Spontaneous repigmentation occurs in some cases.
A course of phototherapy using PUVA can also induce repigmentation of the skin, and creams containing corticosteroid drugs may help.
Habitat: Throughout the country, ascending to an altitude of about 1,050 m in the outer Himalayas.
English: Indian Wild Liquorice, Jequirity, Crab's Eye, Precatory Bean.Ayurvedic: Gunjaa, Gunjaka, Chirihintikaa, Raktikaa, Chirmi- ti, Kakanti, Kabjaka, Tiktikaa, Kaakananti, Kaakchinchi. (Not to be used as a substitute for liquorice.)Unani: Ghunghchi, Ghamchi.Siddha/Tamil: Kunri.Folk: Chirmiti, Ratti.Action: Uterine stimulant, abortifa- cient, toxic. Seeds—teratogenic. A paste of seeds is applied on vitiligo patches.
Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India has indicated the use of seeds in baldness.Seeds contain abrin, a toxalbumin, indole derivatives, anthocyanins, ste- rols, terpenes. Abrin causes agglutination of erythrocytes, haemolysis and enlargement of lymph glands. A non- toxic dose of abrin (1.25 mcg/kg body weight), isolated from the seeds of red var., exhibited a noticeable increase in antibody-forming cells, bone marrow cellularity and alpha-esterase-positive bone marrow cells.Oral administration of agglutinins, isolated from the seeds, is useful in the treatment of hepatitis and AIDS.The seed extract exhibited antischis- tosomal activity in male hamsters.The methanolic extract of seeds inhibited the motility of human spermatozoa.The roots contain precol, abrol, gly- cyrrhizin (1.5%) and alkaloids—abra- sine and precasine. The roots also contain triterpenoids—abruslactone A, methyl abrusgenate and abrusgenic acid.Alkaloids/bases present in the roots are also present in leaves and stems.A. fruticulosus Wall. Ex Wight and Arn. synonym A. pulchellus Wall., A. laevigatus E. May. (Shveta Gunjaa) is also used for the same medicinal purposes as A. precatorius.Dosage: Detoxified seed—1-3 g powder. Root powder—3-6 g. (API Vols. I, II.)... abrus precatoriusHabitat: Cultivated in Jammu and Himachal Pradesh.
English: Biship's Weed-Amee, Greater Ammi.Unani: Itarilaal, Khalah.Action: Source of xanthotoxin, a drug employed in the treatment of leucoderma. Dried fruit powder or extract of the plant is used topically in vitiligo.
The fruits contain ammoidin (xan- thotoxin), ammidin (imperatorin) and majudin (bergapten). All the three compounds are used in leucoderma. Maximum xanthotoxin content (1%) is found in green fruits from Jammu.The 8-MOP, methoxypsoralen constituent of the weed is one of the first agents used along with UVA radiation to treat psoriasis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)... ammi majusHabitat: Cultivated as a garden ornamental; runs wild at many places in Jammu region.
English: Khella.Folk: Paashaanabhedi (controversial; Bergenia ligulata has been equated with the classical Paashaanabheda).Action: Antispasmodic in renal colic, bronchial asthma, whooping cough (used by Unani physicians), vasodilator (in angina pectoris).
Key application: German Commission E approved the herb on 13 March 1986, but due to information on potential risks, its status was changed to unapproved on 15 April 1994.Khella contains khellin (1%), vis- nagin, khellol glycoside, flavonoids, sterols, volatile oil (0.2%). Khellin and visnagin exert a powerful antispas- modic effect on the smaller bronchial muscles, the coronary arteries and on the urinary tubules. Khellin provides relief to asthmatic patients. The drug also relieves painful spasm of stone in kidney and bladder (no more used for expelling kidney stones).Khella does not reduce blood pressure in spite of being a vasodilator.Khellin is toxic at 100 mg. (Francis Brinker.)Khella is used topically for vitiligo and psoriasis. The Khellin constituent is similar to the psoralen nucleus and might be useful as a photosensi- tizer in patients with psoriasis. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)(Several modern drugs including amiodarone, nifedipine and cromolyn have been developed from Khella.)... ammi visnagaAction. Photosensitiser, antifungal, tuberculostatic. (Journal of Natural Products 1987, 50(5), pp997-8) Uses. Leucoderma. Vitiligo. Reputed fading of coloured areas of skin. ... cow parsley, himalayan
See entry: HIMALAYAN COW PARSLEY. ... leukoderma
Habitat: Native to Syria; now grown in Kashmir at 1,000-3,900 m.
