An Ayurvedic approach in the Management of Darunak (Dandruff) -A Review

Abstract

Dandruff-referred to as Darunak in Ayurvedic literature-is a common scalp affliction that affects about 50 percent of the adult human population across the globe. Though non-inflammatory, the affliction can lead to aesthetic problems like itching, visible flakes and hair fall leading to hair thinning-leading to loss of self-esteem and sociability. Several causal agents have been associated with the occurrence of Dandruff. Most significant among them are the dermal activity of Malasezzia sp.-a combination of fungi and yeast that lead to flaking of the scalp skin. It is significant, however, to note that lifestyle issues like sleep deprivation and stress are found to be associated with the occurrence of Seborrheic dermatitis and Dandruff. Modern science suggests several methods to remedy this affliction. The solutions are chemical based and readily available in market. In the recent times, tea-tree oil based treatments are also recommended for management of Dandruff. However, the analysis of existing studies reveals that chemical-based solutions tend to trigger side effects like inflammation and increased itching. From the literatures like Ayurvedic texts, the occurrence of Dandruff can be traced back to ancient times. Referred to Darunak in Kshudrarogadhikaar, the word refers to Dandruff. Darunak is predominantly ascribed as Vatakaphaj-and is a disease/disorder of the scalp that leads to more hair-related issues like scalp itching, loss of lustre, weakening of roots and hair fall. According to the sufferer's nature, several herbal options are suggested by Ayurveda Acharyas to remedy this affliction.

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An Ayurvedic approach in the Management of Darunak
(Dandruff) – A Review
*Dr. Poonam Madan1, Dr. Bharat Rathi2, Dr. Sachin Dhote3, Dr. Sonali Wairagade4, Dr.
Swati S. Gadgil5, Dr. Sameer Manohar Joshi6
1Associate professor, Department of Rasashastra and BK, Datta Meghe Ayurved Medical College Hospital And
Research Centre, Wanadongri, Hingna,poonam.madan01@gmail.com, 9890820463
2Professor, Department of Rasashastra and B.K., Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital Research Centre,
Salod; Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of
Medical Sciences Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha ksachind258@gmail.com, 9823343626
4Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Datta Meghe Ayurved Medical College Hospital Research Center,
Wanadongri, Hingna, sonaliwairagade@gmail.com, 9822644614
5Associate Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajyakalpana, College of Ayurved, BVDU, Katraj,
Pune, swati.gadgil@bharatividyapeeth.edu, 9370221200
6Assistant Professor, Department of Samhita Siddhant, Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and research center,
Shiroda Goa, dr.sameerjoshi@hotmail.com, 9923111910
Abstract -
Dandruff – referred to as Darunak in Ayurvedic literature – is a common scalp affliction that affects about 50 percent of the
adult human population across the globe. Though non-inflammatory, the affliction can lead to aesthetic problems like
itching, visible flakes and hair fall leading to hair thinning- leading to loss of self-esteem and sociability. Several causal
agents have been associated with the occurrence of Dandruff. Most significant among them are the dermal activity of
Malasezzia sp. – a combination of fungi and yeast that lead to flaking of the scalp skin. It is significant, however, to note
that lifestyle issues like sleep deprivation and stress are found to be associated with the occurrence of Seborrheic
dermatitis and Dandruff. Modern science suggests several methods to remedy this affliction. The solutions are chemical
based and readily available in market. In the recent times, tea-tree oil based treatments are also recommended for
management of Dandruff. However, the analysis of existing studies reveals that chemical-based solutions tend to trigger
side effects like inflammation and increased itching. From the literatures like Ayurvedic texts, the occurrence of Dandruff
can be traced back to ancient times. Referred to Darunak in Kshudrarogadhikaar, the word refers to Dandruff. Darunak is
predominantly ascribed as Vatakaphaj- and is a disease/disorder of the scalp that leads to more hair-related issues like
scalp itching, loss of lustre, weakening of roots and hair fall. According to the sufferer's nature, several herbal options are
suggested by Ayurveda Acharyas to remedy this affliction.
Keywords: Darunak, Dandruff, Kshudrarogadhikar
Introduction -
Dandruff (also known as Pityriasis simplex) is a common affliction that affects about 50 percent of
adults across the globe; coming from diverse geographical, societal, and ethnic backgrounds (1). Post
pubertal population (aged18 to 60) is the most vulnerable age group to this issue. It has been noted
that all population across the globe eventually develops Dandruff at least once in their lifetime.
Those afflicted with it are prone to itching of the scalp and even further hair problems, including loss
of lustre, weakening, and even hair loss. It has been observed that those suffering from Dandruff
prone to losing hair twice as those who do not have it. Concerning seasonal effect, winters and dry
climatic conditions have been noted to accentuate the affliction3.

