Black Pepper may hold key to Vitiligo cure
A tidbit on the health benefits of traditional Indian spices:
“Black pepper could provide a new treatment for the skin disease vitiligo..” Excerpt:
“…Vitiligo is a condition in which areas of skin lose their normal pigment and become white.
Researchers discovered that piperine – the compound that gives black pepper its spicy, pungent flavour – can stimulate pigmentation in the skin.
The study, by King’s College London, appears in the British Journal of Dermatology. These findings could potentially lead to the development of treatments…”
As many of you may know, the incidence of Vitiligo in India is much higher than in Europe (this report suggests it is 1% in Europe)…and its appearance is more prominent in people with darker skins…
Unfortunately, there is currently no known treatment or cure for it.
“…Current treatments include corticosteroids applied to the skin, and phototherapy using UV radiation (UVR) to re-pigment the skin. However, less than a quarter of patients respond successfully to corticosteroids.
And UVR causes a re-pigmentation that is spotted and patchy and in the long-term could lead to a higher risk of skin cancer. “
As Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists says in the report:
“Vitiligo is a highly visible disease that can greatly affect patients psychologically and emotionally. Any breakthrough in treatments of this disease is most welcome.”
Indeed it is.
Incidentally, I was not aware that the word pepper is derived from the Latin word piper, which in turn is taken from the Sanskrit word pippali and its therapeutic properties include acting as an analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient and tonic (especially of the spleen) !!
(Source: http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/black-pepper.htm)
See also: Pepper ‘kills prostate cancer‘
Related Posts:
UPDATE: Vitiligo sufferers may find this site of interest: http://www.vitiligosupport.org/
I think that is true because in my child hood black pepper was used for boils.
Extract application on skin also has therapeutic effect and oral use of the same is good for skin texture as per “Charak”
Thanks for posting this excellent news.
Sometime back only I went through all the articles on dermetological site of U.S. and U.K. out of curiosity. And I was so upset to find no cure till now . They also mentioned about Laser therepy somewhere. Hope it too come to the rescue. Though it is not dangerous but in India many problems are connected with this disesase at the time of marriage proposal. It needs to be cured and treated as early as early possible.
@ Pramod: I will try and look up the reference to this in “Charaka Samhita”.
***
@ Indian: You are right…Although strictly speaking not a “disease”, Vitiligo can be very damaging for self-esteem and can lead to serious loss of confidence and self-image issues.
In India of course, things are aggravated as awareness about the condition is still low and a lot of people believe it is contagious (it is not and cannot be transmitted in any manner).
Many of you may not know this but Michael Jackson is said to suffer from Vitiligo.
By the way, I just came across this inspirational story of an Indian woman who suffers from Vitiligo
How was the piperine compound prepared? thanks!
G Cruz: I am not sure how it was prepared but this site may have answer(s) to your question:
http://www.vitiligosupport.org/
Thanks
its great news that there might be a cure through black pepper finally. ive waited so many years to hear some progress for a cure for Vitiligo.
*** NOTE by MODERATOR ***
To All Readers: Please exercise due caution and care when relying on information on the internet/web. This is particulary important in matters of health and finance.
@ Irshad: Thanks for sharing your observations. Pl. refrain from commercial promotions here. I have taken away the reference to a particular website in your comment. Thanks.
*** Original Comment ***
Different people use the term Cure in different context, as regards Cure in vitiligo. Some use this term only for re-pigmentation of the existing spots, while others are concerned with complete eradication of illness from the body.
If you mean second i.e. complete annihilation of the vitiligo from your system, that is a tricky matter.
Vitiligo results from a derangement of your normal defense mechanisms against infection. The body starts producing antibodies against pigment producing cells of its own skin. No exact causes and remedies are known. This is a generalized abnormality of your immune system, and currently there are no acceptable permanent ways to overcome this process.
I like your post. I have strong belief that the herbal treatment is best for vitiligo because it is iconomic, easy to use and has no side effect.
most of the treatments are just money making schemes……yet to see someone offer free treatment.
http://www.vitiligosupport.org has a lot of information.
