THE ROLE OF NEUROMEDIATORS IN SKIN CONDITIONS

The skin is unique in many ways. It is the largest body organ, after the inclusion of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, protecting against environmental stressors, thus maintaining the entire body’s integrity and homeostasis. The skin quality may reflect the condition of other organs that are connected via the vast network of blood vessels and nerve fibers, e.g., skin-brain or skin-gut axes. The cutaneous neuroendocrine system along with the balanced microbiome plays a central role in maintaining regulatory functions. Neuromediators utilized by these systems act as cross-functional communicators, impacting skin functions and appearance. Finally, skin is perceived visually and tactile by us and analyzed instantly defining the way we perceive ourselves and others. Now it is becoming clear that skin functions and roles are far more complex and profound than thought before.

The current trends in modern cosmetic sciences focus on personalization that addresses an individual’s skin concerns in a causative manner. Thus, for example, targeting an off-tuned element (neuromediators) of the HPA axis, observed in prematurely aged skin, a phenomenon that is prevalent in flight attendants due to stress and impaired circadian rhythm, can be a great representation of neuromediators contribution toward personalization. The skin microbiome is another promising area where neuromediators can contribute to healthy-looking skin by facilitating the optimal conditions that foster microbiome diversity.

Therefore, there is an unmet need to provide a fair balance of information about the product, in particular, the featured technology, i.e. unique formulation | active ingredients. Consumers should have access to scientifically sound data delivered to them in a clear and easy-to-follow way. Ideally, a smooth translation of the featured technology (formulation /active ingredient) to the final benefit (claims) should be provided in a sequel of logical steps: WHAT -> WHY -> HOW -> BENEFIT.

For Example, New technology featured in a product (WHAT) inhibits melanin production with in vitro assays (WHY). As a result, the decreased melanin levels are measured in the skin, in vivo, with skin colourimeter or spectrophotometer (HOW). Finally, a lighter, more even skin complexion is captured with standardized photography (BENEFIT). In such a model, a smooth translation allows for claims substantiation in a logic-causative manner.

**Source : (Cezary Skobowiat)**

THE EFFECT OF pH ON SKIN

Maintenance of skin pH is essential to the health and normal functioning of the skin. Where there are elevations in the skin pH, there are unfavorable outcomes such as impairments of a permeability barrier homeostasis, decreased skin integrity, cohesion, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections. Alterations in these skin functionalities play a known role in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of skin disease.

Impaired Permeability Barrier Homeostasis

The pH of cutaneous epithelial cells, particularly within the SC, largely influences the physical, chemical, and microbial protection properties of the skin. Furthermore, an acidic pH is critical for permeability barrier homeostasis, in part because of two key lipid-processing enzymes: ß-glucocerebrosidase and acid sphingomyelinase. These proteins generate a family of ceramides from glucosylceramide and sphingomyelin precursors and exhibit low pH optima. Increased skin pH results in defective lipid processing and delayed maturation of lamellar membranes. These lipids from multi-lamellar sheets amidst the intracellular spaces of the SC are critical to the SC’s mechanical and cohesive properties. This enables the SC to function as an effective water barrier. Altered pH environments have been shown to affect not only lipid content but also lipid organization and intercellular lipid lamellae (ICLL) resulting in an impaired skin barrier. Impaired barrier function allows easier penetration of topically applied products and delays barrier recovery after injury or insult to the skin and can trigger the onset of inflammatory skin diseases.

Decreased Skin Integrity and Cohesion

Experimentation has shown that in a neutral pH environment, there is an enhanced tendency for the tape stripping to remove the SC, a demonstration of compromised skin integrity and cohesion. The reduced SC integrity and cohesion seen with alterations in pH may be partially related to a pH-dependent activation of the serine proteases that exhibit neutral pH optima. The literature supports that serine proteases are activated in environments of increased pH such as in inflammatory skin conditions, newborn and elderly individuals, and type I-II skin. Their activation leads to the premature degradation of corneodesmosomes, and hence increased desquamation, resulting in loss of integrity and cohesion.

Increased Susceptibility to Skin Infections

The acidic pH of the SC restricts colonization by pathogenic flora and encourages the persistence of normal microbial flora. Pertinently, newborn and elderly skin, intertriginous areas, and chronically inflamed skin display an increased skin pH and hence reduced resistance to pathogens. Higher pH (decreased acidity) and impaired buffering capacity predispose to infection and skin disease.