Ayurvedic: Chandaa, Chandaam- shuka, Kathachoraa.Action: Expectorant, carminative, digestant, cholagogue, antispas- modic, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, antifungal, antibacterial.
Key application: In flatulence and peptic discomforts. The root is a component in numerous gastrointestinal, cholagogue and biliary remedies in Germany. (Angelica root is an approved herb, whereas the seed and above-ground parts have been included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.)Chinese angelica root, Dong Quai, is equated with Angelica sinensis. It is prescribed internally for menstrual irregularity, lack of menstruation and painful menstruation.The roots from Kashmir yield furo- coumarins, phenol compounds and flavonoids.Xanthotoxol exhibited antihista- mintic and antinicotinic activities on guinea-pig ileum. The dry extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activityThe root is reported to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth.Furocoumarins, especially psoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen, are used in the photochemotherapy of psoriasis and vitiligo. The biological activity is due to covalent linkage formed with DNA by irradiation with long- wavelength UV light.Most of the coumarins have shown significant calcium antagonistic activity in vitro.Angelicin, a resin, is stimulating to the lungs and skin. contraindicated in bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers and pregnancy. (Sharon M. Herr.)Dosage: Root—1-3 g powder. (CCRAS.)... angelica archangelicaHabitat: Sub-Himalayan tract up to 2,000 m and South Indian hills.
English: Staff tree, Intellect tree.Ayurvedic: Jyotishmati, Paaraavat- padi. Kangunikaa, Kanguni, Vegaa, Maalkaanguni, Svarnalatikaa, Kaakaandaki, Katuveekaa.Unani: Maalkangani.Siddha/Tamil: Vaaluluvai.Action: Seeds—nervine and brain tonic, diaphoretic, febrifugal, emetic. Seed-oil—used for treating mental depression, hysteria and for improving memory; also used for scabies, eczema, wounds, rheumatic pains, paralysis. A decoction of seeds is given in gout, rheumatism, paralysis and for treating leprosy and other skin diseases. Leaves— antidysenteric, emmenagogue. Root—a paste of root-bark is applied to swollen veins and pneumonic affections.
Key application: As a tranquilizer (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia) and brain tonic (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India). The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicated the use of ripe seed in leucoderma and vitiligo.The seeds are reported to contain the alkaloids, celastrine and paniculatine, which are the active principles of the drug.In experimental animals, the drug showed lowering of leptazol toxicity, motor activity and amphetamine toxi- city, and raising the capacity for learning process. It showed significant CNS depressant effect and a clear synergism with pentobarbital. The seed extract showed hypolipidaemic effect and prevented atherogenesis in rabbits.The seed oil showed tranquillizing effect and hastened the process of learning in experimental animals. It produced fall in blood pressure in anaesthetized dog, depressed the heart of frog, and was found to be toxic to rats.In addition to the seed, 70% alcoholic extract of the plant showed sedative, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic, anti-ulcerogenic effect in experimental animals.Methanolic extract of flowers showed both analgesic and anti- inflammatory activities experimentally.Dosage: Ripe seed, devoid of capsule wall—1-2 g; oil—5-15 drops. (API Vol. II.)... celastrus paniculatusHabitat: Indigenous to South India; cultivated throughout the plains of India up to 500 m in the western Himalaya.
