Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

December 20, 2019

What is the use of Sumatriptan and its best alternative in Ayurveda?

Abstract

Although migraine headache is a benign condition. Many people do not pay attention to it because it is much less likely to be fatal, but it requires proper treatment because it severely affects life. And most people prefer modern medicines like sumatriptan that cause side effects and lead to serious complications later. So, everyone needs to find out the best alternative of these medicines, which do not cause any side effects and treat migraine naturally i.e. Ayurvedic treatment. It includes herbs and herbal formulation. This natural remedy is the best alternative to sumatriptan. Planet Ayurveda provides a pure and safe herbal formula for migraine named “Migraine Care Pack”, the best alternative to Sumatriptan in Ayurveda.

migraine_headache

What is Sumatriptan and its use?

It refers to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Sumatriptan is used for acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura (1).

Mechanism of Action

Sumatriptan is agonists of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D (5-hydroxytryptamine). This agonism leads to the contraction of cranial blood vessels and prevents the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. Sumatriptan reduces carotid artery blood flow but increases blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery.

Dosage Forms And Route Of Administration

It is available in the market in the different dosage form with the different route of administration (2) i.e.

  1. Tablet and capsule: Oral
  2. Spray: Nasal
  3. Injection: Subcutaneous
  4. Patches: Transdermal

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a chronic headache that can range from mild to severe. It can affect one half of the head. Migraine attacks can last two to 72 hours and this severe pain interferes with the daily routine. The exact cause of migraine is not known. This may be due to environmental and genetic factors. Variations in brain chemicals including serotonin can cause migraine problems. So the fluctuations in the brainstem and its interaction with the trigeminal nerve is the major route to produce pain. Symptoms of migraine may include vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to sound, smell, or light, mood changes, increased appetite, Polydipsia, Polyuria, excessive yawning, etc.

Sumatriptan and Migraine

Sumatriptan is considered to reduce blood vessel widening. It helps to relieve headaches and other symptoms associated with a migraine attack. Sumatriptan shows its action when a migraine attack has begun. It will not stop the further migraine attacks. So, Sumatriptan is not a drug that permanently prevents a migraine attack (4) and its use also causes many side effects.

Side effects of Sumatriptan

This can lead to adverse central nervous system issues outside of migraine attacks. It can produce moderate sedative effects such as sleepiness or fatigue (1).

The most common and serious side effects of Sumatriptan (3) are the following:

1. Common Side Effects

  1. Tingling or Numbness in Fingers or Toes
  2. Dizziness
  3. Warm, Hot, Burning Sensation to Face (Flushing)
  4. Weakness,
  5. Drowsiness
  6. Tiredness

2. Serious Side Effects

  1. Raynaud’s Syndrome: Changes in Color or Sensation in Fingers and Toes
  2. Stomach And Intestinal Problems. Symptoms Include
  3. Sudden or Severe Stomach Pain
  4. Weight Loss
  5. Nausea or Vomiting
  6. Bloody Diarrhea
  7. Fever

3. Difficulties With Blood Circulation to Legs And Feet Known As Peripheral Vascular Ischemia. The Symptoms Includes

  1. Cramping and Pain in Your Legs or Hips
  2. Feeling of Heaviness or Tightness In Leg Muscles
  3. Aching and Burning in Your Feet or Toes on Resting
  4. Numbness and Tingling in Legs

4. Breathlessness

5. Allergies Like a Rash, Hives, Swollen Eyelids, Face or Lips

Ayurvedic aspect for Migraine

Reference Sushruta Samhita

(Reference: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 2: Uttara-tantra// Chapter- 25// shloka no. – 15)

This shloka Explains: that when aggravated tridosha gets localized in the head it causes vitiates Mansik Dosha and develops severe pain, delirium in the period of 10 to 15 days without any reason. Then these episodes of headache called Migraine.

The Best Alternative To Sumatriptan In Ayurveda

Ayurveda from ancient times provides the best treatment for any disease without causing any side effects. Various effective natural herbs treat the disease and manage the symptoms. The herbs like Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi, especially Brahmi are the best alternative substitute for Sumatriptan in migraine. These can be used by both children and adults safely. These herbs individually and together give a synergetic effect in Migraine.So, Ayurvedic treatment of migraine and the use of herbal formulations are the best options for the treatment.

To get rid of this serious disease, Planet Ayurveda offers you a ‘Migraine Care Pack’. All herbal formulations included in this pack contain pure herbs and are prepared under the guidance of MD-Ayurveda. They are effective, safe to use and do not produce any side effects such as sumatriptan.

