Therapeutic effects of turmeric topical cream in vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of epidermal melanocytes resulting in depigmentation of the skin.
Worldwide it has an estimated prevalence of around 1-2%, and in some countries the incidence is higher, due to genetic and social reasons. To date, no definitive cure has yet been identified, and conventional drug therapies (corticosteroids or immunosuppressants) can sometimes result in significant adverse effects.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties and is an available and sustainable intervention in a variety of settings.
This small randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study specifically evaluated the efficacy of topical application of a turmeric ointment on the appearance of vitiligo lesions, including size and repigmentation.
Thirty people with vitiligo participated divided into the two intervention groups Group a who used turmeric-based cream and Group b who used placebo cream. Both groups were instructed to apply either the turmeric-based cream or a placebo cream on the body twice a day for 4 months.
Study participants were evaluated at baseline and at monthly intervals, also to check for possible side effects.
Lesion size, vitiligo extension area score index (VASI) and on the Vitiligo Noticeability Scale (VNS) were assessed at baseline and after four months to compare changes induced by application of the turmeric or placebo ointments.
Application of turmeric-based ointment reduced the size of lesions and improved their appearance significantly compared with the placebo group [p < 0.001); moreover, the patient satisfaction score was higher in the intervention group compared with placebo (p < 0.05).
A turmeric ointment, the authors write in the conclusion, can be used as adjuvant therapy in mild to moderate vitiligo lesions, particularly in subjects who do not tolerate the adverse effects of standard therapies.
If your company wants to develop and/or make an adjuvant product in mild to moderate vitiligo lesions
Source: Jalalmanesh S, Mansouri P, Rajabi M, Monji F Therapeutic effects of turmeric topica/ cream in vitiligo: A randomized. double-blind. placebo-contro/led pilot study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Oct.27(70):4454-4467.