English: Wood Apple.Ayurvedic: Kapittha, Dadhittha, Dadhiphala, Surabhichhada, Dantshatha, Kapipriya.Unani: Kuvet.Siddha/Tamil: Vilamaram, Vilangai, Narivila.Folk: Kaith.Action: Fruit—antiscorbutic, carminative, stimulates the digestive system bark. Pulp is included in a paste to tone the breast. Leaves— astringent; used for indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery and haemorrhoids.
Unripe fruit—prescribed in sprue, malabsorption syndrome. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.)The leaves and stem bark contain the coumarins, luvangetin, xanthotoxin and limonin and the steroids, sitosterol and sitosterol-O-beta-D-glucoside.Antifungal compounds, psoralene from stem bark; xanthotoxin and os- thenol from root bark and 2,6-dimeth- oxybenzo-quinone from the fruit shell are reported. Roots contain xanthotoxin and bergapten, used for the treatment of leucoderma, characterized by vitiligo.Dosage: Dried pulp of mature fruit—1-3 g powder. (API Vol. II.)... feronia limoniaWhen absorbed into the skin, psoralens react with ultraviolet light to cause skin darkening or inflammation.
Psoralen drugs may be used in conjunction with ultraviolet light (a combination called PUVA) to treat psoriasis and vitiligo.
Overexposure to ultraviolet light during treatment, or to too high a dose of a psoralen drug, may cause redness and blistering of the skin.
Psoralens in perfumes may cause photosensitivity.... psoralen drugs
Habitat: Outer Himalaya from Chenab eastwards to West Bengal Assam, Central and South India and the Andaman Islands.
Ayurvedic: Kaakodumbara, Kaashtodumbara, Phalgu, Malayu, Malapu.Unani: Anjir Dashti.Siddha/Tamil: Peyatti, Chona Atthi.Action: Syconium—galactagogue. Bark and seed—purgative, emetic.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the fruit in jaundice, oedema and anaemia; fruit and root in leucoderma, vitiligo.The fruits, seeds and bark contain beta-sitosterol, beta-amyrin, n- triacontanyl acetate, gluacol acetate, hispidin, a phenanthraindolizidine alkaloid, bergapten and psoralen. A leu- cocyanin has been isolated from the root; oleanolic acid from the leaves.Dosage: Fruit—10-20 g; root—1- 3 g powder. (API Vol. III.)... ficus hispidaHabitat: Rajasthan., eastern districts of Punjab and adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh.
Ayurvedic: Somaraaji, Somavalli, Somavallik, Soma, Chaandri, Vaakuchi, Baakuchi, Avalguja. (Somaraaji and Avalguja have also been equated with Centratherum anthelminticum.)Unani: Baabchi, Bakuchi.Siddha/Tamil: Karpoogaarisi.Action: Seed—used in leucoderma, vitiligo, leprosy, psoriasis and inflammatory diseases of the skin, both orally and externally. (The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.)
The seed and roots contain chal- cones, flavones, isoflavones, furano- coumarins and coumesterol group of compounds. These include psoralen, isopsoralen, bavachinin.A mixture of psoralen and isopso- ralen, in a ratio of 1:3, is recommended for topical application in leucoderma. These furanocoumarins initiate transformation of DOPA to melanin under the influence of UV light. Seeds are powdered and administered orally with warm water (5 g/day) in cases of eczema.Psoralen was found to be cytotoxic in vitro. The combination therapy of psoralen and UV irradiation has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumours in vivo.Bavachinin-A, isolated from the fruits, exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and mild analgesic properties similar to those of oxyphenylbutazone and hydrocortisone. It demonstrated better antipyretic activity than paracetamol experimentally.Oral administration of the powdered seeds has generally resulted in side reactions (nausea, vomiting, purging); external application generally proved highly irritant to the skin.Dosage: Seed—1-3 g powder (CCRAS.); 3-6 g powder (API, Vol. I).... psoralea corylifoliaAction. Antispasmodic to respiratory and cardiovascular system. Alternative to use of steroids in children.
