Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

The whole world is a stage and the humans are just puppets who are performing over here. The living puppets who are performing brilliantly until an anonymous condition hits them. The unhealthiness results in the elimination of a particular puppet or a group of puppets. Some conditions affecting the health of these puppets are well known but some are totally nameless and clueless too. This article is also about one such condition whose name is known but the reason for its occurrence is totally clueless. The following article has information about Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare type of blood cancer affecting lymphoplasmacytoid cells and plasma cells. The article also discusses certain herbal preparations which can be easily used in this condition.

Introduction

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is considered as a gammopathy. Gammopathy is an abnormal increase in the immunoglobulin synthesis. Though Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia has been separated from the general group of gammopathies by the virtue of fact that it is characterised by the synthesis of IgM usually and rarely IgG or IgA. The second factor which is responsible for separating it from other gammopathies is a diffuse infiltrate throughout the bone marrow of plasma cells, plasmacytoid lymphocytes and lymphocytes. All of these are derived from a single clone of B cells. When the condition was first described it was thought that immunoglobulin was always of the IgM class but now as per studies and researches it can be IgG and IgA as well.

The Morphology of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

Morphologically, there is a diffuse sparseness of heavy infiltrate of the bone marrow by lymphocytes, plasma cells, lymphocytoid plasma cells and other variants. The infiltrate is rarely as heavy as that encountered in leukaemia and does not occur in tumorous masses that are characteristics of plasma cell myeloma. Therefore, there is no bone erosion seen nor observed in radiography as well.

Causes of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

The cause of this condition is not clear. Generally it is believed that Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is a genetic condition but in some cases it has been seen that there are no gene associated features. In the cases where there was gene involvement, there was mutation of MYD88 gene. Though the ratio of genetic findings is more than non-genetic observations. Moreover, the error that is present there tells the cells to continue multiplying rapidly.

Symptoms of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

The dominant presenting complaints of the patient with this condition are as follows:

• General weakness
• Extremely fragile
• With the above two weight loss is generally observed
• The above mentioned symptoms are nonspecific and if pointed out then lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly may be present.
• Less commonly there are bleeding phenomena  like petechiae, bruising, epistaxis and hematuria.
• Sometimes there can be neurological manifestation or even pain related to bones and joints.
• If present, then bleeding manifestations are related to thrombocytopenia, defects in the intrinsic clotting system and also there will be production of heparin due to increase in the number of mast cells.

Risk Factors of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

The factors that increase the chances of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia are:

1. Being older: As mostly it is diagnosed in adults of 65 years of age or older.
2. Being male: males are more likely to be diagnosed with this condition than females.
3. White skin tone: White people develop this condition more often.

Diagnosis of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

• Blood tests are done that reveal low levels of  blood cells and IgM proteins are detected, which are produced by cancerous cells.
• Collecting bone marrow for sample testing. This basically bone marrow biopsy
• Imaging tests like CT scan (computerised tomography) and PET scan (Positron emission tomography)

Treatment of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

• Observation: If IgM proteins are found in blood but your symptoms are less, then you’re probably asked to wait and repeat your tests.
• Plasma exchange: Plasma exchange means removing the whole blood with IgM proteins and exchanging it with healthy blood.
• Targeted therapy: It mainly includes the drugs that kill cancerous cells.
• Chemotherapy: The drug therapy to kill quickly growing cells
• Biological therapy: It uses your own immune system to kill cancerous cells.
• Bone marrow transplant: This is generally recommended in highly selective cases and is also known as stem cell transplant.

Ayurvedic Viewpoint of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia

In Ayurveda, this condition can be taken as the raktaveha srotas dushti. The dushti of this srotas or microchannel starts from the imbalance happening in digestion due to wrong diet and lifestyle. As there is a disbalance in agni or digestion it gives room for accumulation of endotoxins as well. Accumulated endotoxins hence result in build instabilities in the body like Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. Thus, the Ayurveda starts the treatment from the roots that is from correcting digestion or agni. For that obviously certain lifestyle and diet changes are always guided. These changes are specific to be done as they help in digestion of ama dosha and stabilises the body’s entire system.

