Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

October 31, 2022

Safe Alternative To Tenofovir For Hepatitis B Management

ABSTRACT

Tenofovir is medication used to treat chronic hepatitis and prevent HIV and AIDS. Hepatitis is a life threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. It is a major global health problem causing chronic infection which further causes liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis is commonly spread from mother to child at birth or exposure to infected blood. It can be transmitted through contaminated needles and other sharp objects. Sexual transmission is more prevalent in unvaccinated persons with multiple partners. Most people experience symptoms like yellowing of skin, nausea, and dark urine which further leads to death. In this topic we are going to discuss its causes, adverse effects, treatment and its ayurvedic management.

Tenofovir

INTRODUCTION

Tenofovir is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is used to treat chronic hepatitis B. Tenofovir belongs to antiretroviral drugs which are known as nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These drugs block the reverse transcriptase enzyme which is necessary for the production in HIV infected individuals. These drugs decrease viral replication. Tenofovir disoproxil is absorbed and converted into its active form tenofovir, a monophosphate analog. Then this is converted to an active metabolite tenofovir diphosphate, a chain terminator which is expressed in the cell. Tenofovir diphosphate inhibits the HIV1 reverse transcriptase and hepatitis B polymerase by direct binding with a natural substrate and after movement into DNA causes viral DNA chain termination. Tenofovir increases CD 4 cell count, CD4 are the white blood cells that can help to fight against infections.

KEYS FACTS OF HEPATITIS B

  • Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver causing acute and chronic diseases.
  • Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are totally safe and effective.
  • WHO estimates that 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B.
  • This virus is commonly transmitted from mother to child during delivery or can be contacted with blood or body fluids.

TYPES OF HEPATITIS B

  1. Acute hepatitis B Infection – It usually lasts for six months, Immune system can clear acute hepatitis B from the body which can completely recover within a few months.
  2. Chronic hepatitis B infection – It lasts for more than six months, because the immune system can not fight against the infection, it may last for lifetime which can lead to serious ailments such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer.

CAUSES OF HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis is caused by Hepatitis B virus which can be passed from person to person through blood, body fluids. Main common ways that spread Hepatitis B virus are-

  • Sexual Contact – If person is infected than it can be spread from persons blood, saliva, vaginal secretions of the body.
  • Sharing of needles – HBV can easily spread through needles and syringes.
  • Accidental needle sticks – It is more common in person or in health care workers when it comes in direct contact with blood.
  • Mother to Child – Pregnant women can easily pass this virus to the babies during childbirth, so it is important for the child to get vaccinated on time.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TENOFOVIR

  • Certain allergic reactions such as Hives
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Swelling on the lips, throat
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Depressed mood
  • Sleep related problems (insomnia)
  • Weakness
  • Pain

MECHANISM OF ACTION ONTENOFOVIR

Tenofovir disoproxil is a nucleotide analogue which inhibits the reverse transcriptase an enzyme in retrovirus such as Human immunodeficiency virus, while there is inhibition of human enzymes such as DNA polymerase alpha , beta and mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma. In vitro tenofovir fumarate is converted into tenofovir. Tenofovir lacks a hydroxyl group in position so it is incorporated into a DNA strand which further prevents viral replication.

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TENOFOVIR

  • Lactic acidosis includes –
    • Weakness
    • Muscle pain
    • Dizziness
    • Trouble in breathing
    • Irregular heartbeat
  • Liver enlargement includes –
    • Dark urine
    • Abdominal pain
    • Nausea
    • Yellowing of skin
    • Discomfort
  • Worsening hepatitis B virus includes –
    • Abdominal pain
    • Fever
    • Jaundice
    • Dark urine
  • Decreased mineral bone density
  • Kidney damage and reduced kidney function includes –
    • Aching
    • Puffiness
    • fatigue
  • Long term use of tenofovir is associated with nephrotoxicity which appears as acute kidney disease, glomerular filtration rate.
  • Renal impairment
  • Elevate serum concentration
  • Affects immune system such as signs of new infection (fever, swollen glands, cold sores)
  • Pricking feeling, problems related with balance or eye movement
  • Enlarged thyroid
  • Menstrual changes

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Autoimmune hepatitis is due to high levels of pitta doshas in the liver (yakrit). When pitta gets vitiated it destroys the normal body component, mainly the cells and organs in which it is stored and produced. The aggravated pitta can pass to the regions of the body along with vata and kapha; when it comes in contact with pitta it causes inflammation and this further leads to chronicity. In Ayurveda, liver forms the root of raktavaha srotas, pachaka pitta gets vitiated and imparts the disturbing effect on ranjaka pitta in the liver. When pitta is high in the body it evaporates the kapha and this vitiated pitta loses strength, immunity. With severe pitta and kapha depletion in the liver leads to degeneration and dryness which is helpful for vata dosha, then this doshas damages liver and leads to cirrhosis and loss of immunity, this then causes autoimmune hepatitis which runs in the whole body.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS B

  • Fatigue
  • Arthralgia
  • Lack of energy
  • Tiredness
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Polyserositis
  • Jaundice
  • Indigestion
  • Abdominal pain

