Role of hepatoprotective drugs in the management of skin disorders with special reference to Kitibha (psoriasis): A case study

Abstract

Psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory skin condition with reactive abnormal epidermal differentiation and hyper-proliferation affecting 2-3% of world’s population. Pathophysiology of the disease includes mainly the activation and migration of T cells to the dermis triggering the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-alpha, in particular) which lead to the inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. Considering the morbidity in psoriasis & loss of effectiveness of present treatment, psoriasis is screened in light of Kitibha disease (Kushtha) as mentioned by Acharya Charaka. The etiological factors, symptomatology, and complications of Kitibha compared with that of psoriasis, grand similarity was revealed. A preliminary randomized single blinded controlled clinical trial of drugs in 46 cases of psoriasis was conducted, to prove the practical approach of management of psoriasis. For this clinical study divided into following groups viz. Group A (10 cases were given 3 gm Daruharidra per day in 3 divided doses), group B (10 cases were provided 3 gm Kalmeg per day in 3 divided doses) and Group C (10 cases were given combination of both i.e.1g each per day in 3 divided doses), Group D (Placebo control group consisting of 8 patients were given wheat flour as 6 capsules in 3 divided doses) and Group E (Standard Controlled Group, having 8 patients who were administered with Methotrexate 7.5 mg once a week). The trial drugs were given for a period of three months to each patient. Controlled group was more effective (75%) as compared to combine group but reoccurrence was frequent in controlled group. Combined Group (A+ B) reveal 51% and Daruharidra reveals (40%) relief. When Daruharidra and Kalmeg are given alone give better result but when adding together has shown additive effect similar to standard control group Methotrexate.