There is also info abut medicines available in India (these are not steroids). See below
——-
Yes Tacroz is not steroid..I found this very interesting article by three dermatologists from AIIMS, its about non-steroidal immunomodulatory agents.
Khandpur S, Sharma VK, Sumanth K. Topical immunomodulators in dermatology. J Postgrad Med [serial online] 2004 [cited 2005 Jun 18];50:131-139. Available from:
The useful extracts from the article…..
1. Topical Tacrolimus ointment (0.3%, 0.1%, 0.03%), applied twice daily, is safe and effective in both childhood and adult cases over a period of 1 year.
2. Available in India as Tacroz (0.03%), Rs.160/- and Tacroz forte (0.1%) ointment, Rs. 405/-, 5gm, Gracewell, Tacrovate (0.03%), Rs.160/- and Tacrovate forte (0.1%), Rs. 405/-, 5 gm, Ochoa Laboratories.
3. Topical calcipotriol
Calcipotriol is a synthetic vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) analogue, developed by modification of the side chain to enhance the antipsoriatic effect of vitamin D3 and ameliorate its hypercalcemic action.
Vitiligo: Investigators have demonstrated the presence of VDR on melanocytes and have suggested that calcipotriol may regulate melanin synthesis. Research has also revealed defective calcium homeostasis in melanocytes and keratinocytes in the depigmented skin, which is reversed with calcipotriol therapy. In a randomised, double-blind, right/left comparative study, combination therapy with PUVA produced marked improvement with faster repigmentation.
Topical calcipotriol is available as 50ug/g ointment, cream and solution internationally, and in India, as cream form. Available in India as Daivonex, 50mg/g (0.005%) ointment, 30 gm, Rs. 860/-, Croslands.
http://www.vitiligosupport.org/forums/discussions.cfm?forumid=32&topicid=115608
Chickpeas can cure skin disease: BHU scientists
27 Jan 2009, 0850 hrs IST, IANS
VARANASI: Chickpeas hold the cure for leucoderma, a chronic skin disease that causes loss of pigment, resulting in white spots or patches on the skin, claim scientists of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
In a research project undertaken jointly by the varsity’s medicinal chemistry and skin departments, scientists have found that application of a poly-herbal ointment with chickpeas as its base can efficiently treat leucoderma or vitiligo, controlling the spread of the skin disease that is widely feared for the unsightly white patches it produces.
“The results were encouraging,” said an elated Yamini Tripathi, a professor with BHU’s medicinal chemistry department and a member of the research team, said.
The chickpea therapy has been tried on 50 patients, who got “considerable relief from the skin disorder”, added Tripathi, who has now approached the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for a major research project on vitiligo treatment.
According to the researchers, patients who applied the chickpea-based cream on affected parts of the skin for 20-90 days found their normal skin pigmentation had returned.
In the fastest cure, a young scooter mechanic here saw the white patches disappear within 28 days.
“Such a speedy result surprised even us. When we asked for his feedback, he said during his treatment he included a good amount of chickpeas in his regular diet,” said Tripathi.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the body starts producing antibodies that destroy cells known as melanocytes that give the skin its normal colour. Gradually, the affected areas of the skin turn white, which is one of the most common symptoms of vitiligo.
BHU researchers say that the anti-vitiligo ointment derives its potency from amino acids found in chickpeas.
“Amino acids found in chickpeas promote synthesis of melanin (skin pigment) formation cells, regenerates the pigment cells and help in treating the chronic skin disorder,” said Tripathi.
In vitiligo patients, white patches are more obvious in sun-exposed areas, including arms, legs, face and lips. Other common areas for white patches to appear are the armpits and groin, around mouth and eyes.
S.N. Ojha, a doctor who is also the member of the research team, said that at present there is no definite method to prevent vitiligo. “It is heartening that our chickpea therapy can offer a promising and cost-effective treatment,” he added.