HERBS USEFUL IN HEPATITIS

  • Kumari (aloe vera) – Aloe vera has mild laxative action and wound healing properties so helpful in hemorrhoids. It has a blood thinning effect so useful against cholesterol and in atherosclerosis. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties so good in stomach and skin disease, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, improves vision and acts as a tissue rejuvenation.
  • Guduchi (giloy) – Giloy is useful in the treatment of fever, jaundice, asthma, and cardiac disorders. Guduchi is useful in vata imbalance disorders and helps to relieve constipation, helpful in balancing tridosha. It helps in the treatment of jaundice and many liver diseases. Guduchi improves eye disorders and acts as an aphrodisiac.
  • Kalmegh – It is an ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of liver diseases, skin disease and helps in purification of blood. It usually reduces vitiated kapha and pitta doshas. Kalmegh stimulates the liver and lowers the sugar level, useful in worm infestation and helps in expelling vitiated pitta. It stimulates sweating so it is useful in fever.
  • Kutuki – It is usually helpful in treating chronic fever, skin disorders, and helps in purgation. Kutuki balances kapha and pitta dosha. It has anti inflammatory, anti diabetic, hepatoprotective properties. Kutuki is a liver stimulant used as a laxative and promotes the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR HEPATITIS B

Ayurvedic medicines aid in treating the disease from its root cause, and maintain a healthy living life. Planet ayurveda has been a globally recognized company for 20 years and all the products are made under strict guidance of ayurvedic experts. Planet ayurveda provides the best quality herbal medicines with lifestyle and dietary precautions. Ayurvedic medicines aid in reducing the risk of recurrence of diseases and cause no side effects of the treatment as it is purely plant-based extracts. So planet Ayurveda provided LIVER CARE PACK for healthy liver which we will discuss in this topic in detail.

PRODUCTS LIST

  1. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA
  2. PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI
  3. ECHINACEA CAPSULES
  4. LIVER DETOX FORMULA

Herbal Remedies for Liver

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Yakrit Plihantak churna a polyherbal churna which is prepared by planet ayurveda using ingredients like- Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and many more. Yakrit Plihantak churna is used to improve liver functions, used in alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, and pitta disorders. This churna helps to remove excessive fat from the liver and helps in the regeneration of damaged liver cells.

Dosage – ½ to 1 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Phyllanthus Niruri

Phyllanthus Niruri are poly herbal capsules formulated by planet Ayurveda consisting of single standardized extract Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri). It is commonly known as a stone breaker or shatter stone. It has an anti hepatotoxic property which enhances disease liver functions. These capsules reduce the risk of stones and are an excellent herb for hepatitis B, anti HIV, in chronic dysentery. It is used as a general tonic in debility, has mild diuretic properties so good in treatment of dysuria.

Dosage – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Echinacea Capsules

Echinacea capsules are herbal capsules formulated by planet Ayurveda using a single extract of Indian Echinacea (Andrographis paniculata). These capsules are natural cleansers of blood and remove toxins from the body such as urea, uric acid thus improving liver and kidney functions. It is used in the treatment of Hepatitis B, gastric disorders, and diabetes. These capsules have antiviral properties which further involve glycoproteins thus invading cells in the body.

Dosage – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Liver Detox Formula

They are poly herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Makoy (Solanum nigrum), Himsra (Capparis spinosa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). These capsules are highly beneficial in cirrhosis of the liver, thus increasing digestive fire so preventing intestinal spasms helps to treat flatulence. In the intestines the bile and toxins are absorbed and excreted out.

Dosage – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis is a life threatening liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. Tenofovir belongs to antiretroviral drugs which are known as nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. These drugs block the reverse transcriptase enzyme which is necessary for the production in HIV infected individuals. Autoimmune hepatitis is due to high levels of pitta doshas in the liver (yakrit). When pitta gets vitiated it destroys the normal body component, mainly the cells and organs in which it is stored and produced. So we discussed many herbs and the remedies which are formulated by Planet Ayurveda in detail which provides a healthy liver without causing any side effects.

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October 21, 2022

How to Treat Gum Recession Naturally Through Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

It is the common dental problem seen among individuals. It occurs gradually, that’s why most people don’t know about it. It should not be ignored. It is just a type of periodontal disease. Various treatments are present for this and in ayurveda the herbal medicines are included which works in making gum stronger and they are effective. It is highly prevalent worldwide. It can cause root caries and discomfort to the patient. For proper  intervention it should be evaluated in early times so that it did not cause any severe damage. The orthodontist is not sure about whether periodontal surgery is helpful in this or not. Ayurveda is providing different drugs for this and patients are getting beneficial results.

INTRODUCTION

It is represented as atrophic periodontal changes. Atrophy means  all processes of cell lesion characterized by decrease in volume and cell population of given tissue or organ . Atrophic cells decrease in volume and also eat themselves; it causes their structural component to be changed.

Gingival recession presence before any orthodontic treatment is a real problem. Patients suffered from sensitivity in teeth and unpleasant appearance. Gingival recession is the condition where the root surface is exposed because gum pulls back from the tooth surface.This is also a main characteristic feature of the recession. It is generally found in most of the patients and the most common is the buccal one.