In Summary, increased skin pH can lead to abnormalities in the SC integrity/cohesion, permeability barrier homeostasis, pathogen resistance, and immune function. These abnormalities areattributable to the pH-mediated increase in the serine protease-mediated degradation of corneodesmosomes, defect in lipid processing, and decrease in antibacterial activity, respectively.

Now that we have a better understanding of the importance of maintaining tightly regulated skin pH, we can start to divulge the mechanisms behind skin acidification and buffering capacity.

**Healthy Skin Starts From Within**

Collagen – A Rising Star in Dietary Supplements

Collagen, the most abundant component of the extracellular matrix, is the decisive protein that determines skin physiology, by maintaining the skin structure and enabling its numerous functions to take place. Collagen is the protein responsible for skin elasticity. It also plays a role in joint and bone health.

Human bodies create collagen naturally which gradually decreases as we age. Over time, however, the production of this protein slows down.As a result, a person’s skin begins to lose some of its ability to bounce back into shape, a process that many call“elasticity.” As this occurs, wrinkles begin to form.But, collagen production drops most quickly due to excess sun exposure, smoking, excess alcohol, and lack of sleep and exercise. Although certain foods, such as bone broth, contain collagen, people who want wrinkle-free skin or other health benefits often look to supplements to increase their collagen intake.People are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and how they can recognize the link between proper nutrition and a healthy body from the inside out.

Top 5 benefits of collagen

With many striving to achieve peak health and beauty in their lifetime, it’s a safe bet that you’ll find a collagen-based product in most people’s beauty and supplement routine. It’s easy to see why. Collagen can offer a huge number of benefits, including improving skin, hair, and nail health, and reducing muscle and joint pain. Other benefits have not been as widely studied, but allude to the potential benefits of collagen in weight loss, heart health, and gut health.

Collagen is currently one of the most predominant topics in the nutrition and beauty industry. From consuming collagen supplements to improving collagen production in the body, there is an increased awareness and demand for this type of protein.More and more people are adopting a holistic approach towards skin health that focuses on nourishing the skin from the inside and out which has further given an impetus to the growth of collagen market in India and across the globe.

Nutraceutical supplements dominated the global collagen market in 2021 and are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% during the forecast period 2022-2027.

The India Collagen Market was valued at $52.62 million in 2020 and is slated to grow at a CAGR of 6.48 % to touch $76.68 million by 2026. While the exact figures of Indian collagen builder market are not available, the increased awareness about plant-based and natural sources definitely show high promise of growth in India as well.

Despite its long-standing presence in the beauty industry, the wellness benefits of collagen continue to be a keen area of interest for researchers in the modern era, especially with the expanding functionality of the protein across ingestible, topical, and medical applications. Given this persistent research interest, and the potentially favourable implications of the product across a multitude of applications, it is likely that the collagen industry will emerge as a major force in the health ingredients ecosystem in the years ahead.

**Healthy Skin Starts From Within**

Hand Dermatitis |Hand Eczema: Causes, Classification, Symptoms and Preventions

What is Hand dermatitis?

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is a common type of eczema, a challenging and necessities expertise for its management.
This type of eczema can be “triggered” by genetics, contact allergies, and irritating substances.

Who is susceptible to hand dermatitis?
People who work in industries like cleaning, catering, hairdressing, healthcare, and mechanical labour, where they could be exposed to irritants like chemicals, are frequently affected.
Atopic dermatitis and nummular eczema, which are brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental factors, are not the same as hand eczema. Hand eczema is less likely to affect children.It is a form of contact dermatitis that develops as a result of environmental chemical irritants.A skin ailment called hand eczema over time can result in dry skin, a compromised immune system, eczema flare-ups in the affected areas, and compromised skin barriers.
Hand Eczema Classification:
People who have atopic dermatitis condition are more likely to get hand dermatitis, especially if they work in a moist environment. The fingers and back of the hands are often included in the symmetrical involvement.Recurrent vesicles on the lateral sides of the fingers, palms, and periungual region are the hallmark of pompholyx.
Dermatitis from contact: Immunologically mediated. An unknown agent causes the skin to react abnormally. When it comes into contact with the same material, it gets sensitized, and memory is triggered, drawing inflammatory cells in.
Irritant dermatitis is also referred to as dishpan hands or housewife’s eczema. The majority of instances are brought on by repeated exposure to irritants including common solvents, alcohols, organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, and bases, as well as detergents, cleansers, and disinfectants.
Factors which cause atopic hand dermatitis?

