of orange; which prevents premature graying of hairs, it also providesluster to hairs and strengthen follicles. Gauva leaves extract was evaluated by Cup and plate method against the fungus C. albicans and bacteria S. aureus. Herbal Gel was formulated and evaluated by using Carbopol 934, triethanolamine etc. A polyherbal hair gel was found to be effective against candidiasis along with this it nourished the hair and prevent premature graying.

Generation of Pmel-dependent conditional and inducible Cre-driver mouse line for melanocytic-targeted gene manipulation.

Conditional and inducible gene targeting using Cre/loxP-mediated recombination is a powerful reverse genetics approach used to study spatiotemporal gene functions in specified cell types. To enable temporal gene manipulation in the melanocyte lineage, we established a novel inducible Cre-driver mouse line by targeting an all-in-one tetracycline/doxycycline (Dox)-inducible Cre expression cassette into the Pmel locus (PmelP2A-TetON3G-TRE3G-iCre ), a gene locus preferentially expressed in pigment cells. By crossing these Cre-driver mice with a strong Cre-reporter mouse line, Gt(ROSA)26Sortm9(CAG-tdTomato)Hze , we show the effectiveness of the PmelP2A-TetON3G-TRE3G-iCre mouse line in facilitating Dox-inducible Cre/loxP recombination in a wide variety of pigment cell lineages including hair follicle melanocytes and their stem cells. Furthermore, to demonstrate proof of concept, we ablated Notch signaling postnatally in the PmelP2A-TetON3G-TRE3G-iCre mice. In agreement with the previously reported phenotype, induced ablation of Notch signaling in the melanocyte lineage resulted in premature hair graying, demonstrating the utility of the PmelP2A-TetON3G-TRE3G-iCre allele. Therefore, the PmelP2A-TetON3G-TRE3G-iCre mouse line is suitable for assessing gene functions in melanocytes using an in vivo inducible reverse genetics approach. Furthermore, we unexpectedly identified previously unrecognized PMEL-expressing cells in non-pigmentary organs in the mice, suggesting unanticipated functions of PMEL other than melanosome formation.

Palitya w.s.r to Premature Graying of Hair -An Ayurvedic Overview

Premature graying of hair is referred to as "Palitya" in the Ayurvedic method and falls under the general category of "Shiroroga."Palitya mainly shows Dosha’s imbalance of our body. This premature graying of hair refers to the graying of hair in young age or before the age of 35 years. In Ayurveda this is known as “Palitya”. Grey Hair is caused by gradual reduction of melanin production overtime in your hair follicles. Melanin a pigment that gives colour and smoothness to your hair. Eventually the hair begins to lose its colour. Ayurveda says, the “Bhrajaka Pitta a pigment responsible for imparting natural colour to our skin as well as to hair also seated in superficial layer of skin (Avabhasini). Soft, lustrous, silky, black hair are the sign of long healthy life span as per said by Acharya Charaka. In the present era sedentary life style, imbalanced diet, tense, mental conditions and polluted hair, water and food have led to lot of complications which are difficult to remove. Therefore global interest these days is developing towards Ayurveda to face the Challenge be it preventive aspect or curative treatment method of pacification, management of disease in its initial stage or final stage. To gather all information related to Palitya at one place which is availed in different Ayurvedic texts and for elucidation of this knowledge in a proper manner the present study has been undertaken.

A Pilot Study on Evaluation of Formulated Herbal Hair Oil

Hair follicles are surrounded by the dermis, but the cells are part of the epidermis and are separated from the dermis by the basal lamina layer. The main aim of the study is to design and evaluation of versatile Herbal Hair Oil to prevent and control hair-related problems. The main objectives of the study are Provides hair conditioning, Prevention & control of hair fall, Reduce scalp irritation, Prevents premature greying of hair, Treats Dandruff, Relieves all types of headaches especially migraine & Hangover headaches gives a shiny and glossy appearance.

Ethnopharmacological study about Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) based on Ayurveda, An Indian System of Traditional Medicine- A Review

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (GG), also known as Yashtimadhu, is a traditional plant which is widely used in Ayurveda. It is used to treat a variety of ailments including cough, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, gastric ulcers, skin problems, inflammation, anaemia, premature greying of hair and others. Clinical and experimental research suggests that it possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective activities. We gathered material on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Glycyrrhiza glabra published before March 2022 from PubMed, Springer, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and Science Direct. To compile this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of the classical Ayurvedic treatises in order to obtain a full account of the qualities, actions, and applications stated in Ayurveda about yashtimadhu in order to demonstrate ancient-modern concordance. GG has been studied for a variety of pharmacological properties, including ulcer healing, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-bacterial, antioxidant potential activity, anti-asthmatic activity, hair growth stimulating activity, and memory enhancing action. Licorice in Ayurveda is generally used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenator and aphrodisiac, as well as for boosting memory, complexion, sound quality, dental health, vision, lactation, and healing cancer, ulcers and wounds. Even though GG is a widely used Ayurveda medicine, there is a lack of evidence regarding the true medicinal potential of the drug. There are innumerable actions mentioned in the Ayurveda classical textbooks. Here, an effort is made to find substantiation for the ancient wisdom through a thorough search with the modern available literature.

