We are seeking participants for a research trial studying the usefulness of a common herb for the treatment of vitiligo. We are looking to treat 12 adolescents aged 12 to 18, for 3 months from May to August 2009. The study will take place in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Participants will be given the herb and asked to take one pill twice a day. The study will take place for 12 weeks over the summer and participants will be seen a total of five times at an office in Mississauga (initial visit, 2nd visit 2 weeks later, and 3 follow-up visits once every 4 weeks). All treatments, herbs given, and visits will be free. Potential benefits may include the healing of vitiligo or a stoppage in the progression of vitiligo.

This study is being conducted through the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, as part of the Graduate Studies of Orest Szczurko (a naturopathic doctor practising in Mississauga) and by Dr. Heather Boon, Ph.D. (Orest’s supervisor). Also involved in this study are a pediatrician and a dermatologist. This study has been approved by Health Canada and by the Research Ethics Board of the University of Toronto.

If you are interested or know someone who might be, please read more about vitiligo, our detailed study description, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, information on study personnel and our informed consent statement. For further information, or to schedule an appointment, please e-mail the study coordinator or call 416-722-9136.