Skin disorders, broadly categorized as “Kushtha” in Ayurveda, affect individuals of all ages and can lead to physical discomfort and social stigma. These conditions arise from various factors, including infections, poor dietary habits, and environmental influences. Panchanimba Churna (PNC), a classical Ayurvedic formulation, has been traditionally used to manage skin ailments due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties sourced from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and other medicinal herbs. This review focuses on the topical applications of PNC, exploring its traditional uses and the evidence from recent studies supporting its efficacy in dermatological care.
Key Points
•Traditional Use in Ayurveda:
◦PNC is referenced in Bhaisajya Ratnavali and the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) for treating skin ailments.
◦Ancient texts recommend PNC for “Vicharchika,” exhibiting symptoms similar to eczema, including itching, pustule formation, and oozing.
◦The formulation is known for its Kapha-Pitta alleviating properties and ability to cleanse the blood, addressing the root causes of skin disorders in Ayurveda.
•Composition and Properties:
◦PNC contains Neem (Azadirachta indica) as its main ingredient, along with Triphala, Trikatu, Chitrak, Turmeric, and other herbs.
◦Neem possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties5. Its various parts (root, stem bark, flower, fruit, and seed) contribute to the therapeutic effects.
◦The formulation combines medicinal herbs to alleviate Kapha and Pitta Doshas and cleanse the Raktha Dhatu (blood tissue).
•Reported Clinical Benefits
◦One clinical trial reported that Group A patients received external application (lepa) of Arjunatwak Churna and honey for 3 weeks. The effect of the therapy on bluish-black pigmentation showed a 60% reduction.
•Clinical Studies & Efficacy:
◦Arka taila applied externally showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) across all symptoms compared to the group that received PNC alone.
◦Gandhak Pishti is used externally with mustard oil for local application which demonstrated substantial improvement in symptoms such as itching, lesions, and oozing.
◦A study testing the external application of a mix of Gandhak (1 part), Tankan (1/4th part), and Chalmoogra taila applied for 3 months showcased significant improvement in patients in Group A.
•Considerations for Topical Use:
◦Powders can be utilized externally, such as for topical applications on the skin, and are especially beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing solid forms like tablets or capsules.
◦PNC is made from dried raw materials which are powdered very minutely to make their small size and again filtered through cloth’s grid, and the fine powder obtained can be used for topical applications.
This review highlights the traditional and emerging evidence supporting the topical use of Panchanimba Churna in managing skin disorders. The novelty of PNC lies in its multi-herbal composition, delivering synergistic effects that target multiple facets of skin inflammation and infection. While traditional knowledge supports its use, modern research is beginning to validate its efficacy, particularly in alleviating symptoms of eczema and other skin ailments. Future research should focus on well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the optimal formulation, dosage, and duration of topical PNC treatment for various skin conditions. Additional studies could explore the synergistic effects of combining PNC with other topical agents.
Link to the study: https://tinyurl.com/5n7btcp3
