An Appraisal of Skin Lightening (Varnya) effect of Ingredients of Panchang Kumkumadi Taila

Abstract

Background:
Ayurveda though advocated for healthy life and disease treatment but it is full of literature of cosmetic uses
specially for Varnya (skin lightening effect). one such formulation available in Chakradatta a book of 11th B.C.
popularly known as “Panchang kumkumadi taila”(PKT) for the treatment of vyanga (hyperpigmentation) due
to its varnya (skin lightening) effect. The ingredients that cause the enhancement in the texture of skin, makes
its blemish free and improves the glow of the skin are termed as varnya.
Aim: To establish the probable mode of action of the ingredients of (PKT) based on Ayurvedic principles as
well as the on the basis of pharmacological actions.
Material and method: Intensive search of Ayurvedic literature on individual ingredients of PKT for lit’s rasa,
guna veerya, vipaka prabhav and targeting tyrosinase inhibitor action possibly of all the major ingredients of
PKT.
Result: Ayurvedic doctorine establishes that ingredients of PKT are acting on virtue of Rasa Panchak, they
pacifies bhrajak pitta thereby ranjak pitta, establish balance between the doshas,nourishes the ojas. Scientific
study establishes them as tyrosinase inhibitors for causing varnya effect.