Role of Psychological Factors in the Etiopathogenesis of Palitya (Premature Greying of Hair): An Ayurvedic Perspective with Contemporary Evidence

Abstract

Palitya is increasingly seen in young individuals and cannot be fully explained by genetic or nutritional factors. Ayurvedic texts identify Manasika Nidana, including Chinta (worry), Shoka (sadness), and Krodha (anger), as significant etiological factors, reflecting a strong mind–body association in the pathogenesis of Palitya. Contemporary biomedical research similarly recognizes psychological stress as an important contributor to alterations in hair pigmentation. This review examines the role of psychological factors in the etiopathogenesis of Palitya from an Ayurvedic perspective and correlates these concepts with current scientific evidence. Ayurvedic literature was reviewed with emphasis on the involvement of Manasika Nidana in Palitya. In parallel, modern biomedical literature was analyzed focusing on psychological stress, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine mechanisms related to hair pigmentation. Ayurvedic texts describe Palitya as a consequence of stress-induced Vata–Pitta vitiation leading to impaired Agni (digestive–metabolic function), Dhatu Vaishamya (imbalance of bodily tissues), and Oja Kshaya (loss of vitality), ultimately affecting hair pigmentation. Modern studies support these observations by demonstrating stress-related activation of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis, oxidative stress, melanocyte stem cell depletion, and inflammatory cytokine elevation. These converging perspectives highlight psychological stress as a key factor in Palitya and support integrative management approaches for Palitya.