“A potent coronary vasodilator. Has been employed in the treatment of angina pectoris and bronchial asthma; a decoction is made for whooping cough.” (Hakim Mohammed Said: Hamdard Foundation, Pakistan)
Uses: Has a long reputation in Arabian medicine for asthma. On record for the treatment of diseases of the coronary vessels, gall bladder, kidney, bladder. To relieve painful spasm of stone in kidney or bladder. Myocardial infarction. Allergies.
Vitiligo, psoriasis. (Abdel-Fattah et al 1982/1983)
Seeds yield sodium cromoglycate, a preparation which is inhaled from a nebuliser or aerosol. ... khella
Causes: smoking, alcohol, friction of dentures, habitual diet of hot curries and spices; genetic.
Topical. No known cure. Goldenseal and Myrrh have their advocates. Fresh juice of Houseleek and Aloe Vera are old traditional remedies. Blueberries. (Ellingwood)
It is known that Vitamin A protects against oral cancer, from which it is believed that it might have an effect upon leukoplakia which is common among tobacco chewers in India and the Philippines. ... leukoplakia
Others appear under their appropriate alphabetical headings: ACNE; ALBINISM; ALOPECIA; ALOPECIA AREATA; APHTHOUS ULCER; BASAL CELL CARCINOMA; BOILS (FURUNCULOSIS); BOWEN’S DISEASE; CALLOSITIES; CANDIDA; CHEILOSIS; CHEIRAPOMPHOLYX; DANDRUFF; DERMATOFIBROMA; DERMATOMYOSITIS; DERMATOPHYTES; DERMOGRAPHISM; ECTHYMA; ERYSIPELAS; ERYTHEMA; ERYTHRASMA; ERYTHRODERMA; ESCHAR; EXANTHEM; FUNGAL AND YEAST INFECTIONS; HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE; HERPES GENITALIS; HERPES SIMPLEX; HERPES ZOSTER; IMPETIGO; INTERTRIGO; KELOID; KERATOSIS; LARVA MIGRANS; LICHEN; LUPUS; MADURA FOOT; MELANOMA; MILIARIA; MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM; MOLE; MYCOSIS FUNGOIDES; NAEVUS; ORF; PEDICULOSIS; PEMPHIGUS; PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY; PHOTODERMATOSES; PITYRIASIS; PORPHYRIAS; PRURITUS; PSORIASIS; RINGWORM; ROSACEA; SARCOIDOSIS; SCABIES; SCLERODERMA; URTICARIA; VITILIGO; WARTS; XANTHOMATA.
Skin cancer Primary cancer is common and chronic exposure to ultraviolet light is the most important cause. BASAL CELL CARCINOMA is the most common form; squamous cell carcinoma is less common and presents as a growing, usually painless nodule which may ulcerate. Squamous cancer may spread to regional lymph glands and metastasise, unlike basal cell cancer. Occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens may cause squamous carcinoma – for example, cancer from pitch warts or the scrotal carcinoma of chimney sweeps exposed to coal dust in earlier centuries. Squamous carcinoma of the lip is associated with clay-pipe smoking.
Cancer may arise from the population of melanocytes of the skin (see MELANOCYTE; MELANOMA).
Apart from these three most frequent forms of skin cancer, various forms of cancer can arise from cells of the dermis, of which LYMPHOMA is the most important (see also MYCOSIS FUNGOIDES).
Lastly, secondary deposits from internal cancer, particularly from the breast, may metastasise to the skin.
