Functional nutrition as integrated approach in vitiligo management

Dermatol Ther. 2019 Jul;32(4):e12625. doi: 10.1111/dth.12625. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

Abstract

Vitiligo is a common disease of unknown cause that produces disfiguring white patches of depigmentation that can be treated using various new and experimental therapies, such as narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) microphototherapy, NB-UVB excimer laser, and monochromatic excimer light. Medical treatments include topical corticosteroids and other topical treatments, such as antioxidants, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, prostaglandin E, and vitamin D derivatives (Lotti, Berti, & Moretti, 2009). The goal of treating vitiligo is to make it less noticeable either by restoring lost pigment or by eliminating remaining pigment. Functional foods and healthy diet, with nutrients, form a variety of sources, could be considered an integral part, as well as helpful, of vitiligo's medical therapy.

Keywords: Ammi visnaga; Ginkgo biloba; Phyllanthus emblica L; Polypodium leucotomos; Punica granatum L; functional food; functional nutrition; green tea; immunonutrition; oxidative stress; vitiligo.

MeSH terms

  • Curcumin / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Food, Fortified
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Humans
  • Khellin / therapeutic use
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Polypodium
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Tea
  • Vitiligo / diet therapy*
  • Vitiligo / immunology
  • Vitiligo / metabolism

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Tea
  • Khellin
  • Curcumin