A Study of Micronutrient Levels in Premature Canities in Children

Abstract Background: Premature canities refer to the loss of hair pigment, at an earlier age than normal. Vitamins and minerals are involved in the various steps of melanogenesis. There is a paucity in the current literature on possible correlation between the serum levels of micronutrients and premature graying of hair. Materials and Methods: A case − control study was conducted on 56 patients of premature canities and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls between 12 and 18 years of age. After taking detailed history and physical examination, serum was analyzed for copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, Vitamin B12, folic acid, and Vitamin D levels in both cases and controls, and the results were compared. Results: Mean serum levels of zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin B12 were significantly lower in cases (P < 0.01). No significant difference between mean serum copper, iron, Vitamin D, and folic acid levels between cases and controls was found. Patients having deficiency of copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B12 were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (P < 0.05). No significant association between the serum levels of micronutrients with severity of canities was found. Conclusion: On basis of our study, we conclude that patients of premature graying can have micronutrient deficiencies such as copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B12. These micronutrients should be analyzed in patients of premature canities if facilities are available and if patients are found deficient, they should be supplemented for the same. However, further studies on a larger population and effect of supplementation of these micronutrients on premature graying are required.

In Vitro hair growth and hair tanning activities of mangosteen pericarp extract on hair dermal papilla cells

Premature hair graying and hair loss in men and women can cause a serious aesthetic problem. However, not much effective treatment is available, especially from natural sources. In this study, the efficacy of mangosteen pericarp water extract in promoting hair growth and tanning activities on hair dermal papilla cells was studied by using in vitro assays. The proliferation and cytotoxicity study on hair dermal papilla cells treated with mangosteen pericarp extract were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)− 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Sulforhodamine B assay. The degree of hair dermal papilla cells proliferation increased with increasing concentration of the extract up to 500 μg/ml of extract treatment. The cell proliferation significantly increased by 157.56 % compared to the control with 500 μg/ml of extract treatment. The mangosteen pericarp extract was found to stimulate melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity of hair dermal papilla cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The melanin synthesis in hair dermal papilla cells was upregulated more than four-fold with mangosteen pericarp extract as compared to the control group. The mangosteen pericarp extract was more potent and better in comparison with known effective melanogenic agents such as α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and forskolin in inducing the melanogenic effects of hair dermal papilla cells.

Cardiovascular risk markers in premature canities.

An elevated cardiovascular risk has been demonstrated in middle-aged individuals with onset of hair greying before the age of 30 years. Increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicate an ongoing state of chronic inflammation that is correlated with cardiovascular risk but have not been studied earlier in patients with early onset of hair greying. To study various cardiovascular risk markers including pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with premature canities. This was a hospital-based case-control study of 40 patients with premature canities (age between 19 and 25 years; >5 grey hair) and an equal number of age and gender-matched healthy controls. The blood pressure, pulse rate and body mass index were recorded, and investigations including fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, fasting lipid profile, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6 and TNF-α were performed. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated for all the participants. The mean blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR were all significantly elevated in patients with premature canities and the serum HDL levels were significantly lower. A greater number of patients with premature canities had significantly elevated IL-6 as compared with the controls. The sample size was small. A subjective scale was used for grading the severity of premature canities. Trichoscopic evaluation of severity of greying or modified phototrichogram could not be used in this study. Abnormalities in cardiovascular risk markers were found in patients with premature canities. Screening and counselling of patients with premature greying of hair is recommended in order to prevent future cardiovascular disease.

A Clinical Study of Premature Canities and Its Association with Hemoglobin, Ferritin and Calcium Levels.

Greying of hair is a regular feature of chronological aging that occurs in all regions and races. Premature canities is defined as minimum of five grey hairs in a person less than 20 years in Whites, 25 years in Asians, and 30 years in Africans. Premature canities is a common yet incompletely understood dermatological entity. This study aims at finding any association between premature hair greying (PHG) and parameters like hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin and calcium levels as well as its clinical profile. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Trivandrum over one and half years. The study population consisted of 40 cases and 40 controls. Severity assessment, calculation of body mass index, and estimation of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, calcium, Random blood sugar, Anti Thyroid Peroxidase antibody, T3, T4, and TSH were done. The mean age of the 40 patients was 17.14 years and most patients had onset of greying between 16 and 20 years. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1. A positive family history with a paternal predominance was noted. Vertex was the most common site of onset (42.5%), diffuse pattern was the most common clinical pattern (47.5%) and 60% had involvement of mild grade. Fourteen patients (35%) had abnormal investigations reports, in terms of low ferritin levels in 7 (17.5%), low calcium in 4 (10%) and a low Hb levels in 3 (7.5%) patients. Six (15%) patients had raised Anti TPO values. The association of PHG with low ferritin and raised anti-TPO levels were statistically significant. Low serum ferritin and raised Anti TPO levels may have a role in premature hair greying.