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The scientific community is yet to reach a consensus about the causative agents of Dandruff.
However, scientific literature indicates links the sensitivity of sebum rich human scalp to androgen3.
Furthermore, sebum production coinciding with the onset of puberty, explains the age factor
associated with the occurrence of Dandruff3.
Occurrence of Dandruff is also attributing to the dermal activity of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale and
several Malasezzia spp.1which feeds on the dermal lipids and proteins to facilitate lipase activity
leading to release of pro inflammatory free fatty acids causing dermal inflammation and tissue
damage. The yeast also releases toxins that promote fungal growth causing further inflammation.
Literature also points to the usage of antifungal preparations in the treatment of Dandruff; to reduce
the Malassezia population2, 3. However, the recurrence of the condition following the withdrawal of
therapy proves that the bacterial population remains unaffected1.Further, seven identified species
linked with Malassezia related dandruff formation has not been validated till date.
While conventional science still debates whether Dandruff is a disease or a disorder, the
physiological indication established contextually is that in subjects with Dandruff, the scaling
released is 800,000 per square cm against about 487,000 per square cm for those treated with
detergent treatment. Furthermore, it has been found that detergent treatment has had a temporary
effect, with a high chance that the subject may develop the affliction again—the reason being
unawareness of the exact cause of this affliction. Thus, the treatment is merely symptomatic,
thereby temporary and simply relieving the scalp's itching and dryness. Thus, the conventional
treatment is cosmetic.
As Darunak or dandruff is an ancient affliction, several tropical mixtures have been known to be
used as a remedy of Dandruff. Among them the treatment using Tea tree oil or Maleleuca
alternifolia extract has emerged as an effective remedy for inflammatory and fungal disorders
related to the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties have made it popular as an ingredient for first
aid of dermal wounds. A 5% concentration of Tea tree oil has also shown significant results in
controlling and eradication of Malessezzia sp. Associated with the occurrence of dandruff.
Recent literature points out that many naturopathic agents, independently and combined, help in
antidandruff activity. Thus, the recognition of herbal formulations results indicates the validity of the
Ayurvedic methodology and approach to dandruff treatment. Further, the literature also validates
the finding that naturopathic medicine is scientifically validated in-vitro and in-vivo research studies.
It is interesting, however, to note that, stress and sleep deprivation are associated with increased
sebum secretion in the scalp. This causes the Malesezzia sp. to proliferate and thereby cause
dandruff and other hair problems. Concentration of Tea tree oil has also shown significant results in
controlling and eradication of Malessezzia sp. Associated with the occurrence of dandruff.
Thereby, to deter the recurrence of dandruff, the need of the time is to adopt a holistic approach
that includes lifestyle changes, preventive as well as curative methods.
As a life science, Ayurveda looks at all ailments as a result of metabolism, physiology, nutrition intake
as well as overall attitudinal aspects of individuals3. The aim is to not only cure the subject of the
ailment, but also to establish the causal relation between the causative factors and the outcomes
thereof. Ayurveda is therefore, a holistic science that advices on maintaining overall health and
building natural immunity to avoid recurrent conditions. As has been already stated, Ayurveda aims