The herbal formulations of Planet Ayurveda included in ‘Migraine Care Pack’

  1. Brahmi Capsules
  2. Ashwagandha Capsules
  3. Pitta Balance Capsules
  4. Arogayavardhini Vati
  5. Medhya Churna

migraine-care-pack
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. BRAHMI CAPSULES

The best and standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is included in Brahmi capsules which improves the functioning of the brain and maintains a healthy brain. These capsules are pure and natural, producing no side effects like sumatriptan, although it also provides other beneficial effects on a person’s health. These capsules help to balance the tri dosha in the body and improve the immunity. They also strengthen the neurons and enhance their ability to retain for a longer period.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with plain water, after meals.

Classical Reference For Brahmi

(Reference: Shloka No. 280-281, Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga)

This Shloka Explains: Brahmi is bitter, astringent, and light in nature, has cold potency and becomes sweet after digestion. It also explains that Brahmi supports vocal cords, enhances concentration, increases brain strength, helps in the skin and blood-related disorders, eases the motions and also helps in the treatment of various conditions such as Jaundice, Diabetes, Cough, and Fever. Brahmi calms Vata and Kapha doshas.

2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

These capsules from Planet Ayurveda are prepared by adding the standardized extract of herb Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). It acts as an adaptogenic and provides relief from stress. It is a very useful herb for improving the functions of the nervous system. Therefore, very effective in the treatment of migraine headaches.

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

3. PITTA BALANCE CAPSULES

These capsules are madeby the combination of different ingredient such Praval Pishti (Coral Calcium), Mukta Pishti (Pearl Calcium), Akik Pishti (Agate Calcium), Giloy Satva (Tinospora Cardifolia), Jahar Mohra Pishti (also named as Naga Pashana in old Ayurvedic texts) and Kamdhudha Ras (An Ayurvedic Calcium Compound). These efficacious herbs help to balance the Pitta Dosha inside the body. As per Ayurveda, balanced Pitta is very important to secure the body from the diseases. Hence, it is a very useful formulation for a large number of diseases with wonderful positive effects.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water, after meals.

4. AROGYAVARDHINI VATI

Arogyavardhinivatiis a classical formulation from the experts of Planet Ayurveda. The combination of herbs is used to prepare these tablets are Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Chitrak mool (Plumbago Zeylanica), and Amlaki (Emblica Officinalis). It helps to remove toxins from the body and improve the proper functioning of the digestive system. Arogyavardhini Vati strengthens the body and also helps to prevent and treat severe aches like Migraine Headaches.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day with plain water, after meals.

5. MEDHYA CHURNA

Medhya Churna is the combination of very wonderful herbs including Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Marich (Piper Nigrum), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis), Pippali (Piper Longum), Vacha (Acorus Calamus), ShwetJeerak (Cuminum Cyminum), Patha (Cissampelos Pareira), Ajmoda (Carum Roxburghianum), Sonth (Zingiber Officinale), etc. These herbs help to enhance the memory and concentration. This churna sharpens the brain and also helps to relax the mind and body. Therefore, it is considered as the best alternative to sumatriptan in migraine.

Dosage: 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470206/
  2. https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00669
  3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020132s024s026lbl.pdf
  4. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.524.pdf
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December 18, 2019

Polymyositis- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Natural Treatment

Abstract

Idiopathic inflammatory myositis is the group of muscle inflammatory diseases that can be divided into two types i.e. Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis. These can be considered as autoimmune-mediated disorders causing muscle weakness. According to the surveys, the rate of polymyositis is increasing due to the reduced detection rate. The rate of prevalence is more in northern parts of Europe, the United States which may be due to either environmental or genetic reasons According to the modern medical system that can only suppress the symptoms of the disorder but leaves the affected person with side effects. Whereas, Ayurvedic pharmacy eliminates the root cause of the disease naturally with traditional herbs

Polymyositis (1)

What is Polymyositis?

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of inflammatory myopathies (a group of muscle diseases) characterized by irritation and inflammation in muscle and tissues. This results in breaking, weakening of muscles and make even simple movements difficult. Polymyositis can occur in any age nut its prevalence is more common in people age 50-60 years. Predominately, it affects 1of 100,000 people globally and mostly affects females than males.

What are the signs and symptoms of Polymyositis?

The person with polymyositis experiences difficulty in climbing stairs, walking or getting up from the chair. Some of the common signs and symptoms include

  • Dysphasia (Difficulty In Swallowing)
  • Arthralgia
  • Fatigue and Weakness
  • Breathing Problem
  • Pain in Neck and Shoulder Muscles
  • Mild or Acute Paralysis
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Ventilator Dysfunction
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Weight Loss
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Fever
  • Raynaud’s Phenomenon
  • Non-Erosive Arthritis
  • Irregular Heart Rate Which May Result In Inflammation

What Are The Causes Of Polymyositis?

