Category: Herbal Remedies

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.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cauda Equina Syndrome With Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Brain health is a growing and emerging concept which encloses neural development, functioning, plasticity and recovery over the life track. The nervous system is the body’s command focus which originates from your brain and controls your thoughts, movements and automatically responds to the surrounding world. The daily living of a human being depends upon how they move around effectively accomplishing their day to day activities. You can’t imagine the development of your lives without proper functioning of hands and legs. So what happens if somehow due to any health concern your legs are not working properly, your limbs become stiff or tight that restricts your day to day activities. Cauda Equina syndrome is one such disease about which we will discuss in this whole article along with its ayurvedic management.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a nervous disorder which occurs when there is dysfunction of sacral nerve roots and multiple lumbar. Cauda equina is a term that comes from the word horse’s tail. Actually cauda equina refers to the sack of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. This is called a horse’s tail as at the level of the cauda equina, the spinal cord does not remain as a tubular structure; here it appears like a horse’s tail because of the collection of large nerves. Cauda equina syndrome is characterized by narrowing of vertebral canal that can result in the narrowing of nerve roots of the spine at the level of cauda equina. The main cause is compression of the nerves root at the level of cauda equina.

SOME FACTS ABOUT CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Following are some facts about Cauda Equina Syndrome:

  • It is relatively a rare condition
  • This condition comprises 2-6% of all the lumbar disc problems
  • The incidence of this particular disease is 1 in 33 thousand people to 1 in 100,000 people.
  • In 5 years from 2003 to 2007 there is noticed 63 cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

CAUSES OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Most cases of cauda equina syndrome occur as a result of Massive herniated disc in the region of lumbar vertebrae. As we studied earlier there is a pressure on the nerve roots at the level of cauda equina, following are certain factors that can cause pressure and leads to cauda equina syndrome:

  • Spina bifida- congenital anomaly (in this spine and spinal cord not formed properly)
  • Spinal lesions
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spinal anesthesia
  • Postoperative spine lumbar surgery
  • Spinal hemorrhages
  • Trauma leading fractures and dislocation
  • Tumors or cyst at the site of cauda equina
  • Infection
  • Spinal arteriovenous malformation

SYMPTOMS OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Following are the symptoms experienced by a person in Cauda Equina Syndrome:

  • Inflammation of the nerve roots
  • Saddle anesthesia (sensory disturbance)
  • Tenderness over the area of cauda equina (pain while touching)
  • Difficulty in rising up from sitting position
  • Weakness in legs
  • No pressure tolerance
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Later on disc may rupture and person may become paralysed

DIAGNOSIS OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Here are certain conditions that may resemble Cauda Equina Syndrome so it is must to diagnose this condition clearly. It will be done with proper diagnostic techniques that we are going to discuss below:

  • Physical examination and patient history
  • MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
  • CT Scan
  • Myelogram

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Cauda equina syndrome is a nervous disorder which leads to dysfunction of sacral nerve roots due to any degeneration or pressure at the site of Cauda equina. As per ayurveda it is correlated to avarana janya vatavyadhi that is the disease caused due to any obstruction in the normal flow which leads to vata dosha vitiation. Firstly there is an obstruction then it leads to vata dosha vitiation which further causes disorientation in normal functioning of the cauda equina. In this case we have to balance the vitiated vata dosha to relieve the various symptoms felt by the patient such as weakness in the legs, no pressure tolerance, bladder incontinence, fecal incontinence, etc. For this we are going to mention the Ayurvedic management by Planet Ayurveda so let’s have a look.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified clinic which has been working since many years under the rules of Ayurveda – A Holistic science. They formed their own herbal remedies under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. All these remedies are devoid of any kind of added preservatives, colour, fibre, gums, resins and any kind of synthetic materials. As we read earlier for the management of Cauda Equina Syndrome there is a need to pacify vata dosha and to maintain the functions of cauda equina. For this purpose Planet Ayurveda provides you with 7 remedies that we are going to discuss below:

  1. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  2. Trayodashang Guggul
  3. Ashwagandharisht
  4. Boswellia Curcumin
  5. Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras
  6. Dashmularishta
  7. Agnitundi Vati

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cauda Equina Syndrome

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat vatchintamani ras is one of the best classical ayurvedic formulations which is used for various vataj vyadhi since ancient times. This remedy is formulated by Planet Ayurveda under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners and available in tablet form. These tablets consist of ingredients such as swarna bhasma (calyx of gold), abhrak bhasma (calyx of mica), rajata bhasma (calyx of silver) and various others. As in this condition there is an obstruction in the path of cauda equina which leads to vata dosha vitiation and causes difficulty in the normal functioning of Cauda Equina. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras by pacifying vata dosha helps in regulating the functions of Cauda Equina.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily to be chewed.

