Earth’s landform is highly rich in biodiversity holding thousands of flora
exhibiting tremendous therapeutic potential which has been extensively used in
traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and
Tibb. However, due to the advancement in allopathic medicines, the use of herbs
becomes shaded. Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disease in which the loss of
melanocytes results in the appearance of irreversible white patches on the body. As it is
one of the most conspicuous traits, variation in skin color or spotted skin has led some
societies to attach labels and fabricate myths about people having pigmented macules
on their face and body. Therefore, several treatment modes have been unleashed. But
the current treatments of vitiligo including phototherapy, surgery, use of topical
corticosteroid and immune modulators come under increasing scrutiny due to their
aftereffects, underscoring the requirement of such treatment strategies which have low
or no side effects. Hence, the use of plants and their constituents for preparation of
dermatological formulation for the treatment of vitiligo is highly recommended. In the
present chapter, we have discussed the types and pathogenesis of vitiligo and the
modern treatment modalities with the problems associated with them, with reference to
the validated clinical use of herbal products. Furthermore, the results of our own
studies and controlled clinical trials by other investigators enlighten the varying
efficacies of different plants and their active components for melanocyte proliferation
and regeneration which might be clinically used for the treatment of vitiligo, thus
opening a platform for further research and development.
Keywords: Depigmentation, Melanocytes, Keratinocytes, UV, Vitiligo.