How would you take the pepper – would you eat it or get it in oil form to rub over the marks?
@ Ritu: I do not think that the pepper was applied directly (or eaten in food). I believe the compound piperine (and two of its derivatives) was applied to the skin.
I would urge all of you to exercise due caution when relying on information on the internet/web.
Pl. also see this site which may have more information: http://www.vitiligosupport.org/
Thanks.
black pepper is bettere for pigmenatation disorder vitiligo but you have to expose your affected areas to uv light to utilize the benefits of piperine.
here is another research regarding cure of pigmentation problem vitiligo by chickpease as indicated by http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-treatment-by-chickpease/ by chick pease you not need to expose your skin to uv rays. and chickpease alone enough to cure your skin condition.
would like to know the avaibality of the pepper based products . simialrly for chickpeas and the method to be adopted for the application of the same.
Might be of use to someone…details of an NGO dedicated to this cause:
Shweta Association
Sahawas Hospital
26, Sahawas Society
Karvenagar
Landmark: Behind Ram Hotel
Pune – 411052
Phone: +91 20 25458760
General inquiries email info@myshweta.org.
http://www.myshweta.org/contact
thanx for the valuable information. i m father of a 17 yr old daughter who has developed vitiligo . i m eager to know the hindi word for chickpea. could any body help.
regards
vivek
Vivek,
chickpea is kabuli chana…
Thanks Anupam…
***
Vivek: Sorry, I missed your comment. Other than “काबुली चना”, chickpea is also called “Chhole” / “छोलॆ”(the same as in “Chhole Bhature” / “छोलॆ भटूरॆ”) in north India.
main apko thankx
kahna chahta hoon,
yeh ek kafi informative site hai.
can some1 pls give more information abt chickpeas n black pepper remedy as it doesnt seem complete here ,like how we make the paste n how should it be applied to the skin ?
Thanx in advance ..this is really nice of u all .
@Sunny: Thank you. You might find a lot more information on this site:
http://www.vitiligosupport.org/
***
@Anonymous: I don’t think this is something you can prepare at home…The research will hopefully lead to a treatment but I am not sure it is on the market yet.
In any case, you are likely to find a lot more (and reasonably well-informed) advice on the site I have mentioned above.
Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions about Vitiligo:
# Is Vitiligo contagious?
Vitiligo is not contagious! You cannot “catch” vitiligo by eating, drinking or otherwise associating with a person who has vitiligo.
Vitiligo is apparently caused by inheritance of multiple causal genes simultaneously, possibly in different combinations in different people, plus exposure to environmental risk factors or triggers that are not yet known. Phenols, and stress whether emotional or physical, are suspected to be environmental triggers, but research continues into these and other possibilities.
# If I marry someone with vitiligo, will our children have vitiligo?
Approximately 20% of vitiligo patients have a family member with the same condition. However, only 5% to 7% of children will get vitiligo even if a parent has it.
# Can vitiligo cause itching? What anti-itching remedies do you recommend?
Research has shown that at least 12% of those with vitiligo experience itching of vitiligo affected areas at the onset of depigmentation.
Our members have reported trying many things to relieve this insatiable itch,
These are a few:
Class 1 prescription topical steroid
Coconut oil.
Gold Bond Medicated Lotion, Extra Strength (in the green bottle)
Shea Butter
Jojoba oil (pronounced “ho-HO-bah)
Source: http://www.vitiligosupport.org/ newsletter
Hi,
am kavitha,
Could any one pls be clear in giving details about black pepper and chickpea….how shld it b consumed………..to eat r to make a paste and apply r how is it……………i have vitilgio since 11yrs and am fed up of taking treatments………….and waste of money………..at last am planning to take dis……………..by gods grace i thnk it will help…………pls any one pls help me………….
thanks,
Kavitha.
@ Kavitha: Pl. read my comments at #13 and #22.
I think the effect of chick-peas and pepper on vitiligo is the subject of continuing research.
Pl. check this site where you are likely to find more information: http://www.vitiligosupport.org/
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