Evidence-Based Approaches to Ayurvedic Dermatology

Abstract

Dermatological conditions account for a substantial share of European primary-care and specialist consultations, and chronic inflammatory dermatoses in particular are therapeutic areas where conventional topical and systemic options produce genuine but often imperfect outcomes. Patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, chronic eczema, and related conditions frequently seek integrative options either as adjuncts to conventional therapy or as alternatives in milder disease or treatment-intolerant populations. Ayurvedic dermatology has a substantial classical framework for these conditions under the Twak Roga (skin disease) and Kushta (chronic dermatoses) classifications, with therapeutic approaches spanning topical preparations, internal classical polyherbal formulations, Panchakarma-based detoxification protocols, and lifestyle and dietary intervention. This study reviews 54 primary clinical studies published between 2005 and 2021 evaluating evidence-based Ayurvedic dermatological interventions, grouped under five approach frames: DA1 (topical Ayurvedic preparations), DA2 (internal polyherbal formulations for skin conditions), DA3 (Panchakarma-inclusive protocols for chronic inflammatory dermatoses), DA4 (integrated Ayurvedic plus conventional dermatology protocols), and DA5 (lifestyle and dietary interventions for skin conditions). Each frame was scored with the Ayurvedic Dermatology Evidence Index (ADEI). Integrated Ayurvedic plus conventional dermatology protocols (DA4) scored highest at ADEI 0.828, with topical Ayurvedic preparations (DA1) at 0.806 and Panchakarma-inclusive protocols (DA3) at 0.780.