K. Umapatghy (second right), Secretary, Leucoderma awareness Movement, makes a point at the Leucoderma Awareness Seminar at the National College in Tiruchi. Photo: M. Srinath
It was a great opportunity for scores of persons from different parts of the district troubled by leucoderma. Each of them was seen vying with one another in seeking clarification from a resource-person about the impact of the herbal medicine released by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The resource person, K.Umapathy, secretary, leucoderma awareness movement – India, himself afflicted with the challenge, was not only instilling a sense of courage to them but was also seen explaining patiently the application of the drug ‘lukoskin', which was evolved after a sustained research for more than a decade by the DRDO, to participants at a function held to introduce the drug at National College in the city on Saturday
“Persons afflicted with leucoderma can regain their normal skin colour within 300 to 400 days,” Mr.Umapathy said explaining the efficacy of the medicine. It comprises two components–a liquid for intake and a cream for external use. Tiruchi is the second centre in the State to see the introduction of the medicine. It was first introduced in Chennai last year. Leucoderma is an idiopathic acquired disorder of skin which caused pigment disfigurement mostly in dark skinned individuals. The lukoskin drug regulates metabolism and improves the functioning of the hepatocytes, thereby gradually improving the auto-immune system.
“Stress is the one of the important factors that could affect leucoderma patients and drug exerts a relaxing effect on central nervous system.” Mr.Umapathy, while answering the questions from participants said that the ingredients for the medicine included ‘Ammi majus' which is crucial for melanin synthesis; Psoralea corylifolia (Bakuchi), which works as a photo sensitizer for the initiation of erythema on the spots of leucoderma; Mucuna pruriens (Kaunch); Calotropis sps. (Arka); Aloe vera (Kumari); and Centella asiatica (mandooparni).
He repeatedly advised the patients to desist from taking non-vegetarian foods and also egg, pickles, mango, and acetic acid rich food. On the other hand, the intake of greens should be increased. He also clarified that it was not a disease. Neither it was hereditary nor contagious.
The movement has planned to launch similar camp in all the districts. K. Anbarasu, principal of the college, K. Srinivasan, a faculty member, and V.Srinivasan, assistant station director of All India Radio, Tiruchi; S.Somasundaram, dean of Arts, Bishop Heber College, offered felicitations. The drug is marketed through AIMIL Pharmaceuticals Limited. Mr. Umapathy could be contacted by dialling 044-22265507; 65381157; 98400-52464.