• Allergic reactions,
• Hay fever,
• Food allergies
• Psoriasis,
• Skin barrier dysfunction
• Immune system dysregulation
• Long time water exposure

Symptoms of hand eczema:

• Cracked, peeling, scaly, or crusting skin (in severe case)
• Redness
• Itchy skin in the affected area
• Pain
• Cracks
• Blisters
• Dryness, to the point of peeling and flaking.

Preventive actions and management:

• Hands should be cleaned with a fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm (not hot) water.
• Reduce contact with irritants like water, soap, and detergents.
• Maintain Hand hygiene: Glycerin- and alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less irritant than soap and water.
• Frequently use of basic, unscented hand emollients
• To protect your hands when performing household tasks, wear cotton gloves around the house.
• For any messy or damp work at home or at the office, cotton gloves should be worn.
• The moisturisers with the highest oil content work the best (like ointments and creams).
• Treat any injuries to your hands, no matter how small, by bandaging them.
• Avoid waterless, antibacterial cleansers since they frequently contain harsh substances for your hands, such as alcohol and solvents (especially during flare-ups).
• In order to prevent irritation from allergies or chemicals, treat all wounds on your hands, no matter how minor.

Stay Safe and Healthy This Monsoon. Happy Autumn!

Monsoon Skin Care – Essentials for Glowing Skin

The Summer months make everyone exhausted as the scorching heat drains out all the energies from everyone. We try to avoid the work which requires us to stay outdoors. Amidst all this, the monsoon brings relief and cheers to the people. As the atmosphere is heated, early showers lead to the generation of moisture in the environment which brings air in the atmosphere, and the germs and diverse pathogens find these conditions very conducive to them. Truly said, monsoon nourishes every living being on earth, but it also brings some serious problems with it.

Monsoon can take a toll on your skin due to this humid weather. This high humidity in the atmosphere can severely impact your skin and tresses, making them look oily, dull, and greasy respectively. Thanks to Monsoon, oily skin tends to look duller and greasier due to sweat and dirt that accumulates on the skin. Sweat acts as a magnet to dirt and pollutants in the atmosphere, which can then lead to a number of skin problems such as acne, blackheads, pimples, and other unwanted eruptions. During this season, the chances of developing fungal and bacterial infections on the skin are also high due to prolonged exposure to rainwater. Apart from this,we want to binge on some fried food like samosa or pakora along with a cup of hot tea or coffee, too much of which can affect skin health. Additionally, if your diet lacks the required nutrients such as vitamin A, B12, C, E and minerals like selenium, zinc, iron, folate and omega-3 fatty acids, and other healthy fats, it is likely to contribute to poor skin health

Better care of skin during monsoon can be accomplished by following some simple dietary habits and hygiene steps.

• Continue with your CTM routine, which is cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. This will get rid of clogged pores to avoid skin allergies and fungal and bacterial infections.
• The CTM routine at night time is a must as that will help to remove the impurities that have collected on the skin during the day.
• Do not forget your sunscreen. Apply a water-based sunscreen lotion on the skin to keep the skin protected.
• Avoid using oily or moisturizer-based products as that will make the skin oilier.

• Include iron-rich foods like legumes, lentils (chickpeas, black gram) nuts(cashew, Pine nuts), and seeds(pumpkin, sesame, flax, hemp). Iron helps in enhancing oxygen flow in the body which will eventually contribute in improving blood circulation thereby benefiting skin health.
• Include Omega 3 fats like walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp, eggs, etc.as they help in regulating the skin’s oil production, hence reducing or preventing breakouts. It also improves hydration and minimizes signs of aging.

• Fruits are by nature very healthy and nutritious. Fruits that are rich in Vitamin C like litchis, pears, jamun(berries) and peaches, will make our skin look less dull and wrinkle-free. These have high antioxidant content which automatically makes our skin look radiant and dull-free.
• All in all, it is very important to keep yourself well hydrated as humid weather causes the body to lose fluids through sweat. So, make sure you keep your body flushed by drinking enough fluids.

So, while it’s the season to toss your worries away and enjoy the sparkling rains, make sure your skin is not the one to be taking the toll of that all.

After all, internal health matters and that reflects not only on your skin but overall health.

Healthy Skin Assures Hearty Smile.

Keep Glowing, Keep smiling, and Stay Healthy!

Happy Monsoon!