Gum Recession

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The pathophysiology can be divided into Direct cause and predisposing causes. The first cause due to which a gingival recession occurred is loss of bone support. As the time passes normal or inflamed gingival soft tissues tend to be on the level of cervical bone levels, this is the reason for gingival recession.

Primary Causes

  1. Low level and long lasting trauma
  2. Chronic inflammatory periodontal disease
  3. Periodontal treatment
  4. Occlusal trauma

Predisposing factor of gingival recession

  • Decreased alveolar bone crest
  • Dehiscence
  • Frenulum insertion

SYMPTOMS OF GUM RECESSION

  • Bad Breath and bad taste
  • Space developed between the redness of gums
  • Swelling and ease of blood bleeding (especially while brushing)
  • Pus formation noticed in morning
  • Sensitivity to cold and heat
  • Pain while chewing
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums

RISK FACTORS

Factors that can increase the incidence of periodontitis include

  • Tobacco chewing
  • Oral health habits
  •  Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Gingivitis
  • Deficiency of vitamin C
  • Decreased immunity conditions like: HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment
  • Certain diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and crohn’s disease.

AYURVEDIC VIEW

In Ayurveda gum disorders are placed under danta moola vyadhi which have many different types some of them are as follows: Sheethada (scurvy and gingivitis), Dantha pupputaka (gingival abscess), Upakush (periodontitis) and dantha veshtak (periodontal abscess) etc. Gum recession can be correlated with the “Sheetada” ; its causal factors are vitiation of kapha and rakta in the gums because of this the firmness of the muscular tissue which ultimately leads to bleeding gums.

Oral health can be maintained with good oral habits. In ayurveda gandusha and kavala therapies were given in dincharya (daily regimens) for good oral health. They have both curative as well as preventive properties.

  1. Gandusha is the procedure in which medicated liquid, ghrita or oil is held inside the mouth for a specific time.
  2. Kavala is the procedure in which medication is held inside the oral cavity and moved after that spit quickly.
  3. The properties of triphala kwath  is tridosha ghana(vata kapha pitta ghana) and its pharmacodynamics properties like anti bacterial, antioxidant and anti inflammatory it can be used in oral problems.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR GUM RECESSION BY PLANET AYURVEDA

As discussed above herbal medications are having good effects on oral cavity diseases. Planet Ayurveda provided many ayurvedic products for many diseases and they had no side effects on the patient. They are ISO certified and no additives were added to it. Planet Ayurveda has effective herbal products for gum recession that are GUM CARE PACK

It includes gum care powder, coral calcium complex, and arjuna saar. They all contributed together in making gums strong and keeping the oral cavity disease free. Let’s have a look at the formulations

Herbs for Gum Recession

Herbal Remedies for Gum Recession

1. GUM CARE POWDER

It had many useful herbal medications in it like: Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki(Terminalia chebula), Mustak( Cyperus rotundus) and Khadir(Acacia catechu).  Haritaki is one of the contents of Triphala and triphala properties are mentioned earlier.

Usage: It can be used in the form of teeth and gums massage after that rinse it with lukewarm water after 2-3 minutes.

2. CORAL CALCIUM COMPLEX

This is very useful in the gum recession due to its ingredients which are as follows: Praval pishti (Coral), Akik pishti (Agate) and Mukta pishti (Pearl). Mukta pishti is known to be balanced between rakta and pitta that’s why it is very useful in this. Whereas praval pishti provides vitamin c and calcium that is very beneficial for the bones, teeth and cell. It is helpful in absorbing and compensating the calcium requirement of the body. Its effects on doshas are also observed.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily after meal with plain water.

3. ARJUN SAAR

Arjun saar contains pure terminalia arjuna juice and pure amla juice. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) has sheeta virya (potency) and kashaya rasa i.e. it is helpful in bleeding disorders and also helpful in healing wounds. Amla (Emblica officinalis) is also known as dha triphala , this is tridosha pacifying. The amla juice is cold in potency, reduces fever and burning sensation. It is also beneficial in bleeding disorders.

Dosage: 20 ml of arjuna saar with equal amount of water

4. IRIMEDADI OIL

Irimedadi oil is a classical oil preparation. It contains two types of dravya that are kalka drava and kwatha dravya: Kalka dravya: Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Khadir (Senegalia catechu) etc. Kwath dravya: Irimeda chhal. It also includes til tail (Sesamum indicum). Til tail is a very good antioxidant and helps in fighting against any inflammation i.e it is beneficial in gum recession.

Usage: 5-10 ml of the oil is taken inside the mouth for gargling, then after spitting, rinse with warm water.

CONCLUSION

Periodontium which comprises gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone. It works as a stem for the teeth because it gives strength to the teeth. When there is disease in this region it can affect the whole tooth. Gum recession is also a type of periodontal disease as discussed above. Most of the people are not aware about this disease and are delaying the treatment which can cause tooth loss. Shitada is the main disease which affects oral health. Ayurvedic management is able to provide beneficial results to the patients suffering from this gum recession by preventive and curative methods.

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