A review on herbs used for the treatment of vitiligo

Abstract

This review article discusses leukoderma (vitiligo), covering its history, prevalence, epidemiology, pigment biochemistry, treatment, and the role of Psoralea Corylifolia. Leukoderma is a pigmentation disorder commonly treated with topical or oral psoralens, followed by UVA radiation exposure (280-315 nm). Psoralen stimulates melanin production in the skin when exposed to sunlight, aiding in pigmentation restoration. Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder affecting 0.5-2% of the global population. It is an acquired, chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes, leading to non-scaly, chalky-white macules. Though often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, vitiligo can have severe psychological and social impacts. In 2011, an international consensus classified segmental vitiligo separately, with the term "vitiligo" referring to all forms of non-segmental vitiligo. Treatment remains a significant challenge.