Precautions – Gut Health During Monsoon

As we all are witnessing, the monsoon has reached all parts of India. Throughout the country, it is showering at varying degrees. We all love the rainy seasonas it brings relief from the terrible heat of summer.But there is a huge downside to the monsoon season. We noticed that a number of digestive issues crop up when this season rolls in. It happens to us all.

Let’s first understand the link between monsoon and gut. Our entire digestive system becomes sluggish due to the humid weather during monsoon. If our digestive organs like the stomach, the pancreas, and the small intestine do not work at their peak capacity, problems like gas, acidity, bloating and the constant feeling of fullness arise. None of these conditions is pleasant! And since monsoon is when you feel like binging on snacks, the problems intensify because fast foods, sweets, and snacks are merciless on your digestive system.

Ayurveda describes aggravation of “Vata” and accumulation of “Pita” in the Rainy/Monsoon season. This is the major cause of various diseases occurring during the rainy season. The food and lifestyle should thus be such thathelp in balancing Vata and Pitta. The following changes in diet are recommended to maintain our Gut health during monsoon.

Include cow’s ghee in daily diet. Ghee stimulates the digestive juices and helps your body absorb nutrients. It is very effective in curbing gut inflammation. It will also ease constipation by smoothening colon muscles and increasing their contractility.

Consume a small piece of ginger with rock salt before every meal. For any digestive problem, ginger should be your go-to food. Ginger increases the secretion of saliva, bile, and gastric juices. It helps your body rapidly break down food and assimilate the nutrients. It can also fight gastric inflammation and is an excellent remedy for an upset stomach. Many people experience heartburn when they consume raw ginger. Rock salt prevents this heartburn.

Ayurveda encourages the consumption of natural foods. And the kind of foods that will help your digestion is water-laden fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, apples, citrus fruits, watermelons, strawberries etc.

These foods keep you hydrated. Water helps with the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract. It also moistens your bowels and ensures easy passage of stool.

Drinking boiled is recommended. Avoiding curds, red meat, and any foodstuff, which takes a longer time to digest is good during the monsoon. One may have buttermilk instead of curds. Consume light and fresh foods prepared from barley, rice, and wheat.
Consumption of ‘Haritaki /Harad (Terminalia chebula) with rock salt in the monsoon season is beneficial to health.
As per Ayurveda abrupt changes in diet and lifestyle suitable for a particular season should be avoided. The changes must be gradual over a period of 15 days by giving up the earlier lifestyle and adopting a new one for acclimatization. If abrupt changes are brought the bodymay not be able to cope with them and this could lead to other problems.

Stay Safe and Healthy This Monsoon. Happy Monsoon!

Regulatory Aspects of Cosmetic Testing

Cosmetic Legislation frameworks in the major markets are based on either broad or narrow definitions of cosmetics. A legal framework with broad definitions of cosmetic work includes extensive restriction lists of ingredients whereas one with a narrow definition does not feature restriction lists of ingredients but may classify a product as a drug on the basis of claims made. In general, the regulatory basics for cosmetics are different for different countries. Even the classification rules defining what a cosmetic is differed between the countries. Some countries may classify a product as cosmetic whereas other countries classify the same as a drug. This has implications for the testing of cosmetics. Depending on which country the testing is performed and/or the test product is to be marketed, different specific testing may be required, desired and/or allowed.
We are fortunate enough to find some universal similarities in the world of the differences in regulatory basics for cosmetics in different countries like-

As discussed in the beginning, the cosmetic regulation framework i.e. broad framework and narrow framework. The broad framework roughly describes the European Union (EU) cosmetics regulation where they have employed extensive lists with restrictions for specific ingredients as well as positive lists for allowed ingredients and require safety data to be available. It is not surprising that many countries like ASEAN countries, Mercosur countries, the Andean Pact countries as well as South Africa have similar cosmetic regulations as it is successful in regulating cosmetic product safety as well as allowing innovation of cosmetic products.
India is also a large market that was of less interest to major cosmetic manufacturers in the past, probably because of the low average income of the population. Considering its economic growth, it has become increasingly important to have cosmetic regulation. So, India developed its cosmetic regulation which is completely integrated with its drug regulatory system. Cosmetic guidelines are governed by the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, and the official government body is the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) headed by DCGI (Drug Controller General of India).
To get marketing approval for cosmetics, the products must comply and be coherent with BIS (Bureau of Indian standards) guidelines which are put forward by CDSCO to ensure the safety of consumers. Certain documents like COAs (Certificate of Analysis), INCIs (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients), heavy metal, non-animal declaration, testing methods, labels with a description of product n direction for usage, manufacturing license, import registration in case of imports should be according to BIS guidelines and are required by regulatory approval for marketing of cosmetic products.
The narrow framework model roughly defines the cosmetic regulatory system in the USA. It has been discussed by O.Wunderlich that India too follows the same framework similar to the USA. Let’s see the difference between the requirements of India and the USA in the following table:

Earlier there was no robust mechanism or legislation present to ensure that the ingredients used in the formulation are safe. But as we all now know that the Indian Cosmetic market is the fastest growing in the world with dynamic changing regulations which represents the positive growth of the industry. India has put forward certain guidelines and regulations that ensure thorough analysis of documents and scrutiny of contents of the cosmetic products. This nature of the regulatory scenario will provide further opportunities for business in future.

Evolution of Objective Skin Analysis

We are witnessing a growing demand for standardization and objective assessment of different physiologic & pathologic conditions as well as for monitoring the efficacy of different therapeutic modalities. In the era of evidence-based medicine, we see the same trend followed by cosmetic studies too. There are devices which were invented in the past that answers some of the hottest questions regarding the parameters & devices suited to test specific claims.

With a surface area of up to 2 square meters, the skin is the largest organ of the human body. Skin acts as an outer covering and barrier – not only is skin health crucial to the overall health of an individual, but skin appearance has a significant societal impact as well (body image, communication, etc.). Nowadays skin physiology assessments have moved rapidly from a descriptive approach to a deeper understanding of biophysical and biochemical processes in the epidermis, namely epidermal barrier function, stratum corneum hydration, and the underlying regulatory processes.

An increasing number of non-invasive methods have been developed to determine skin properties in an objective way. The subjective, visual or tactile evaluation of skin conditions can now be quantified and numerical values can be obtained. The research with non-invasive biophysical measurements now offers reliable and reproducible approaches for product testing in the cosmetic industry as well as in basic research.

Research with non or minimal-invasive devices to study skin physiology and the effect of cosmetic products has entered its 7th generation. In the early 1970s, the instruments were often the size of a cupboard or table. In labs, individual instruments were built and mostly the prototypes of them were manufactured. So, many of the instruments have not actually made their way out in the industry. Initially, cosmetic companies used to design individual instruments to test their specific products. Later, low-cost small, stand-alone devices were built on larger scales and thus became accessible to the broader public and institutions. Thereafter, instruments which can attach to the PCs were made. But now, the whole physiology lab can fit in one suitcase. They are available with way more easy calibration checks and thus allow good validation studies and interlaboratory comparisons. There are many instruments in the market which are available to give precise details. Some of them are discussed below.

Facial Skin Analyzer: Facial analysers are top of the line & is recommended by many professionals. Skin analysis is the process of looking at a patient’s skin to determine how healthy it is. The goal is to really identify key areas for improvement within someone’s skin regime. Traditionally, this analysis was very basicand literally on the surface.

Corneometer CM 825: The Corneometer CM 825 is the most used instrument worldwide to determine the hydration level of the skin surface, mainly the stratum corneum. The hydration measurement is the basic measurement for all applications in basic research and cosmetics. It is ideal for the formulation, claim support and efficacy testing of moisturisers. It is used for objective clinical trials and their monitoring. It also gives information on the course of cosmetic treatments. It helps to alert people to specific occupational skin hazards.

Transdermal Water Loss Measurement Tool:Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement is the most widely used objective measurement for assessing the barrier function of the skin. TEWL measures the quantity of water lost from inside the body by diffusion across the SC. Skin barrier dysfunction results in increased TEWL.

Dermascope: Dermascopeis a special purpose digital video camera combined with a high magnification polarizing lens and multiple ultra-bright LEDs.

Future of Skin Analysis: Antera 3D is versatile and rich in features. It is the only product on the market that can accurately analyse wrinkles, texture, volumes, skin colour, redness and pigmentation. These many features will help you to make the most of the diversity of treatments you offer.

The work on standardisation has led to the publication of several guidelines for trans epidermal water loss, cutaneous blood flow, SC hydration, SLS irritation test and many more. Guidelines are published which are accepted by regulatory authorities.

