Vitiligo herbal remedies: Types, effectiveness, and risks

Oct 31, 2024

Some herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba, green tea extracts, and capsaicin from chili peppers, may affect vitiligo symptoms by reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant support.

Some research suggests that certain herbal remedies may improve symptoms of vitiligo. However, more research is necessary to determine the effectiveness and safety of these treatments.

People should discuss herbal therapies for vitiligo with their doctor. People should also not stop or make changes to their prescribed treatment plan without consulting a healthcare professional.

Vitiligo is a skin condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys cells that produce skin pigment. This causes patches of skin to lose color.

Some research suggests the following herbal remedies may affect the vitiligo symptoms.

Ginkgo biloba extracts from the leaves and seeds of the Ginkgo tree have some supportive evidence for health benefits against conditions such as anxiety, glaucoma, and vertigo. A person may take the extract in tablet form.

Researchers from a 2018 review do not know the exact mechanisms by which ginkgo biloba affects vitiligo. However, they believe it may involve the following properties of the plant:

Studies on ginkgo biloba’s effectiveness as a vitiligo therapy have varying results. The same 2018 review suggests the plant may effectively improve vitiligo symptoms, especially when combined with conventional therapies.

Some researchers suggest that ginkgo biloba may help induce repigmentation — the restoration of color to depigmented patches of skin. However, these results differ across studies.

More large-scale human studies are necessary to assess the extract’s effectiveness as a vitiligo treatment.

The review’s authors suggest ginkgo biloba is typically safe at a dosage of 120 milligrams (mg) per day. Larger doses may cause side effects, including gastrointestinal disorders and restlessness.

Experts advise against combining ginkgo biloba with anticoagulant medication, which could lead to hemorrhaging.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound that may have protective properties against vitiligo and other health conditions. Green tea is also rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.

However, many studies on green tea and vitiligo use animal or cell studies, such as those in a 2022 narrative review. More research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of green tea as a vitiligo treatment, particularly using human participants.

Green tea is typically safe, up to around 8 cups per day. However, green tea supplements may make it easier to consume more than this recommended amount. Potential adverse effects include:

Capsaicin is an active component of chili peppers. Research in a 2018 review suggests capsaicin may be an effective vitiligo therapy due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The review includes an older experimental study from 2010 that suggests capsaicin may help prevent cellular damage.

A 2024 cell study suggests that combining capsaicin with stem cells may effectively stop the expression of specific genes associated with vitiligo, which could improve cell dysfunction.

However, although this research suggests promising results, studies involving human participants are necessary. People may not receive the same benefits when eating chili peppers or using capsaicin products.

Capsaicin is an irritant with various potential risks and side effects, including:

Cucumis melo, or muskmelon, contains high levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that may improve vitiligo by stopping the destruction of melanocytes.

However, a 2023 review article highlights mixed results in older studies investigating Cucumis melo as a topical therapy for repigmentation and other vitiligo symptoms.

More research is necessary to understand Cucumis melo’s safety and effectiveness for people with vitiligo.

Aloe vera is a short-stemmed shrub with succulent leaves that contain gel.

A very small 2023 study highlights the plant’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties.

The researchers suggest that topical aloe vera helped with repigmentation in 86% of people with stable vitiligo after 3 months of treatment. However, the researchers note that study limitations include the small sample size and lack of a control group.

Further research is necessary to determine whether aloe vera is an effective vitiligo remedy.

Aloe vera is typically safe but may cause the following side effects:

People should always consult a healthcare professional before trying herbal remedies, including aloe vera, for vitiligo.

“While several herbal remedies have shown promise in the management of vitiligo, more research is needed. It is crucial to discuss any herbal remedies you are considering with your medical provider before starting any on your own. Though many herbal remedies are generally regarded as “safe,” several have known interactions with various medications that can be dangerous. Your medical provider should go over your list of prescription and over-the-counter medications and potential interactions with you before deciding to try any herbal remedies for vitiligo.”

— Megan Soliman, MD

Conventional vitiligo treatment may aim to slow or stop the condition’s progression and restore pigment to the affected skin patches.

Treatment may include:

People with vitiligo symptoms should contact a doctor to rule out other diseases and assess the risks of associated conditions and complications.

A doctor can help diagnose and treat co-occurring conditions, which commonly include:

Some people may also want to contact a doctor for cosmetic reasons. Treatment may decrease the visibility of depigmented areas, depending on the severity of the condition.

People should always speak with a healthcare professional before trying herbal remedies for vitiligo. Topical herbal treatments and supplements may not be safe for everyone.

A 2018 review suggests various natural remedies, including ginkgo biloba, green tea, and aloe vera, may improve vitiligo symptoms. However, more research is necessary to determine their safety and effectiveness.

People should speak with a doctor before trying natural remedies to ensure they are safe. A doctor may also be able to suggest alternative remedies with more scientific support.

A 2024 study concludes that drinks high in antioxidants, including various teas, coffee, and red wine, may reduce the risk of vitiligo. However, further research is necessary to understand the extent of this effect.

There is no cure for vitiligo. However, treatment can help improve the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Research into some herbal remedies for vitiligo suggests promising results, although more research is necessary to understand their full safety and effectiveness.

Herbal remedies rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties may help improve symptoms by reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress.

People should consult their doctor before using herbal therapies to treat vitiligo. Some remedies may interact with medication in harmful ways or cause adverse side effects.