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at overall balance of health through topical and ingested medicinal formulation. Ayurvedic
formulations are devised on the premise that health and beauty are mutually dependent. In current
times, lifestyle changes affect the health adversely. Some of the characteristic features of
contemporary lifestyle are sedentary living, erratic schedules, exposure to ambient pollutants and
ingestion of harmful chemicals in food and medicines. The lifestyle effects are seen in varied forms,
most easily and widely observed in issues such as dandruff. Dandruff leads to loss of lustre and
health of the hair, which in extreme cases may also lead to loss of hair.
In Ayurveda, dandruff correlates with Darunak, as mentioned in Kshudrarogadhikaar. Darunak is
predominantly ascribed as Vatakaphaj and is a disease/disorder of the scalp. The symptomatic
indications in Darunak (as in dandruff) are Kandu (Itching), Rukshata (Dryness), Keshbhumi Kathinya
(Changed normal structure of scalp) and Twaksphutan (Scaling) 2,4,8,10. Broadly, Ayurveda aims to
treat dandruff by restoring the balance in the body by building the immunity through ingested
medicinal formulations. However, Ayurveda also suggests topical application of lepa, dhupan, varti,
kaval, gandusha and shirobasti8, 10.
BhaishajyaKalpana is one of the facets in Ayurveda that lays down the guiding principles of dosage
preparation based on availability, acceptability (subject-specific) and nature of ailment/complaint9.
The principle aim is to make use of natural abundance, adequate potency, ease of application, and
cost effectiveness in the preparation of the medicines for all age groups4.
Material and methods -
For the purpose of this study, classical Ayurvedic text(s) and related scriptures have been referred to
deduce the efficacy of the ingredients used in the classical products. Under kshudrarogadhikaar
chikitsa treatment for darunak is mentioned as in the form of snehan (oleation), hot swedan
(fomentation), nasya (nasal drop instillation), shiromal prakshalan (hair washing properly) shirobasti
(oil pooling) 7, lepa (paste application).
Various references are found in Ayurvedic texts about hair problems wherein ingredients are made
in paste form and applied on hair to overcome darunak, reversal of hair graying, promote hair
growth and stoppage of hair fall4. Oils mentioned in the treatment of dandruff are triphaladya taila,
chitrakadya taila, gunja taila, swalpa bhringraj taila, bhringraj taila, malatyadi taila and
prapaundrikadya taila in bhaishajyaratnavali7.
Table 1 Formulations mentioned in texts in treatment of dandruff11,12,13,14
Sr.
no.
Formulations and method of preparation
References
1
Kodrava and trunkshar bhasma (ash) mixed in water is
used for headwash.
Bhaishajyaratnavali,
kshudrarogadhikar
2
Chironji seeds (Buchanania lanzan), Yashtimadhu root
(Glycyrrhiza glabra), Kustha stem (Saussurea lappa),
Urad seed (Vigna mungo) and Saindhav lavan mixed with
honey to make a paste.
Bh. Ra., kshudrarogadhikar
Ashtang Hriday (Kshirorog
Vigyaniya)
Yog R. (Khsudrarog Nidan
Chikitsa)