Joachim W.Fluhr a few decades back said that Non-invasive instrumentation is a cornerstone of standardised clinical testing. Today we have achieved that goal and probably we will see more of AI products for precise skin analysis.Outside of the skin analysis industry, hardware developments, particularly in the improvement of smartphone cameras, has rapidly enabled high quality images to be taken by the everyday consumer. When combined with AI in the form of machine learning, suddenly anybody owning a (recent) smartphone has the capability of skin analysis in their hands. Companies have capitalized on this combination of innovations to drive the overwhelmingly offline industry into the digital world.It be worth waiting to watch what all future technology will take over the existing ones.

Andrographis Paniculata – King of Bitters (Kalmegh)

Andrographis paniculata is an important medicinal plant of Andrographis genus.It is known as Kalmegh or kariyat. A. paniculata is an annual, branched, erect, and herbaceous plant. This plant grows abundantly in Southern and Southeastern Asia including India, Java, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

Andrographis leaf and stem helps in stimulating the immune system. It might also prevent flu viruses from binding to cells in the body. Due to its “cold property” activity, it is recommended to be used to get rid of the body heat in fevers and to dispel toxins from the body.

The plant is also used for the osteoarthritis, infection of the throat and tonsils, and a type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis, treatment of snake bite, bug bite, diabetes, dysentery, fever, and malaria. It has a high blood purifying property.

It is also used for “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and prevention of heart disease and diabetes. In addition to these, following activities has been proven scientifically.

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis): If Andrographis extract is taken by mouth daily for 8 weeks reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis about as well as the drug mesalamine.

Anti-hyperglycemic Effect: Blood glucose lowering effect of Andrographis paniculata was observed in both insulin-lacking diabetic rats and normal rats in several studies. The effect might be found due to presence of andrographolide.

Hepatoprotective Effect: A. paniculata is widely used traditionally as a hepatoprotective agent and a stimulating agent for multiple enzymes of the liver.

Anti-Viral Effect: Antiviral activity against limited viruses was observed such as dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1), human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV16), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), influenza A virus

Anti-Cancer Activity: Andrographolide exhibited both direct & indirect effects on cancer cells by inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, cell-cycle arrests, or cell differentiation, enhancing body’s own immune system against cancer cells; and inducting apoptosis and necrosis of cancer cells.

PCOD – Polycystic Ovarian Disease | PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOD or PCOS is a condition that affects women’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce progesterone and estrogen hormones that help in regulating the menstrual cycle and also produce small amount of hormones inhibin, relaxin, and male hormones called androgens.

Almost 10% of women in the world is suffering from PCOD. In compare to PCOD women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.Besides unpredictable hormonal behaviour, this condition can trigger:

• Diabetes
• Infertility
• Acne
• Excessive Hair Growth

It’s a fairly common disorder, but one with no exact cure.

What is PCOD Problem?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a medical condition in which the woman ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs in large numbers and over the time these become cysts in ovaries. Due to this ovaries become large and secrete large amount of male hormones (androgens) causing infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss and abnormal weight gain. PCOD can be controlled by diet and lifestyle modifications.

What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a metabolic disorder in which the woman affected by hormonal imbalance in their reproductive years (between ages 12 and 51). Due to increase level of male hormones females might skip menstrual periods, have irregular ovulation making it hard to get pregnant, get abnormal hair growth on the body and face simultaneously it can lead to heart disease and diabetes in long term. PCOS is a serious medical condition, and it requires proper medical attention or surgical treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Causes of PCOD

Cause is still unknown. However, the association of PCOD with low-grade inflammation, excess insulin, production of male hormones (Hyperandrogenism) in high quantity and genetics can be found.

Early age of menarche, unhealthy lifestyle and pollution are some of the contributing factors of PCOD.

How to manage PCOD – Polycystic Ovarian Disease/PCOS-Polycystic Ovarian syndrome

• PCOD is characterized by multiple small cysts in the ovaries.
• It makes the ovary enlarged & lead to excessive production of androgen & oestrogen hormones causing various bodily issues.

Allopathic and Natural Treatments

• Medicines are available to treat insulin resistance and balance hormones to correct menstrual cycles.
• Adolescent patients are treated with hormones and metformin to regularize the periods and insulin resistance.
• Skin treatments are available for acne, pigmentation and hair growth.
• Fertility drugs are administered to infertile patients.
• Herbal formulations such as PCOS balance, PCOS drink are available in market.

Scientific claims by Clinical study have been performed on Plants such as mentha spicata, cinnamomum zeylanicum, Gymnemasylvestre and Trigonella foenumgraceumetc. Therefore, they can be also used in the treatment of PCOD.