Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome also known as ALPS is an autoimmune inherited disease in which the body cannot properly regulate immune cells i.e lymphocytes. It is an autoimmune condition where there is the production of large no. Of abnormal lymphocytes in short there is the proliferation of lymphocytes. There are high no. Of white blood cells or lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen which further causes enlargement of these organs. It causes some clinical manifestations in patients in later stages and affects males more than females. The disorder mainly manifests in the first few years of life. In this article we will discuss the ayurvedic aspect of ALPS and how it can be managed using various Ayurvedic herbs.

INTRODUCTION

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which causes overproduction of lymphocyte cells which build-ups in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. ALPS is limited to the hematopoietic system but some other organs like liver and kidneys are also involved. The symptoms involved are fatigue, nosebleeds and infection results from proliferation of lymphocytes and destruction of other blood cells. Sometimes new gene defects can occur with no history of any infection. If genetic change occurs at the time of conception it is called sporadic but if it occurs in later stages the gene mutation affecting the blood cells is called a somatic variant which is not passed onto the next generation. When it causes damage to other organs it causes skin rashes, mouth sores, vasculitis and neurological symptoms.

CAUSES

ALPS is an inherited disease caused by mutation in the FAS gene and is of autosomal dominant manner. While some of the cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Sometimes it is caused by somatic mutation in the lymphocytes and is not inherited. Mutation in the FAS gene leads to abnormality in the activation of programmed cell death or apoptosis which is said to be an important part of normal cell life cycle. The mutation causes the immune system to remain active without even the presence of infection.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms will vary from person to person depending on the type of organ getting affected which later on gives rise to lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. The increased proliferation of abnormal lymphoid cells can give rise to lymphadenopathy.

• Rashes
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Infection
• Swollen lymph nodes in armpit and groin region

Majority of patients do not get lymphoma but some are at higher risk of getting the cancer of white blood cells. Lymphoma causes symptoms like fever, weight loss, rashes and enlargement of lymph nodes.

AYURVEDIC VIEW

As per ayurveda the syndrome comes under the autoimmune disorders which are directly related to the ama or endotoxins produced in the body. These toxins further lead to the development of ama in the whole body which start obstructing the path of the various bodily channels. These channels mainly get obstructed by the movement of doshas from kostha (GI tract) to shakha (all bodily dhatus like Ras, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra) and skin. This transfer of ama or toxins from dhatus and kostha lead to the deposition of toxins in various bodily organs like liver, spleen and lymph nodes causing their enlargement and develops lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in later on stages.

Ayurveda explains about the dhusti of majja dhatu or bone marrow in this syndrome where the white blood cells Lymphocytes are born where ama or toxin imbalances the majja dhatu agni (digestive fire) and causes proliferation of lymphoid cells. There is the vitiation of strotas or channels with ati pravriti (excess production) causing proliferation of lymphocytes. These will further get deposited in the lymph nodes and give rise to lymphadenopathy.

The main Ayurvedic treatment regimen is done for removing the obstruction from the channels with haridra (Curcumin longa), improving one’s immunity by adding immune booster herbs like giloy(Tinospora cordifolia) and balancing the majja dhatu agni.   

DIAGNOSIS

This syndrome is generally diagnosed by taking one’s history and laboratory examination.

• Family history of  ALPS
• Elevated plasma  vitamin B12 level
• Polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia (IgG, IgA)
• Elevated plasma interleukins
• Anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• USG or CT Scan for Lymphadenopathy and Splenomegaly
• People with ALPS are at risk of developing Lymphoma

TREATMENT

The main course of treatment is done to manage the autoimmune condition by adopting medicinal treatment like

• Corticosteroids  like Methylprednisolone
• Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IvIg)  
• Rituximab
• Rapamycin like mTOR inhibitor for reducing Lymphoproliferation and lymphadenopathy
• Surgery for surgical removal of spleen like Splenectomy

Herbal Remedies for ALPS by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda provides various ayurvedic herbal formulations to various diseases which are helpful in managing the condition of various health ailments. These herbal formulations are made up of 100 percent natural ayurvedic herbs free from any type of side effects and preservatives and can be taken by people of any age group. Out of all of those herbs some of them are used to manage this autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) given below

1. Giloy Capsules
2. Curcumin Capsules
3. Immune Booster
4. Navkarshik Churna

Product’s Description

1. Giloy Capsules

These capsules are made up of herb giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) which is said to be good for improving immunity. It has madhur(sweet), ushna(hot) and katu (pungent) and has deepana (appetizer) and pachna (digestive) properties to balance the digestive fire and reduce toxins from the channels.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily after meal.

2. Curcumin Capsules

These capsules are formed of herb like haridra(Curcumin longa) which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It overall improves immunity and maintains healthy blood circulation in the body. It reduces pain and inflammation from the body. 

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily after meal.

3. Immune Booster

This herbal formulation is made up of herbs like amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), gau piyush (Bovine colostrums) and grape seed (Vitis vinifera) which are having antioxidant properties and will protect the tissues from the free radical damage.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily after meal.

4. Navkarshik Churna

This herbal formulation is made of different herbs like Triphala (Emblica oficinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica) , Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and various other herbs. Neem is having tikta(bitter), laghu(light) and ruksha(dry) gunas to reduce the obstruction from the concerned channels and improves the blood flow. Vacha is considered to be medhya and possess laghu(light), tikshna(sharp) guna to have a rejuvenating effect on the body. While triphala will balance all three doshas in the body.

Dosage– 1 tsp twice daily after meal.

CONCLUSION

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome or ALPS is an inherited autoimmune condition which affects the lymphoid cells and causes its proliferation by destroying the other immune cells. It can be caused by hereditary effects or mutation in genes. Ayurveda mainly focuses on treating the cause of the disease or nidanparivarjna or managing autoimmune like conditions by reducing ama or toxins from the body. The herbs mentioned above are good for managing the ALPS condition which are free from any types of side effects and free from addictive chemicals and can be consumed by people of any age group. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com . For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com