A case report on premature canities associated with malabsorption syndrome treated with individualized homoeopathic remedy

Homeopathy is a ‘Pseudo-science’ or ‘Fake’ according to skeptical thinking of other schools of medicine. To prove them wrong, a proposal to provide evidence based medicine case reports are the best thing. Hair pigmentation is one of the most distinctive characteristics of individuals, ranging from black to brown to blonde to red. Hair, on the other hand, is an excellent cosmetic tool and method of nonverbal communication. Hair colour and style can drastically alter a person's physical appearance and, as a result, his or her body image. Because greying hair is seen as a sign of ageing, premature greying of hair (PGH) can have a negative impact on an individual's self-esteem if the main reason is malabsorption resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Hereby discussing a case of 19 yr male teenage who was brought by his mother with the C/o premature grey hair associated with loose stools after eating. Wherein the most difficult challenge to the physician is to execute the case with her own observations and mother’s history as most of the teenagers don’t open up fully during a case taking. Based on homoeopathic individualisation Calcarea carbonica remedy was selected and administered and within a few weeks remarkable changes in the pigment of the hair as well as improvement in the absorption & assimilation of intestines were seen.

Expression of Melanocortin-1 Receptor and Serum Melanin in Canities at Young Male students

BACKGROUND: Molecular genetics suggest that hair pigmentation is related to the melanocortin-1 receptor gene. It is a G protein-coupled receptor, which is activated by a number of peptides to stimulate melanogenesis. Melanocortin-1 receptor gene mutation tends to produce functional variability in premature hair graying (PHG) or canities. AIM: Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine melanocortin-1 receptor expression and asses serum melanin in college students canities at Universitas Sumatera Utara. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional design. We recruited 80 subjects equally divided into normal (control) and premature hair graying groups. The sample included males, aged 25 years who had gray hair and had no history of pigmentary disorders of the skin. Expression of melanocortin-1 receptor was detected with conventional PCR and serum melanin was measured with Elisa using Elisa kit melanin for human. RESULTS: The results showed that the Mean ± SD graying age was 20.28 ± 1.99 years with an age range of 19–24 years and the average age in the control group was 21.25 ± 2.02 years with an age range of 18–24 years. Melanocortin-1 receptor gene expression was shown in the control and PHG groups. Serum melanin levels were decreased significantly (p = 0.0001) in the gray-haired group was 9.27 ± 1.62 μg/dl and the control group was 10.72 ± 1.78 μg/dl. CONCLUSION: Melanocortin-1 receptor gene plays a role in hair graying at young age and there serum melanin levels were low significantly.

Clinical, epidemiological characteristics and associated factors of hair greying in Lagos, Nigeria.

To document the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, believed triggers and associated behaviour in hair greying. A community based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in February 2020 following ethical approval and written informed consent from participants. All participants were clinically evaluated for hair greying, its pattern and location on the scalp. Socio-demographic data were documented. Data was entered and analyzed using the IBM statistics software version 22. Numerical and categorical variables are presented. The study was conducted at an urban market in Lagos, Nigeria. The study participants comprised 307 adult traders. The mean age of the 307 participants studied was 42.7±12.8 years. The prevalence of hair greying was 47.6% (51% in males and 45.9% in females). The median (IQR) age of those with grey hair was 52 (44, 59) years. The prevalence of hair greying was 14.8% in those aged 30-34 years and 97.2% in those aged 60 years and above. The prevalence of premature greying was 17.7% and greying before friends and family members was reported at 19.9% and 13%, respectively. Grey hair was diffuse in 81.5%; localized to the frontal area of the scalp in 55.5%. Use of hair dye was noted in 15.8%. Hair greying is common in the study population. The age at onset is 30 years. Premature hair greying is uncommon in Nigeria. More epidemiological studies of hair greying especially of premature hair greying are needed. Funding for this study was provided by the L'Oreal African Hair & Skin Research Grant.