Dermatitis and eczema These are broadly synonymous, and the terms are frequently interchangeable. Eczema is a pattern of in?ammation with many potential causes. Dermatitis is commonly used to suggest an eczema caused by external factors; it is a common pattern of in?ammation of the skin characterised by redness and swelling, vesiculation (see VESICLE), and scaling with intense itching and often exudation (weeping). Fissuring, thickening (licheni?cation – see LICHEN) and secondary bacterial infection may follow. Dermatitis can affect any part of the body. It may be genetically detemined or due to other ‘internal’ factors, such as venous HYPERTENSION in a leg, or stress. Often it is ‘external’ in origin – due to strong irritants or chemical allergens. (See also ALLERGY; ALLERGEN.) ATOPIC DERMATITIS is genetic in origin and usually begins in infancy. It may persist for years, and ASTHMA, allergic RHINITIS and conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF) – ‘hay fever’ – may be associated. Atopic children tend to have multiple allergies, especially to inhaled allergens such as house-dust mite, cat and dog dander and pollens. Allergy to foods is less common but potentially more dangerous, especially if to nuts, when it can cause acute URTICARIA or even ANAPHYLAXIS. Atopic subjects are particularly prone to persistent and multiple verrucae (see WARTS) and mollusca (see MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM) and to severe HERPES SIMPLEX infections. (See also ATOPY.)
EXFOLIATE DERMATITIS (PITYRIASIS RUBRA)
Generalised exfoliation and scaling of the skin, commonly with ERYTHEMA. Drugs may cause it, or the disorder may be linked with other skin diseases such as benign dermatoses and lupus erythematosus (see under LUPUS). SUMMER POMPHOLYX is an acute vesicular eczema of the palms and soles recurring every summer. Inhaled allergens are a frequent cause. VENOUS (STASIS) DERMATITIS begins on a lower calf, often in association with PURPURA, swelling and sometimes ulceration. Chronic venous hypertension in the leg, consequent on valvular incompetence in the deep leg veins owing to previous deep vein thrombosis (see VEINS, DISEASES OF), is the usual cause. NEURODERMATITIS A pattern of well-de?ned plaques of licheni?ed eczema particularly seen on the neck, ulnar forearms or sides of the calves in subjects under emotional stress. IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS Most often seen in an industrial setting (occupational dermatitis), it is due to damage by strong chemicals such as cutting oils, cement, detergents and solvents. In almost all cases the hands are most severely affected. ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS, in contrast, can affect any part of the body depending on the cause – for example, the face (cosmetics), hands (plants, occupational allergens) or soles (rubber boots). Particularly common allergens include metals (nickel and chromate), rubber addititives, and adhesives (epoxy resins).
Treatment Avoidance of irritants and contact allergens, liberal use of EMOLLIENTS, and topical application of corticosteroid creams and ointments (see CORTICOSTEROIDS) are central.... skin, diseases of
PUVA combines the use of long-wave ultraviolet light with a psoralen drug, which sensitizes the skin to light. This is used to treat psoriasis and other skin diseases such as vitiligo. Psoriasis may also be treated using short-wave ultraviolet light, sometimes combined with the application of coal tar.
Visible blue light is used to treat neonatal jaundice (see jaundice, neonatal), which is due to high levels of the pigment bilirubin in the blood. In phototherapy, bilirubin is converted into a harmless substance that can be excreted. To maximize exposure, the baby is undressed and placed under the lights in an incubator to keep him warm.phrenic nerve One of the pair of main nerves supplying the diaphragm. Each phrenic nerve carries motor impulses to the diaphragm, and plays a part in controlling breathing. Injury to, or surgical cutting of, 1 of the nerves results in paralysis of 1 half of the diaphragm.... phototherapy
There are many abnormalities of pigmentation.
Patches of pale skin occur in psoriasis, pityriasis alba, pityriasis versicolor, and vitiligo.
Albinism is caused by generalized melanin deficiency.
Phenylketonuria results in a reduced melanin level, making sufferers pale-skinned and fair-haired.
Areas of dark skin may be caused by disorders such as eczema or psoriasis, pityriasis versicolor, chloasma, or by some perfumes and cosmetics containing chemicals that cause photosensitivity.
Permanent areas of deep pigmentation, such as freckles and moles (see naevus), are usually due to an abnormality of melanocytes.
Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by dark patches of velvet-like, thickened skin.
Blood pigments may lead to abnormal colouring.
Excess of the bile pigment bilirubin in jaundice turns the skin yellow, and haemochromatosis turns the skin bronze.... pigmentation
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