Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Alternative Treatment for Hyperaldosteronism – Conn’s syndrome

Abstract

Human anatomy and physiology is complicated. There are a number of functions within our body that are continuously carrying on. Organs in our body secretes a plenty of secretions that keeps the functioning of various systems in normal limits. Any changes or fluctuations  in these secession can impact the health seriously. In this text we are going to discuss the increased levels of aldosterone from the adrenal glands which is known as hyperaldosteronism. Further, we shall see some detail of the condition and also discuss its management in the contemporary system of medicine as well as in the traditional system of Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. Let’s discuss!!

Introduction

Hyperaldosteronism is a condition which is characterised by increased secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal glands which results in decreased levels of potassium in the blood and increased excretion of hydrogen ions.the condition is also termed as Conn’s syndrome. This is also pronounced as mineralocorticoid excess. In Ayurveda, the condition of hyperaldosteronism can be correlated with tridosha imbalance or vitiation of three doshas according to the symptoms as well as causes. We shall further see its ayurvedic aspect in this text. Now let’s discuss the causes, classification, features and management of the condition of hyperaldosteronism.

symptoms of Hyperaldosteronism

Causes of Hyperaldosteronism

  1. Genes and diet are the main causes of Hyperaldosteronism but following are some diseases that cause the condition.
  2. Adrenal hyperplasia
  3. Adrenal adenoma
  4. Fibromuscular dysplasia
  5. Renioma
  6. Renal tubular acidosis
  7. Nutcracker syndrome
  8. Ectopic tumours
  9. Left ventricular failure
  10. Cor pulmonale
  11. Massive ascites
  12. Proximal renal tubular acidosis

Signs and Symptoms

Hyperaldosteronism can be asymptomatic but below are the symptoms that can be present.

  1. Headache
  2. Fatigue
  3. High blood pressure
  4. Hypokalemia
  5. Hypomagnesemia
  6. Hypernatraemia
  7. Polyuria
  8. Tingling sensation
  9. Polydipsia
  10. Numbness
  11. Nocturia
  12. Blurry vision
  13. Vertigo/dizziness
  14. Intermittent or temporary paralysis
  15. Muscle weakness
  16. Muscle spasms

Investigations

  1. Increased aldosterone to renin ratio in primary hyperaldosteronism.
  2. Normal or decreased aldosterone to renin ratio but with high renin in secondary hyperaldosteronism.
  3. High resolution CT scan of abdomen
  4. ECG
  5. Urinary aldosterone

Management of Hyperaldosteronism

  1. Removal of high-potassium
  2. low-sodium diet (for primary)
  3. High-sodium diet (for secondary)
  4. Spironolactone
  5. Eplerenone
  6. Potassium sparing diuretics
  7. COX2 inhibitors
  8. Surgery for adrenal adenoma

Complications

  1. High blood pressure
  2. Erection problem and gynecomastia prolonged use of medicines that block the effect of hyperaldosteronism.

Ayurvedic aspect and management of Hyperaldosteronism

Ayurveda is a traditional system of Indian medicine that has been serving mankind and lighting the way of people how to lead their day to day life. Ayurveda is full of life that teaches people the good doings that benefit the people physically, mentaly and spiritually.

Ayurveda is based on the three humours that are vata, pitta and kapha. Balance of these results in health whereas imbalance/vitiation of these is the cause of diseases.
Further Pitta dosha is responsible for metabolism and various secretions and kapha dosha causes the abnormal growths when vitiated and otherwise provides stability to the body. Lastly, vata dosha is responsible for all the body movements.

In Ayurveda, the correlation of the condition of hyperaldosteronism can be well established with the tridosha vitiation as the kapha vitiation causes the hyperplasia of the adrenal glands, pitta vitiation leads to the increased secretions of the aldosterone and vata vitiation results in increased blood pressure (rakta gata vata). All the dosha interconnects with each other, thus all the causes and symptoms give a clear indication of tridosha imbalance. Hence, establishing health can be achieved by correcting the imbalance of three doshas.

Herbs such as Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Pipaltvak (Ficus religiosa), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Dalchini (Cinnamomum tamala), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Kachnar Bark (Bauhinia variegata), Varuna (Crataeva religiosa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki/Baheda (Terminalia bellirica) etc are effective in balancing the three doshas which eventually manages hyperaldosteronism. Some of the ayurvedic medicines available that effectively helps in managing hyperaldosteronism includes dashmoolarishta, kachnaar guggul, triphala guggul, arjunarishta etc. These above said medicines provide relief in hyperaldosteronism very well.

Herbal Remedies for Hyperaldosteronism by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well known GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the aim of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which causes a number of side effects on the human body. Products prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and do not contain any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic and vegetarian and gluten free. Planet Ayurveda extends its products which are beneficial in Hyperaldosteronism.

