Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Adrenoleukodystrophy & Its Ayurvedic Treatment With Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Genetic disease comes into play when there is an altered gene inherited from the parents to the child at the time of conception. Genes are the proteins in our body which play an important role to pass on any kind of information in the body that is required to control the body’s development, growth and functioning. So if there is any kind of alteration in any of the genes then it is definite to develop health conditions in the body. Many conditions run into the families among which today we are going to discuss Adrenoleukodystrophy. This condition affects brain health which is very important to be maintained as the brain is the one which regulates our whole body functioning. In the below study we will discuss this disease in detail along with its Ayurvedic management.

Adrenoleukodystrophy

INTRODUCTION

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a condition that causes a mutated gene transfer from the parent to the child which means it is hereditary in nature. This condition leads to damage of myelin sheath due to various factors. The gene involved in this condition is X-chromosome. It affects males more than females. The main thing that happens in ALD is there is prevention of breakdown of VLCFAs that further leads to build up of fatty acids in the brain, N.S (Nervous system) and adrenal glands. In Ayurveda it is correlated to beej dosha (defect in shukra (semen) and shonita (ovum). This is some brief information about ALD so let’s discuss this condition in detail with its Ayurvedic management.

SOME FACTS ABOUT ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY (ALD)

Some facts about ALD that one must know:

  • ALD was first recognised in the year 1923.
  • It is also known as sudanophilic leukodystrophy and schilder’s disease.
  • It is a progressive disorder.
  • It may lead to a long term coma.
  • After arrival of symptoms one must live upto maximum 10 years.

CAUSES OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY (ALD)

ALD is caused by mutation in the X-chromosome and the gene involved is ABCD1. As the female has 2 X-chromosomes so if a female inherits a mutated gene then she is still having 1 X chromosome to balance the mutation. On the other side males have only 1 X chromosome so if it gets mutated it will lead to the abnormality causing disease. In each pregnancy the female ALD carriers may have a 25% chance of having daughter and son carriers, that is 1 in 4 cases.

SYMPTOMS OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY (ALD)

Generally the symptoms used to begin between 4-10 years of age but sometimes present in later life. Following are the most common symptoms of ALD.

  • Learning disabilities
  • Loss of vision
  • Seizures
  • Dysphagia
  • Weight loss
  • Deafness
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of coordination
  • Intermittent vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Muscle weakness
  • Darkening of skin
  • Headache in morning
  • Low blood glucose levels

DIAGNOSIS OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY (ALD)

First thoroughly evaluate the medical history of the patient and if the doctor evaluates that it’s ALD then he will refer you for some other additional tests. These tests include blood tests for measuring the levels of VLCFA. If these levels are high then it must be a diagnosis of ALD. To confirm it more a genetic test is to be done. If a person is diagnosed with ALD then the parents of that person must be recommended to get the genetic testing done.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY (ALD)

As per ayurveda ALD is correlated with beeja dushti (vitiated gamete). Beeja dushti can occur with ashuddha artava or ashuddha shukra (vitiated female gamete or vitiated female gamete). There are a lot of conditions that occur due to vitiated gamete including jataja prameha (congenital diabetes), sahaja arsha (congenital hemorrhoids), kushtha roga and even ALD. Beeja dushti is due to the fact that the mother conceived when her uterus or gamete is not only vitiated but troubled by the imbalance of doshas because of the intake of improper diet. If the beej bhaga (sperm or ovum) is vitiated then it leads to beej dushti which will cause deformity in the fetus like the above mentioned congenital conditions. As it is an inherited or genetic disease, we may alleviate the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life of the affected person. For the purpose of managing the symptoms of ALD, Planet Ayurveda provides the Ayurvedic treatment that we will discuss further.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA (ALD)

Planet Ayurveda works in regardance to Ayurveda – A holistic science. This is a GMP certified and ISO certified company which formulates their own herbo-mineral supplements. The products are formulated under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. These supplements not only prepare for the promotive health purpose but also provide the preventive effects. The herbo-mineral remedies are prepared by 100% pure herbs and minerals. These supplements are devoid of any kind of resins, fillers, gums, colour, additives and preservatives. It may deal with all kinds of health issues and the same is for ALD. ALD being a genetic disease can not be alleviated from the root but we may improve the quality of life of that person and may increase the life span of that person. For this Planet Ayurveda provides the following herbal remedies.

  1. BRAHMI CAPSULES
  2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
  3. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES
  4. RASRAJ RAS
  5. GILOY CAPSULES
  6. SPIRULINA CAPSULES

Herbal Remedies For Adrenoleukodystrophy

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. BRAHMI CAPSULES

Brahmi Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a herbal remedy prepared by standardised extract of herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). This herb has vata pacifying and nervine effects which helps in promoting brain health. As vata dosha aggravation initiates the degeneration of myelin sheath. So brahmi herb by pacifying vata dosha prevents the further degeneration of the myelin sheath and manages the symptoms of ALD. These capsules can also help in improving cognitive functions.

