Acne and Charak Samhita

The Charak Samhita formulation is often used in conjunction with the Bhavapraksha formulation for the treatment of acne. This combination of Ayurvedia herbs address the imbalances that are at the source of acne.

Read more details about Charak Samhita.

Lalla, Nandedkar, Paranjape, and Talreja conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 2001 that explored the internal and external formulations outlined in the Bhavaprakasha and Charak Samhita. 52 subjects were divided into four groups: 1) active oral tablets and active topical gel, 2) active oral tablets and active topical cream, 3) active oral tablet and placebo topical preparation, and 4) placebo tablet and placebo topical preparation. They used a preparation of aloe barbadensis, azardirachta indica, curcyma longa, hemidesmus indicus, terminalia chebula, terminalia arjua, and withania somnifera for the gel and cream topical preparation. They used the same ingredients plus piper longum for the oral tablets. They found that the combined treatments of group 1 and 2 had better results than the oral tablets alone. For example, in group 1, 32% of patients showed “good to excellent” improvements and 63% showed “slight to fair” improvements. In group 2, 58% showed “good to excellent” and 26% showed “slight to fair.” In group 3, the results were 100% “slight to fair” and in Group 4, there were no improvements (p. 101).

The topical gel and cream preparations Charak Samhita, along with Bhavapraksha, have been shown to be most effective in the treatment of acne. They are also available as oral tablets.