  1. ARJUN TEA
  2. ARJUNA CAPSULES
  3. BRAHMI CAPSULES
  4. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL
  5. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HYPERALDOSTERONISM

Herbal Remedies for Hyperaldosteronism

Product Description

1. ARJUN TEA

Arjun tea is a product of Planet Ayurveda. It is a helpful remedy that relaxes the mind and all the bodily symptoms associated with stress such as palpitations, anger etc. It contains the goodness of arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and other herbs. With managing the symptoms of vitiated pitta and kapha dosha, it benefits the people suffering from Hyperaldosteronism. Arjun tea reduces the blood pressure and pacifies pitta which eventually normalises the levels of aldosterone in the bloodstream.

Dosage : One cup daily.

2. ARJUNA CAPSULES

Arjuna capsule is a product of Planet Ayurveda that contains the standardised extract of herb Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). It is a potent cardiotonic and anti oxidant as well. It is known for its pitta and kapha shamak (pacifier) properties. As Hridya (heart) is a place of mana (mind), all the activities of mind are controlled by heart. It relieves  tiredness and fatigue. It is effective in boosting heart health and so is helpful in managing high blood pressure, reduces the levels of aldosterone and helps in decreasing the hyperplasia of adrenal gland. With these magnificent properties Arjuna capsules effectively manage the condition of hyperaldosteronism.

Dosage : Two capsules twice a day.

3. BRAHMI CAPSULES

Brahmi  Capsule is a product of Planet Ayurveda formulated with the tremendous herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). It has sheet virya (cold potency) that has soothing properties. Brahmi is very good medhya rasayan (brain tonic), agnivardhak (increases digestive fire ) and rasayan (immunomodulator) according to Acharya Charak. Brahmi pacifies the kapha and vata dosha thus helpful in hyperplasia and hypertension. Brahmi contains powerful antioxidants that boost brain function, reduce inflammation, lowers blood pressure and prevents anxiety and stress. Hence with these tremendous properties Brahmi capsules are effective in managing hyperaldosteronism.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

4. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL

Kanchnaar guggul is beneficial in hyperaldosteronism as it reduces the size of the abnormal enlargement of the adrenal glands. It is filled with the herbs that are known to reduce the abnormal sizes of the tissues and reduce pain. Ingredients of the kachnaar guggul include kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), amalaki (Emblica officinale), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum), varuna bark (Crataeva religiosa), tejapatra (Cinnamomum tamala), guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. The formulation reduces the size of the hyperplasia of adrenal glands. Thus it is a magical formulation that Ayurveda has in uncontrolled and abnormal tissue growths. With its anti-inflammatory and cutting the abnormal sizes to its original size, Kanchnaar Guggul manages hyperaldosteronism very effectively.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day.

5. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA

Navkarshik Churna is a product of Planet Ayurveda that is composed of a number of herbs including haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalki (Emblica officinalis), vacha (Acorus calamus), neem (Azadirachta indica), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) etc. The churna benefits the patient with hyperaldosteronism by its tridosha balancing properties. Furthermore, Navkarshik churna helps in removing ama dosha from the body and helps in managing the high blood pressure and fatigue and other various symptoms associated with hyperaldosteronism.

Dosage : One tsp twice a day with warm water.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

Conclusion

Our body secretes various hormones that are required for the normal physiological functions. Hormones in normal limits keeps the body and mind healthy but decreased or increased leads to a disease and becomes troublesome. Hyperaldosteronism is a similar condition that can develop from a number of factors. Secretion of aldosterone from adrenal gland increases that results in a number of symptoms that are quite problematic and can affect overall health and can cause injury to major organs. In the modern system of medicine, there is no permanent cure available though the surgery is indicated in some of the cases but the chances of recurrence remain high. But in Ayurveda, the management is done permanently and the balance of all the three doshas is established with the herbal formulations. There are herbs available that decrease the size of the adrenal hyperplasia impeccably and help in controlling or checking the inappropriate levels of aldosterone in the body naturally.

Equine influenza, Respiratory Disease of Horses – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

ABSTRACT

Equine influenza is the respiratory disease of the horses which is very contagious and spreads very quickly among the young horses. Horses aging between 1-5 years old are more prone to this infection. It has affected horses in many countries except few countries like Iceland and New Zealand. Some of the severe epidemics are seen in countries like Japan, China and Australia where thousands of horses got affected. This infection is not deadly except in weak and debilitated horses. This article contains all the information about Equine influenza and its Ayurvedic treatment.

INTRODUCTION TO EQUINE INFLUENZA

Horses and other equidae are commonly affected by this respiratory illness called Equine influenza. It is very contagious in nature and especially for the young or new born horses. Two subtypes of influenza A virus are responsible for the causation of the infection. Outbreak of Equine influenza causes major losses to the industry dealing with equines and usually occurs in areas where large numbers of horses are kept together or they gather for races, shows and events. This virus has gained access to larger areas like across the countries due to the transportation of the horses from one part to other.

