Abstract

Face is affected by certain anomalies, amongst Vyanga (dark spots on face) is one
of them. It is a condition of localized hypermelanosis which affects only face. The word Vyanga (dark
spots on face) has comprehensive meaning. It can be compared with physiological, physical,
nutritional, metabolical and endocrinal spots. Today, cosmetics have become essential part of our daily
routine and natural beauty is getting spoiled because of the harmful chemicals in some cosmetics. Thus
the demand of herbal products is increasing globally in cosmetic field. For the present study the
Pralepa (paste) of fresh lower part of aerial roots of Vat (Nyagrodha) called Vatankura and Masura
has been selected to treat the Vyanga (dark spots on face). These are the two famous drugs for
removing Vyanga as per classical texts e.g. Astang Hridya,1 Bhaisjya Ratnavali,2 Bhav Prakash,3
Chakradatta,4 Sharangdhara Samhita,5 Vaidya Jeevan,6 Vangsen,7 Vrinda Madhav,8 Yoga Ratnakar 9
and Basavarajiyam.10 This is the strong favoured combination which is recommended by almost all
Acharyas. “Vatankura Masurashcha Pralepad Vyanganashnam”. 1-10 For further understanding this
combination most of the literature on Vat (Ficus bengalensis Linn) and Masura (Ervum lens Linn)
was studied. After phytochemical and pharmacognostical studies, the clinical efficacy of the combination
was re-evaluated in 32 patients having Vyanga (dark spots on face) in two groups and treated with
Vatankur-Masura Pralepa / ointment 45 minutes a day for 30 days. One of the group was given
shodhan with Triphala. Criteria of Assessment: Improvement was assessed on the basis of classical
sign and symptoms as per pre-defined scores, laboratory investigations and photographs. The
improvements in various subjective sign and symptoms were evaluated in terms of percentage
improvement. Results: 81.27 % over all improvement in subjective parameters was observed.

Key words: Skin disorders, dark spots on face, Ficus benglensis and Ervum lens.