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3
Urad soaked in kanji for 3 weeks is made into a paste
form
Bh. Ra., kshudrarogadhikar
4
Neelotpal keshar, yashtimadhu, black til and amalki
churna are made into a paste form
Bh. Ra., kshudrarogadhikar
5
Amalki churna and mango seed paste
Bh. Ra., kshudrarogadhikar
6
Mango seed paste , Harad and milk paste
Sharangdhar Samhita (Lepa
Prakaran)
Yoga Ratnakar (Ksudrarog
Nidan Chikitsa)
7
Laksha (lac), Aragvadh Patra, Edgaj, Amalaki, Kodrav and
Trin kshar ground to make a paste
Ashtang Hriday (Kshirorog
Vigyaniya)
8
Khuskhus (poppy seeds) and milk paste
Sharangdhar Samhita (lepa
prakaran)
Yoga Ratnakar (Khsudrarog
Nidan Chikitsa)
9
Japa Siddha Taila (oil)
Yog R. Khsudrarog Nidan
Chikitsa,
10
Kantakari Taila (oil)
Yog R. , Khsudrarog Nidan
Chikitsa
Discussion -
Formulations mentioned in texts are used in treatment of dandruff as per availability and severity of
disease. Some of them involve a tedious method of preparation and application thus making such
formulations not so popular to use in daily life. Some formulations have been studied for their
efficacy on dandruff. In a comparative clinical trial, it was found that Amrabeej and Haritaki Lepa is
more effective in remedying itching and cracking of skin compared to Ketocozanole Shampoo10. The
use of Ketacozanole shampoo caused inflammation and itching among participants of this trial10. Use
of multi herbal solutions produce cooling effect and anti-inflammatory properties which make it an
effective solution for inflammation related to chemical treatments1
Another clinical trial8 found that Kshiro Abhyangam with Narikela oil is effective in long term
management of Darunak. This study also found that when applied locally, Gunjadi Taila is
significantly effective in treatment of Dandruff8. However, Shodhan and Abhyantara shaman
aushadhi in addition to the local application of Gunjadi Taila, offer better results in immediate
treatment of Darunak8.
In a study, a comparison was mane between Khukhus Beej Lep and Nimba Patra Lep.6 It was found
that both Nimba Patra Lep and Khukhus beeja Lep are effective in management of dandruff and
allied symptoms.6 However, Khuskhus Beej Lep showed better results in management of Dandruff 6.

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The ingredients such as Amrabeej, Haritaki, Khukhus beej are easy to find in India, this makes the
treatments accessible.
Conclusion -
Ayurvedic treatments are available in several forms that make customization easy.
The Ayurvedic formulations are more effective in dandruff management compared to chemical
treatment such as Ketoconazole shampoo treatment.
Regular Basti or Abhyangam with Narikela tail and Gunjadi tail is effective in management of
Dandruff.
Ayurveda suggests application of several Lepas for management of dandruff; all of which are equally
effective in the treatment of this affliction.
Khuskhus beej Lepa and Amrabeej- Haritaki Lepa are found to be significantly effective in
management of Darunak.
Limitations -
Ayurvedic texts suggest several remedies for the management of Dandruff. However, not all
formulations have been used for clinical trials. This causes a scarcity of available data.
Source of Funding -
Nil
Conflict of Interest -
The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).
References -
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Cosmet Sci, 2006.
4. Jain, Pushpendra Kumar. “Prospect Of Herbs As Hair Growth Potential.” Innovare Journal Of
Medical Sciences, 2017.
5. M.P.N.Pramodani, W.J. Wickramarachchi. “A Clinical Study To Evaluate The Efficacy Of
Selected Traditional Hair Pack For Dandruff.” International Journal Of Research
Granthaalaya, 2015.

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6. Nagaraja, Bhavana Vinayak Bhat “A Comparative Clinical Study Of Khakhasa Beeja Lepa And
Nimba Patra Churna Lepa In The Management Of Darunaka (Dandruff).” J Convent Knowl
Holist Health, 2020.
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Taila.” Journal Of Research And Education In Indian Medicine, 2014.
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Journal Of Research In Ayurveda And Medical Sciences, 2018.
9. Sharma Neeru, Yadav Yadevendra, Sharma Usha, Et Al. “Concept Of Hair Problems And Its
Treatment In Ayurveda .” Sch Int J Tradit Complement Med, 2020.
10. Shubhangi Satish Jadhav, Shrikant Pradip Hadole. “Randomized Controlled Clinical Study To
Evaluate Role Of Aamrabeej - Haritaki Lep In Darunak.” International Ayurvedic Medical
Journal , 2015.
11. Parashar Radhakrishna ,Sharangdhar Samhita Uttarkhand,
BaidhyanathAyurvedBhavan,Nagpur, 4th edition,1994.pg-536
12. Vd. Laxmipati shastri, Yogratnakar, Kshudrarog Nidan Chikitsa, Chaukhamba Prakashan,
Varanasi, Edition 2005 Page no. 330
13. Shri Govind Das, Bhaishajya Ratnavali,60 Kshudrarogadhikar prakaran, Chaukhamba
Prakashan, Varanasi, Edition 2013 Page no. 951
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