Effect of Bhringraj Taila Nasya Combined with Shiro Abhyang of Kayyonyadi Taila in the Management of Palitya (Premature Canities): Protocol for a Randomised, Open-Labelled Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: : Palitya, the Ayurvedic term for premature hair graying, is categorised within classical texts as a Kshudraroga arising chiefly from vitiated Pitta dosha. Contemporary observations place the typical age of onset before 20 years among individuals of European ancestry, before 25 years in Asian populations, and before 30 years in those of African descent, and the disorder appears to be growing more common among younger adults, a shift generally linked to changing dietary habits, lifestyle pressures, and environmental exposures. Because graying carries visible cosmetic weight and can erode self-confidence, the search for interventions that are both effective and low-risk remains a genuine public-health concern. Nasya karma, one of the Panchakarma procedures reserved for disorders of the Urdhwajatrugata (supraclavicular) region, and Shiro Abhyang, or therapeutic head-oil massage, are both classically prescribed for conditions of the scalp and hair. Objective: This article sets out the protocol for a planned two-arm, randomised, open-labelled controlled clinical study that will examine whether Bhringraj Taila administered by Nasya, alongside Shiro Abhyang with Kayyonyadi Taila, offers benefit in the management of Palitya, with particular focus on premature canities. Methods: The trial is structured as a parallel-group, randomised, open-labelled study to be carried out across the outpatient and inpatient services of the Department of Shalakyatantra at a government Ayurveda teaching hospital. A total of 168 eligible participants (84 per arm, a figure that already accounts for an anticipated 20% attrition) between the ages of 18 and 45 years, presenting with mild to moderate graying (5–15% gray hair on trichoscopic evaluation), will be randomly allocated to either a study arm receiving Bhringraj Taila Nasya (delivered as Pratimarsha Nasya, three drops twice daily) together with Kayyonyadi Taila Shiro Abhyang on alternate days, or a control arm receiving Kayyonyadi Taila Shiro Abhyang alone on alternate days; both regimens will run for 90 days. Grey-hair burden, expressed as the percentage of gray hair per unit scalp area across five scalp zones, constitutes the primary outcome and will be measured by trichoscopy at baseline and again on days 30, 60, and 90, with a post-treatment review at day 120. Routine haematological and biochemical testing will be used to monitor safety throughout the study period. Expected Outcome: This study is anticipated to yield clinical evidence comparing the efficacy and safety of combined Nasya–Abhyang therapy against Shiro Abhyang used alone for arresting or reversing premature canities, thereby adding to the limited pool of Ayurvedic and integrative treatment options available for a condition that conventional medicine has yet to address with strong therapeutic solutions.

Keywords: Palitya; premature canities; Bhringraj Taila; Kayyonyadi Taila; Nasya karma; Shiro Abhyang; Ayurveda; randomized controlled trial; protocol