In the recently held International Arogya Festival 2017 in Delhi, conducted by the Ministry of Ayush, many international pharmaceutical companies showed a keen interest in the drug created by a DRDO scientist that helps cure leucoderma. Owing to this, and encouraged by local demand for herbal medicines, the government is also putting out all stops to tab the global market too.

What is Leucoderma?

Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of the pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.

Lack of awareness, myths, and the stigma attached to leucoderma are perhaps the most pressing challenges that take a toll on the social and psychological health of patients.

Dermatologists explain that Vitiligo is caused by the lack of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour: the body’s immune system attacks the pigment cells, mistaking them for foreign invaders.

Worldwide, the incidence of Vitiligo is reported to be 1 to 2 per cent. In India, it is around 4 to 5 per cent, while in some parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat it is as high as 5 to 8 per cent, as per the government data.

Lukoskin has been developed after research by the scientists from the DRDO. The technology to manufacture the drug has been transferred to Delhi based AIMIL Pharmaceuticals. Another herbal drug developed by CSIR lab known as BGR-34, which has already acquired number one slot in an anti-diabetic ayurvedic product category in the IMS Health ranking, is also gaining attention.

Lukoskin dual therapy is a scientifically developed, innovative formulation which provides effective approach in the management of Leucoderma(Depigmentation of skin). This unique formulation is developed by Defence Institute of Bio-Energy & research, a wing of Defence Research & Development Organisation(DRDO) after exhaustive scientific studies establishing its efficacy & safety by restoring skin colour. Lukoskin dual therapy includes oral liquid & ointment, together provide a comprehensive treatment for depigmentation of skin. Lukoskin oral liquid for internal medication to meet out the nutritional deficiency and to restore the immune system and ointment for topical application on vitiligous lesions.

Why Lucoskin?

Activates synthesis of melanin (skin colour pigment) by activating tyrosinase activity and making free copper available, a key micronutrient needed to pigmentation of skin.

Exerts skin photosensitisation, helps to initiate erythema(redness) on the spots of vitiligo, due to its furanocoumarin contents on exposure to UV light or sunlight.

Enhances blister healing, Reduces irritation & formation of blister, simultaneously checks hyperpigmentation in skin.

Modulates immunity with regards to both non-specific cellular and humoral immune response. Immunity normal function is highly required to treat & prevent the recurrence of Leucoderma.

Reduces stress, exerts relaxing effect on CNS, thus helps to improve psychological & emotional trauma is Leucoderma patients.

Regulates metabolism, facilitates proper absorption & utilization of essential micro-nutrients needed for melanin synthesis & gradually improves auto-immune system.

“Allopathic medicines mask the disease and the patient feels that he/she is healed. But it is not so, he asserted. Once the medicine is stopped, the disease relapses. Whereas, this is not the case with the herbal-based medicines which works at the root of the disease,” said Hemant Pande, a senior DRDO scientist.

In view of the increasing acceptance for alternate traditional medicines and ensure accountability, various government bodies are undertaking research in ancient old formulations and transferring technology to the commercial firms for public benefits.

The product was launched by Dr. W Selvamurthy in the presence of Dr. Narender Kumar, Dr. Zakwan Ahmed, Dr. G Ilavazhagan, Mr. KK Sharma, Managing Director, AIMIL Pharmaceuticals and senior officials of DRDO and AIMIL Pharmaceuticals.

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