Herbal Formulations by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic firm which deals with the manufacturing of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs who are really effective in managing many conditions. The formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These herbal preparations are effective to manage many conditions and are very fruitful hence giving positive noticeable results. Herbal medications by Planet Ayurveda are totally natural and standardised. The medication or formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia are as follows:

1. Mahamanjisthaghan Vati
2. Graviola Capsules
3. Boswellia Curcumin
4. Pitta Balance
5. Tumotrim Capsules
6. Telo Extension
7. Navkarshik Churna
8. Vikramprash

Product Description

1. Mahamanjisthaghan Vati

Mahamanjisthaghan vati is a very impressive classical preparation which is prepared using manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). The formulation gives very impressive results as an immune system enhancer that is an immune modulator and also strengthens the body’s defence system as well. Mahamanjisthaghan vati is  also a very impressive formulation for purification of blood and stimulates lipid metabolism as well. In case of any inflammation or numbness, the classical formulation is having fantastic effects. In addition, this classical formulation helps in the pacification of pitta dosha as well and hence dushit rakta is also purified by it spontaneously.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

2. Graviola Capsules

Graviola capsules prepared from the standardised extract of graviola (Annona muricata). These  are single herb capsules which have excellent  antioxidant properties as well as works as anticancer agents.  Graviola has specific bioactive constituents which are responsible for its antibacterial, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Moreover,  it also helps in reducing overall characteristics or symptoms of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. Some studies are also done on herb graviola and it is concluded that graviola extracts are having chemicals called acetogenins which help in killing the cancerous cells.The extract used in this preparation is 100% natural and does not contain any type of additives.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals.

3. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin capsules are prepared from the standardised extract of   potent herbs. The ingredients of this formulation are shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa). The capsules give great results in almost all the conditions related to pain and stiffness. These two herbs work really effectively and are best as an agent to reduce the inflammation. Moreover, these herbs are known for their property to pacify vata dosha and kapha dosha as well. In addition, the capsules also work by removing the ama dosha from the body. Boswellia curcumin also has its role in enhancing digestion. As a bonus, the presence of curcumin makes it a very good antibacterial agent. Both herbs help in immunity enhancement and protect the body from untimely degeneration. The formulation also helps in reduction of the increased WBC cells as well.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after  meals.

4. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance is a herbo mineral formulation that has a very great result in balancing the pitta dosha in the body. Pitta dosha is called the thermal energy of the body which is having similar properties to the rakta dhatu. Due to aggravation of pitta dosha or disbalance of pitta dosha rakta dhatu dushti takes place.Here, pitta balance capsules play its role. As the pitta dosha is pacified or is balanced the heat inside the body rakta dhatu dushti also resolves spontaneously. Moreover, pitta balance capsules are really effective and are prepared from the natural calcium compound along with giloy extract. All of these are having cold potency and give impressive results in this situation.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

5. Tumotrim Capsules

The tumotrim capsules are primarily used in the treatment of cancer. These Capsules have certain very impressive ingredients that are ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and Sonth (Zingiber Officinale). These all ingredients are helpful in pacifiation of kapha dosha and removes endotoxins from the body as well. Tumotrim as its name suggests helps in reducing the size of tumour or reducing any type of inflammatory response going on inside the body. All over the formulation help in stabilising the production of white blood cells in the body and  also inhibits the oxidation effect of free radicals.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

6. Telo Extension

Telo Extension is a very special  Planet  Ayurveda’s patent product which is prepared using seven different herbs. These herbs are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Pine Bark (Pinus longifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and Rose Hip (Rosa indica).  All of these herbs are known to have an effect so deep that it can have its impact on Chromosomes and on telomeres as well. The ingredients are one of the most famous herbs of Ayurveda and have a rejuvenating effect as well. The formulation helps in protecting the telomeres whose degradation process is speeded up due to Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

7. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna is a preparation that has amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) and many others as its ingredients. This preparation is very useful in enhancing the immunity of one’s body and also helps in reducing any kind of associated inflammation. The main function of this power preparation is to purify the blood. The navkarshik churna also has antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. In addition the formulation is having immunomodulatory effect and improves immunity as well. The formulation generally benefits the entire body.

Dosage: Half tsp twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

8. Vikramprash

Vikramprash is a formulation that has many herbs as its ingredients. The initial purpose of this preparation is to enhance immunity of an individual. The ingredients of this formulation are haritaki (Terminalia chebula), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and many more. These ingredients are pure herbs that benefit the body in a very magical way. The vikramprash has ingredients that have a really great effect in supporting the normal functioning of the entire body including the bone marrow. The formulation is in jam form and hence is very easy to consume as well by the individuals of any age. Moreover, it has amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) as its ingredients as well which help in building the body’s immunity and supports healthy blood cells too. Any factors hampering the normal functioning of bone marrow is eliminated with use of vikramprash.

Dosage: One tsp twice a day after meals.

Conclusion

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is one of the diseases that are totally rare and when diagnosed they are not having specific treatment in modern science. But in Ayurveda the Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is very well managed using ayurvedic herbs and formulations. These formulations or herbs help in enhancing the entire body’s metabolism and stimulate normal functioning of the body. Ayurveda believes that every disease whether cancerous or non cancerous starts from the imbalance starting from digestion. That’s why the formulations in Ayurveda are prepared in such a way that they have their impact in improving the overall digestion as well. In case of any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com