VARNYA (वर्ण्य) - FAIRNESS - AN AYURVEDIC ASPECT AND MEDICINE

VARNYA (वर्ण्य) - FAIRNESS - AN AYURVEDIC ASPECT AND MEDICINE

For Understanding reason of fairness and darkness and genetical factor - 

Epidermis:

This is the layer of the epidermis, In the stratum corneum, keratinocytes become corneocytes (corn-ee-o-site). Corneocytes are strong, dead keratinocytes, and they protect you from harm, including abrasions, light, heat, and pathogens. This layer also consists of fats that keep water from easily entering or leaving your body. The corneocytes eventually shed as new keratinocyte cells develop in the stratum Basale layer and move through the other layers of skin.

Your epidermis is the outermost layer of skin on your body. It protects your body from harm, keeps your body hydrated, produces new skin cells, and contains melanin, which determines the color of your skin.

Melanogenesis:

Tyrosine is the non-essential amino acid precursor of melanin. Tyrosine is converted to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) via the enzyme tyrosinase. Then DOPA is polymerized into melanin. The copper-ion-based enzyme-catalyzed oxidative transformation of catechol derivative dopa to light-absorbing dopaquinone to indole-5,6-quinone is clearly seen following the polymerization to melanin, the color of the pigment ranges from red to dark brown.

Genetic reason for skin color (fairness and darkness): People have different skin colors mainly because their melanocytes produce different amounts and kinds of melanin. The genetic mechanism behind human skin color is mainly regulated by the enzyme tyrosinase, which creates the color of the skin. 

Current Research on the subject studied:

• The study revealed that sensory neurons play a role in modulating a number of features of human melanocytes via the secretion of RGMB, which is a key factor that stimulates melanocytes.
• "Our results highlight how important sensory neurons are to skin pigmentation and physiology," says Chow.
• Pigmentation disorders, including skin color patches, are common and can result in psychosocial problems; they are also often linked with health issues such as neurocutaneous diseases (diseases that affect the nervous system and skin) and melanoma. However, the effectiveness of chemical and topical treatments for these is limited. The results of this study could lead to the development of new drugs for use with current therapies by enabling the discovery of previously unknown molecules and mechanisms that include RGMB.
• Ref: Sensory Neurons in Human Skin Play Key Role in Pigmentation -- ScienceDaily

Ayurvedic Perspectives of Varnya (Skin Color):

• Ayurveda is a pioneer and one of the oldest medicines. In Ayurveda, the skin color is called Varna and has a variety of physiological and pathological effects. Varnya (Rupa Prasadana), on the other hand, is a classic term for restoring and maintaining the natural texture and tone of the skin. Charak has described Varnya kashayam and one of them in 80 mahakashayam.
• Mode of action according to Ayurveda: Varnya dravyas when used externally or internally acts on Bhrajaka Pitta. Bhrajaka pitta is an important factor related to Varna (complexion). Ushna virya stimulates Bhrajaka Pitta and does Raktavardhana. And so, helps absorb the medicines applied externally and improves Varna (complexion). 
• Madhura rasatmaka dravyas increase the production of Rasa, Rakta, Majja, Shukra, Oja which in turn acts on Varna. Madhura rasa, Tikta rasa and Sheeta virya has Pittaghna action.
• Madhura rasa and Sheeta Virya act as Ojovardhaka and thus help enhance skin complexion.
• Madhura rasa, Madhura Vipaka, and Ushna Virya have Vataghna action and hence remove blackness. Excessive Vata Dosha causes darkness in the skin and blood.
• Stickiness and increased fluidity are an indicator of impurities in the blood. Kashaya and Tikta Rasatmaka dravyas absorb Kleda and cool down Pitta. It, therefore, results in the purification of blood, i.e, Raktashodhana. It relieves the blood of excess fluidity and stickiness. And this way leads to Varna Prasadana.
• So, we can say that- Dravyas in Varnya Mahakashaya act as Varnya, Raktaprasadak, Raktavardhaka, Raktashodhaka, Ojovardhaka, Pittaghna and Vataghna.
• Varnya Mahakashaya not only works on blood but also acts as filtering blood in body, i.e., the Liver. It works in the stomach where the basic elements that help prepare blood are abundant.
• Sariva & Durva- Acts on the mind, relieves stress and sends a good signal to the body to keep it well toned.
• Yashtimadhu, Shweta chandan & Manjishtha: Stabilizes aggravated heat in the body and blood. According to Ayurveda, Skin is produced from Rasa Dhatu.
• Sariva & Manjishtha- Improves digestive power of intestine
• Along with Durva & Kshirvidari – works on Shleshak Kapha in the stomach to produce fine quality Rasa Dhatu, which nourishes the skin.