Efficacy Of Tribulus Terrestris Extract On Expression Of α-MSH And Analysis Of Combined Therapeutic Effect On Vitiligo

Objectives of the studyThe present study was undertaken with following objectives.1. To examine theefficacy of the aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris on follieulus pili of C57BL/6Jmouse and to determine the level ofα-melanophorin in HARTLY guinea pig skin. 2.To assess the process of activation, multiplication and migration of melanocyteduring dormancy stage of folliculus pili to provide medical guide for colour elementmetabolism syndrome. 3. To analyse the efficacy of combined therapy of Tribulusterrestris pills and tinct through oral and external administration on 208 limitedvitiligo vulgaris patients who were pretreated with western medical treatment.Materials and methodsFemale C57BL/6J mice and HARTLY guinea pigs were used for the presentstudy. The terrestris of HD (equivalent to 60g·-60Kg·-d in adult) which can activatetyrosinase, enhance the growth of melanocyte and treat vitiligo was used as sample inthe experiment. Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the expressionand distribution of MSH in hair follicles of C57BL/6J mice and HARTLY guinea pigskin. The data were analyzed by sum rank test. Statistical analysis of the effect ofcombined prescription of Tribulus terrestris pill and tinct through oral and external administration on 208 limited vitiligo vulgaris patients who were also pretreated withwestern medicine, self-epidermic grafting and UVB radiation.Results and observationsThe positive expression rate ofα-MSH in experimental group of C57BL/6Jmice folliculus pili melanocyte was 75％as compared to that of the control groupwas 18.75％. The data showed statistically significant difference(P=0.0000). Thepositive expression rate ofα-MSH in langerhans cells of HARTLY guinea pig was75.00％as compared to that of the control group was 25％showing the statisticallysignificant difference (P=0.000). All 208 vitiligo patients showed reactivation ofchromatophore suggesting the 100％efficiency rate and 99％of recovery rate.Conclusion1. Tribulus terrestris aqueous extract (equals to 60g·-60kg·-d for adults) canactivateα-MSH expression in C57BL/6J mouse folliculus pili and epidermis ofHARTLY guinea pig and can be used for depigmentation in skin diseases.2. C57BL/6J mice and HARTLY guinea pig can be used for the expression ofα-MSH in menalocyte.3. Tribulus terrestris therapy is effective in vitiligo treatment.