Polymyositis can be considered as an autoimmune disorder in which the inflamed cells start attacking muscle fibers. Some of the leading factors that may trigger the onset of polymyositis are:-

1. Environmental Factors

Some of the various environmental factors like ultraviolet rays (UV), Vitamin D, certain drugs, infections or excessive smoking contribute to the onset well. Certain inhibitors like anti-tumor necrosis, interferon-alpha, penicillamine, etc. can trigger viral infections which results in chronic muscle inflammatory disorders.

2. Genetic Susceptibility

According to recent studies, the initiation of polymyositis in monozygotic twin first-degree relatives of the patient can contribute to genetic factors.

What are The Risk Factors of Polymyositis?

  1. Lupus
  2. Scleroderma
  3. Viral Infections Like HIV Etc.

What are the complications that may occur in Polymyositis?

Some of the complications are as follows

  • Weight loss and malnutrition which results from trouble in swallowing
  • Shortness of breath that may lead to respiratory failure
  • Pneumonia
  • Lung Disease
  • Dysphagia
  • Higher risks of malignancy

How can Polymyositis be diagnosed?

A part from the symptoms of polymyositis some of the physical and clinical tests that can confirm the disease are

  • Imaging Test-Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Electro Diagnostics-Muscle biopsy and electromyography
  • Clinical Tests- Blood tests to measure muscle enzymes like creatine, kinase, aldolase and for detecting autoantibodies.

Ayurvedic perspective on Polymyositis

According to Ayurveda, polymyositis is caused due to poor digestion resulting in the accumulation of undigested food which ultimately causes deposition of toxins in joints. Indigestion causes an imbalance in Tridosha i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha that leads to slow down the fire elements which causes secretion of sticky end product known as ‘Ama’. Ama triggers autoimmune diseases and causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in joints.

Natural treatment for Polymyositis by Planet Ayurveda

PlanetAyurveda is offering powerful and effective herbal medicines that can treat and reduce symptoms of polymyositis. Some of the products are discussed as follows

Herbal Supplement For Polymyositis
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Product Descriptions

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsule is an effective herbal formulation that has been prepared from high-quality Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) herb. This herb is an excellent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting agent because of its amazing phytochemical constitution like alkaloids, flavonoids, etc. This product is beneficial in balancing Tridosha i.e. Pitta, Vata and Kaphadosha, boosts the immune system, relieves inflammation in joints, strengthens bones and rejuvenates damaged tissues.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules two times a day after meals with plain water.

2. Shilajit Capsules

Shilajit capsules from Planet Ayurveda has been formulated from 100% pure standardized extracts of Shilajit (Asphaltum). Shilajit contains fulvic acid and humic acid which helps the body in relieving mental and physical stress. This product works significantly in increasing stamina and sexual vigor in both males and females. Shilajit possesses minerals and co-factors that are beneficial in rejuvenating nerve cells and enhances cell regeneration. Moreover, Shilajit is an excellent traditional Indian herbal remedy for suppressing weakness in muscles and anti-aging agent.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

3. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Boswellia Curcumin capsules are an effective combination of two herbs i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma Longa). This herbal blend works efficiently in Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylitis, Ankylosing spondylitis, chronic colitis, asthma, allergies, Crohn’s disease, etc. Curcumin is fully packed with antioxidants that are beneficial in treating joint movement, cardio-vascular diseases and maintains neuroprotective activities. Boswellia is a great anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that suppress inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness. This product overall protects joint health.

Dosage: 1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals.

4. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul contains enormous traditional herbs like Shudh guggulu (Commiphora Mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago Zeylanica), Pippali (Piper Longum), Jeeraka (Cuminum Cyminum), Devdaru (Cedrusdeodara), Ela (Elettaria Cardamomum), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Mustaka (Citrus Rotundus), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Adraka (Zingiber Officinale), etc. These herbs are effective in treating joint stiffness, muscle spasms and reduces backache. This product is packed with various medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-gout, hypo-glycemic, etc.

Dosage: 1 Tablet two times a day with plain water after meals.

Why only Planet Ayurveda?

  • 100 % pure and natural products
  • Free from any kind of adulterants like chemicals, preservatives, additives, colors, etc.
  • Formulated under the strict supervision of MD Ayurvedic doctors.
  • All the products manufactured are vegetarian.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532860/
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