Equine influenza

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF EQUINE INFLUENZA

Equine influenza as per Ayurveda is caused due to the vitiation of any of the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Predominantly the influenza is resulted from aggravation of Pitta and Kapha dosha resulting in formation of phlegm, nasal discharges which are yellow or green, fever, cough, and shivering.

CAUSES OF EQUINE INFLUENZA

Equine influenza is caused by strain of influenza A virus, i.e. H strain and N strain where H means hemagglutinin and N means neuraminidase. These both names are of protein which resides on the surface of a virus that helps them invade the cells. The influenza A virus can cause illness in both humans and animals and can pass the barrier of the species causing severe symptoms and resulting in the origin of pandemics.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EQUINE INFLUENZA

As it is a highly infectious illness which has a high transmission rate with short incubation time in the horses, i.e. 1-3 days only. Healthy horses get infected from the affected one by coming in contact with contaminated brushes, buckets or tack and also by infected coughing horses. An entire barn can get affected by the coughing of an infected horse. Even after the 14 days of the post infection, the infected horses are infectious and can transfer the illness to other healthy horses. Even some horses are also reported to be asymptomatic who shed the virus without getting sick themselves. Some of the signs and symptoms of Equine influenza are:

  • Fever
  • Nasal discharge
  • Lethargy
  • Cough
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • In severe cases there can occur destruction of lung and throat cells

This illness also makes horses susceptible to other secondary infections like bacterial pneumonia for the first 2-3 weeks post infection.

DIAGNOSIS OF EQUINE INFLUENZA

The clinical signs alone cannot be sued for the diagnosis of Equine influenza as the signs and symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses. Certain diagnostic tests like virus isolation from the nasal swab samples are done which is to be done soon after infection as testing too late can make the test negative. Quantitative PCR test is done to confirm the diagnosis as it is fast, accurate, sensitive, and specific.

TREATMENT OF EQUINE INFLUENZA

Conventional treatment of Equine influenza in the horses who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms include supportive care and rest only. However those horses who have major symptoms should be on rest, discontinue the training for at least one week. In case of high fever, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered. Further antibiotics are prescribed where the horse develops purulent nasal discharge, continuous fever, or pneumonia. Give them a good time to recover.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF EQUINE INFLUENZA

As there is vitiation of the dosha, hence the Ayurvedic treatment will aim at pacifying these doshas and restoring their balance. Also in Ayurveda the emphasis is more given on condition of host, i.e. Prakruti and vikruti rather than the nature of infectious agents. There are many herbs in nature which possess natural qualities to eliminate these infective agents and restore the balance of the dosha, bringing back health.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR EQUINE INFLUENZA

Herbal Remedies at Planet Ayurveda are prepared with pure and authentic herbs that not only possess qualities to treat illness in humans but in animals as well. These herbal remedies are also free from any kind of synthetic color, dye, additives, preservatives, chemicals or yeast. For Equine influenza Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies.

Products List

  1. Vasaka capsule
  2. Aller-G care
  3. Tulsi capsule
  4. Praanrakshak churna
  5. Curcumin capsule

Herbal Remedies for Equine influenza

Herbal remedies for Equine influenza

Products Description

1. Vasaka capsule

This herbal formulation is prepared from standardized extract of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) herb. Vasaka herbal capsules help in annihilating the cough and other respiratory troubles other than preventing the lung damage.

Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily with or after meals.

2. Aller G- Care

Shirish (Albizialubbock), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica)and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are the herbs used in Aller-G care capsules. These multi herbal capsules help in boosting the weak immune response, and help in treating symptoms related to respiratory infections.

Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily with or after meals.

3. Tulsi capsule

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is the herb used in the standardized form in preparation of Tusli, single herb capsules which enhance herb’s medicinal properties. These herbal capsules help in alleviating different types of respiratory ailments like infections, cough, and also boosts immunity.

Dosage- Give 2 capsules twice daily with or after meals.

4. Praanrakshak churna

Praanrakshak churna is a therapeutic combination of herbs like Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Anantmool (Tylophora asthmatica), Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica), and Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum). This herbal churna aids normal breathing, treats cough and helps in correcting the lung damage.

Dosage- Give 5gm twice daily with or after meals.

5. Curcumin capsule

These medicinally potent capsules are prepared from active component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) i.e. Curcumin. Regular intake of Curcumin capsules help in preventing infections, boost immunity and prevent damage to throat and lung cells.

Dosage- Give 4 capsules twice daily with or after meals

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

There are many herbs present in nature which can help in treating the Equine influenza naturally. Early diagnosis and correct type of treatment can save the horse from developing any complications.