EP263: A pathogenic deletion at 13q32.1q33.1 presenting with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentation anomalies, mimicking Waardenburg syndrome

13q deletion syndrome is caused by structural and functional monosomy of the long arm of chromosome 13. Individuals with partial deletions of 13q have a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes, including mild to severe intellectual disability, growth retardation, craniofacial dysmorphism, hand and foot anomalies, brain, cardiac and renal defects. Previous reports suggest that deletions including the 13q32 band are associated with severe congenital malformations. The ZIC2 gene maps to this critical distal region at 13q32.2 and has been considered a possible candidate for brain malformations, such as holoprosencephaly and Dandy-Walker malformation. We present an individual with a 7.9 Mb deletion on chromosome 13, encompassing almost all of band q32, with a relatively mild phenotype. An 11-month-old term male was seen in the medical genetic clinic regarding concerns for possible Waardenburg Syndrome. He presented with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at 9 months of age and was noted to have multiple hypopigmented lesions on both his feet and chest. Prenatal and post- natal course was unremarkable with normal growth and development. Physical examination revealed mild dysmorphic features such as borderline, low set and posteriorly rotated ears with folded upper helixes and a broad nasal bridge. Hypopigmented lesions consistent with leukoderma was noted over the anterior chest wall, abdominal wall and medial aspect of his right thigh. Family history was positive for a maternal cousin with similar hypopigmented lesions and maternal great, great grandmother with early premature graying of hair. There was no family history of congenital hearing loss or birth defects. A chromosomal microarray (CMA) was performed and revealed a 7.9 megabase pathogenic deletion at chromosome 13q32.1q33.1, involving 65 genes. This deletion encompasses the ZIC2 gene which is associated with holoprosencephaly. This was an unexpected finding and further imaging studies to evaluate for cardiac, renal and brain malformations have been planned. Deletions of 13q are rare and additional cases are needed to better understand the genotype-phenotype correlation. We present an atypical case of a 13q deletion syndrome associated with mild dysmorphism, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and leukoderma. There have been suggestions that distal deletions are associated with a more severe clinical phenotype and proximal deletions causes less severe major anomalies. This case broadens the clinical spectrum of 13q deletion syndrome as hearing loss is an uncommon finding and dermatological involvement has not been previously reported. There have been one prior report indicating that the loss of Zic2 function results in impaired inner ear development in mice and may be a candidate gene that contributes to the genetics of hearing loss in humans. Additionally, although the region deleted on the long arm of chromosome 13 involves the ZIC2 gene, this patient appears to be growing and developing normally. These findings suggest regions outside of band 13q32 likely contribute to the severe congenital malformations previously associated with distal 13q deletions.

Analysis of Zinc and Copper Serum Levels in Premature Hair Graying at Young Age

BACKGROUND: Premature canities or premature hair graying is a terminology for early hair graying at an unusual age, with unclear etiology. The pathogenesis of graying is multifactorial such as genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The risk factor of premature graying is a deficiency of micronutrient serum such as zinc, copper, and selenium. AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine the role of zinc and copper serum concentrations in premature hair graying as well as the relationship between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional recruited 40 consecutive respondents suffering from premature graying and healthy controls, male sex and aged <25 years. The serum samples were collected to detect zinc and copper with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 20.28 ± 1.99 years and controls were 21.25 ± 2.02. Zinc serum concentration was significantly lower in premature hair graying compared with controls (0.48 ± 0.19 vs. 1.92 ± 0.68 ug/dL, p = 0.001) while copper serum concentration was not significantly lower in premature hair gray compared with controls (0.08 ± 0.03 vs. 0.09 ± 0.18 ug/dL, p = 0.706). CONCLUSION: A low zinc serum level may contribute to premature hair graying of college students at Universitas Sumatera Utara.

A Critical Evaluation on Akala Palitam

Hair color reflects the health of an individual and the discolored hair indicates the pathological state. Palitam is a physiological process when it occurring in old age. Whereas Akala Palitam (premature graying) is a pathological condition manifests in early stages of life. It is characterized byVivarna Kesha (discolored hair) along with altered hair texture and the predominant Dosha attributes Vivarnata to Kesha.
 Hair color is determined by a pigment called melanin (relative proportions of eumelanins and phaeomelanins) in hair follicles. Diffuse loss of hair melanin during early stages of liferesults in premature graying. In Ayurveda, Bhrajaka Pitta, one among the five types of Pitta located in skin is responsible for the attribution of hair colour. Thus it performs the function similar to melanin pigment in hair follicles. When there is Pitta dosha Vridhi in Rasadhatu along with vitiation of other two Doshas it leads to manifestation of Vivarna Kesha with altered hair texture thus results in Akala Palitam. It is a type of Raspradoshajavikara in which the signs and symptoms varies based on the predominant Dosha. Treatment option for Akala Palitam is also specific based on predominant Dosha. So a critical evaluation on Akala Palitam is essential to understand the etio-pathogenesis of the disease for its better management.