Ayurvedic Dietary Factors in Vitiligo and Their Nutrigenomic Implications: An Integrative Review

Background: Vitiligo (Śvitra) is a multifactorial depigmentary disorder characterized by selective melanocyte destruction. In Ayurveda, Śvitra is associated with derangement of doṣas, often triggered by incompatible dietary practices (Viruddhāhāra), improper lifestyle (Vihāra), and hereditary predisposition. Modern research highlights genetic susceptibility, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes in its pathogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the relevance of Ayurvedic dietary etiological factors in vitiligo through modern genetics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics, and explore gene–diet interactions in disease manifestation. Methodology: A narrative integrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts and indexed scientific literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Relevant studies on vitiligo, dietary factors, genetics, and nutrigenomics were screened and analyzed for conceptual correlation. Results: Evidence suggests Ayurvedic Viruddhāhāra aligns with findings that diet influences oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and melanocyte function via epigenetic mechanisms. Associations between susceptibility genes and environmental triggers indicate nutrigenomic modulation of disease expression. Conclusion: Ayurvedic dietary principles show conceptual relevance within modern nutrigenomic and epigenetic frameworks, supporting their role in personalized prevention and management; further studies are needed for validation. Keywords: Vitiligo, Śvitra, Nutrigenomics, Epigenetics, Genetics, Viruddhāhāra