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

2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

Ashwagandha Capsules are the capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda which includes the standardised extract of herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb consists of adaptogenic effects that help in preventing any kind of stress in the body. It consists of Rasayana properties which help in the rejuvenation of all the body cells. The balya properties of Ashwagandha aid in providing strength to the weakened muscles in ALD. Also it is effective in preventing weight loss and alleviating fatigue in the patient.

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

3. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES

Gotu Kola Capsules is a herbal formulation consisting of standardized extract of mandukaparni (Centella asiatica). These capsules are prepared by Planet Ayurveda under the strict regardance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. This herb is one of the four medhya rasayana, the herbs that help in improving cognitive functions. So this herb by improving cognitive functions helps in improving the symptoms such as learning disabilities, lack of coordination and various other symptoms associated with the brain.

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

4. RASRAJ RAS

Rasraj Ras is a classical ayurvedic formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda as mentioned in classical texts. This remedy has been used since ancient times for alleviating various neuromuscular disorders. It includes various ingredients such as parada (Purified mercury), swarna bhasma (calyx of gold), loha bhasma (Calyx of iron) and various others. It is a miraculous vata pacifying remedy which helps in preventing the deterioration of myelin sheath. The rasayana properties of Rasraj Ras aid in managing all the symptoms of ALD as well as improving the quality of life of the affected person.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. GILOY CAPSULES

Giloy Capsules, one of the formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda with the standardized extract of giloy herb (Tinospora cordifolia). Giloy herb is considered as amrita which means it acts like a nectar for the body. This herb is tridosha shamaka and consists of antioxidant properties. These properties of giloy help in preventing the further deterioration of myelin sheath by preventing the free radicals and reducing the oxidative stress in the body. On the other side, the immunomodulatory effect of these capsules helps in boosting the immunity levels in the body.

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

6. SPIRULINA CAPSULES

Spirulina Capsules is a single ingredient remedy which is formulated by Planet Ayurveda with the standardized extract of spirulina, a blue-green algae. It is known for its best antioxidant action. It is effective in reducing the fatty acids build up in the brain which is the main cause behind the symptoms of ALD disease. These capsules by preventing the oxidative stress in the body helps in alleviating muscle weakness and due to the abundance of nutrients it aids in preventing weight loss too.

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

CONCLUSION

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a condition that causes a mutated gene transfer from the parent to the child which means it is hereditary in nature. The main thing that happens in ALD is there is prevention of breakdown of VLCFAs that further leads to build up of fatty acids in the brain, N.S (Nervous system) and adrenal glands. The disease is associated with genetics and brain health. As our brain is responsible for the overall functioning occurring in the body so it is important to take care of brain health. The main cause of ALD is mutated genes and the symptoms may include Learning disabilities, Loss of vision, Seizures, Dysphagia, Weight loss, Deafness, Fatigue and various other symptoms associated with the brain, N.S (Nervous system) and adrenal glands. As per Ayurveda it is correlated to beej dushti i.e vitiation of sperm and ovum at the time of conception. This condition can be managed and the lifespan and quality of life of a person can be improved by Ayurvedic medicines. For this Planet Ayurveda provides various herbal and herbomineral remedies that can alleviate the symptoms of ALD.

What is Orchitis?- Symptoms Causes and its Ayurvedic management

Abstract

Testis are the main reproductive organ of the male body. Sometimes the testis get inflamed due to various factors and the term is called orchitis. Spermatogenesis occurs in the testis. Therefore these are vital structures for reproduction. Orchitis mainly affects men between the age of 14 to 35. The most common cause of orchitis is infection due to various infective organisms. The symptoms include pain and tenderness in the affected testicle. In the following text we shall discuss the disease in some detail and also the treatment of the same. Let’s have a look!!

Introduction

Orchitis in literal terms means inflammation of a testicle or both the testis. As the testis and epididymis lie next to each other, therefore it is hard to differentiate if the testis or epididymis or both are inflamed. Hence the term ‘epididymo-orchitis’ is often used. It is mainly caused through bacteria that reach the testis by blood from other organs. It can also be caused by virus and sexually treansmitted infections and infection acqiuered after surgical procedures. Early management is necessary as in the late cases of orchitis, spermatogenesis is hampered and results in infertility or low sperm count and the quality of the sperms also deteriorates. The disease is best correlated with the ‘Vridhi’ roga, that is the enlargement of phalakosha (scrotum). And among Vridhi roga, particularly pittaja condition is best matched with orchitis. So it can be said that orchitis is caused by vitiated pitta dosha. According to Yogratnakar , kurandaroga is a similar condition, but it is a term used for paediatric conditions.

