A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Ayurvedic Lepa Containing Manjistha and Kumari in Stretch Marks (Striae Gravidarum)

Abstract

Background: Striae gravidarum (stretch marks) represent a common skin disease of pregnant women due to the stretch of the skin and changes of the hormonal background. On the one hand, the traditional methods of treatment have certain risk to be taken during pregnancy; on the other hand, Ayurveda provides options that are more secure. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) and Kumari (Aloe vera) are Ayurvedic herbs which are known to heal the skin, exhibit anti-inflammatory and regenerative actions.

Objective: To determine clinical effectiveness and safety of Ayurvedic topical lepa (paste) of Manjistha and Kumari in striae gravidarum during pregnancy.

Methods: The study selected 30 pregnant women with evident striae gravidarum where a single arm open-label clinical trial was done within 30 days. Manjistha Kumari, an equal ratio mixture of lepa, was applied daily, 30 minutes on the affected parts. Day 0, 15, and 30 objective measurements of length, breadth and area of striae were done. Itching, discoloration and roughness were examined on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) related to subjective symptoms. Statistical analysis of data was provided according to t-tests of the paired cases and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05 was considered significant).

Results: There are 30 respondents that participated in the study but 28 did complete it. There was a dramatic change in respective parameter of all objectives with length reduced at 29.3%, breadth at 37.2, area at 55.6 and all to p < 0.001. The dimensional subjective symptoms also had an impressive improvement; itching decreased (71.0%), discoloration (60.9%), and roughness (60.0%, p < 0.01). This implied an excellent tolerability because there were no adverse effects reported.

Conclusion: The Ayurvedic decoction Manjistha-Kumari lepa was found to be highly effective in the treatment of stretch marks of women in pregnancy by decreasing their size and pain. Herbal paste was non-problematic and provides an encouraging, safe, and effectual natural therapy of dealing with striae gravidarum. It is suggested that further large-scale studies should be carried out in order to generalize the results.