Orchitis

Causes of orchitis

  1. Trauma can cause inflammation of the testis
  2. Infectious mononucleosis is another cause of the aforesaid condition
  3. Urinary tract infection by E Coli
  4. Gonococci infection is another cause for orchitis.
  5. Pyogenic bacteria causes painful orchitis
  6. Surgical intervention like Prostatectomy etc can lead to urinary tract infection
  7. Epididymitis can cause orchitis as both epididymis and testis lie next to each other
  8. Catheterization is the main cause of urinary tract infection
  9. Tuberculosis and brucellosis through blood flow can reach the testis and cause inflammation.
  10. The mumps virus (now uncommon cause as MMR vaccine is routinely given in children)
  11. Schistosomiasis which is a tropical infectious disease can cause epididymo-orchitis.
  12. Medicine named ‘Amiodarone’ has a side effect that causes orchitis.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Insidious onset of unilateral pain in scrotal region and swelling.
  2. There can be burning micturition and dysuria (pain during urination), urgency.
  3. Fever and chills are common.
  4. There is no nausea or vomiting as in case of testicular torsion
  5. Discharge from the penile meatus prior to acute orchitis.
  6. Loss of libido
  7. Infertility at a later stage.

Clinical manifestation

  1. Fever
  2. Chills
  3. Infertility
  4. Pain
  5. Hydrocele can be associated with orchitis.
  6. Malaise

Diagnostic evaluation

  1. Medical history is important.
  2. Physical examination shows tender and enlarged testicles on the affected side.
  3. Complete blood count may show some infectious changes. It may show leukocytosis and elevated ESR.
  4. Urine routine and culture (initial stream , mid stream, and after prostate massage)
  5. Urethral smear for gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
  6. Ultrasonography of the scrotum may reveal inflammation and fluid (if present).
  7. STI screening.

Management

  1. Warm and cold compresses to reduce inflammation.
  2. Scrotal support and elevation is of some help.
  3. Ice packs.
  4. Rest and fluid intake should be increased.

Medical Management

  1. Anti inflammatory to reduce tenderness and swelling eg ibuprofen.
  2. Broad spectrum antibiotic therapy
  3. Antipyretic medications
  4. Mumps vaccine
  5. Gamma globulin in patients who are exposed to mumps.

Surgical Intervention

  1. Aspiration of the fluid if the associated hydrocele condition in order to decrease pressure on the testicle.
  2. Surgical tapping is indicated if the edema persists, as it decreases the chance of testicular atrophy.
  3. Surgical excision of testis (orchiectomy) is indicated in severe cases.

Herbal Remedies for Orchitis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a famous GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which clings to the goal of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic medicines as described in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. Medicines are prepared without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring substances which have many side effects on the health. formulations prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and free of any adulteration. Planet Ayurveda has manufactured following products using the herbs beneficial for the urinary and reproductive systems.

Following is the list of formulations that are going to be useful in managing orchitis and its related symptoms.

  1. Gokshuradi Guggul
  2. Septrin tablets
  3. Mahamanjisthaghan Ghanvati
  4. Punarnava capsules
  5. Boswellia curcimin

Herbal Remedies for Orchitis

Herbal Remedies for Orchitis

1. Gokshuradi Guggul

It contains numerous herbs which work for the betterment of the reproductive system. Ingredients of the formulation include gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), black pepper (Piper nigrum), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), pippali (Piper longum), mustak (Cyperus rotundus), amla (Emblica officinale), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula). These herbs alleviates pain due to orchitis. Further it helps in managing urinary tract infections and other infectious conditions related to the reproductive system and urinary tract system. Moreover it improves the overall wellness of the two systems.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

2. Septrin Tablets

The formulation is a blend of various herbs including guggul (Commiphora mukul). Haridra (Curcuma longa), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), sonth (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum). These herbs have anti inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic properties. Therefore it is the best formulation for orchitis. As it reduces inflammation and pain. Also is beneficial in fighting disease causing pathogens. Septrin tablets are a miracle.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

3. Mahamanjisthaghan vati

It contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). It is the kwath ghan of manjishtha. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has healing power. It also has a soothing effect on the urinary mucosa and overall reproductive system. As it pacifies pitta dosha.Therefore it is beneficial in Orchitis.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

4. Punarnava Capsules

Capsules contain punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) extract. It has diuretic properties therefore it kicks out disease causing agents such as bacterias and viruses by increased urine output. It clears the urinary tract by increasing urinary frequency. Furthermore, it is beneficial in reducing the inflammation of the testis.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.

5. Boswellia Curcumin

It is filled with the goodness of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa).  It is anti-inflammatory and has analgesic and antiseptic properties which are required to treat the inflammatory condition of the teticle/testis and also the cause behind the inflammation.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

As we have discussed Orchitis with its causes and treatment in both contemporary as well as Ayurvedic systems of medicines. In males, both the reproductive and urinary systems are in proximity therefore the infection spreads from each other at a fast rate. Furthermore, the treatment of the aforesaid disease is needed at emergency level because of its complication of infertility. Above mentioned products are enriched with properties that are required to treat orchitis. Products work impeccably in managing the disease with its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial, antifungal activities. Planet Ayurveda’s products are providing relief from many issues of the reproductive and urinary system. Planet Ayurveda and its formulations are successfully providing healthy life to its patients.