2. TRAYODASHANG GUGGUL

Trayodashang guggul is a remedy in tablet form and prepared by Planet Ayurveda as mentioned in the classical texts. This remedy is one of the best remedies for degenerative neurological conditions. This is a guggul preparation which means the ingredients are processed with guggul (Commiphora mukul), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) and various others. This tablet formulation has been used in various degenerative conditions since ancient times. So by pacifying, restricting the further degeneration and reducing the inflammation and tenderness at the level of the lumbar region these tablets prevent compression on cauda equina and assists the management.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. ASHWAGANDHARISHT

This is one of the formulations available in syrup form which is prepared by Planet Ayurveda under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. Ashwagandhaarisht is one of the best nervine tonic as it consists of ingredients such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), safed musli (chlorophytum tuberosum), arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and various others. This formulation is regarded as one of the rasayana that prevents the degenerative changes and also this syrup helps in alleviating the weakness in the muscles. So this syrup can be administered in managing the symptoms of the Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with added equal amount of plain water.

4. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a herbal remedy formulated by Planet Ayurveda in capsule form. These capsules consist of standardised extract of shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa). As we studied earlier in causes and symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome which includes the most common cause a degenerative change or obstruction at the level of cauda equina which leads to the symptom such as inflammation of the nerve roots and tenderness over the area of nerve roots. So having antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties these capsules helps in alleviating the condition of cauda equina syndrome.

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

5. MAHA VATVIDHWANSAN RAS

Maha vatvidhwansan Ras is one of classical ayurvedic formulations which has been used since ancient times in various bony degenerations. Cauda equina syndrome caused by any pressure hindrance due to bone deformity at the level of the lumbar region. So by providing strength to the bony parts at the level of cauda equina these tablets help in preventing the further degeneration and prevent the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily to be chewed.

6. DASHMULARISHTA

Dashmularishta is one of the best vata anulomana syrups mentioned in classical texts. This preparation is formulated by Planet Ayurveda under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. It includes various ingredients such as bilva (Aegle marmelos), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), patola (Stereospermum suaveolens) and various others. Dashmularishta is basically a very best vata anulomaka remedy which by regulating the vata dosha maintains its proper functioning. As vata dosha is directly correlated to our nervous system so it aids in regulating the functioning of nerves also. That’s why this herbal syrup is considered as best for managing the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with added equal amount of plain water.

7. AGNITUNDI VATI

Agnitundi vati is a herbal remedy in tablet form, formulated by Planet Ayurveda as per strict observance to classical ayurvedic texts. These tablets consist of ingredients such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum) and various others. This herbal remedy is very effective for ama pachana that is the basic need of every line of treatment in case of avarana. By alleviating ama dosha from the body, agnitundi vati makes the management effective.

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

CONCLUSION

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a nervous disorder which occurs when there is dysfunction of sacral nerve roots and multiple lumbar. Cauda equina syndrome is characterised by narrowing of vertebral canal that can result in the narrowing of nerve roots of the spine at the level of cauda equina. Most cases of cauda equina syndrome occur as a result of Massive herniated disc in the region of lumbar vertebrae, rather than this any pathology which leads to compression on cauda equina is the reason behind Cauda Equina Syndrome. Various symptoms of this condition includes faecal and urine incontinence, weakness in legs, sexual dysfucntion and later on leads to paralysis. As per ayurveda it is correlated to avarana janya vata vyadhi and this condition is managed by removing the avarana and then pacifying the vata dosha. For this purpose Planet Ayurveda also provides you diet plan to prevent paralysis. These remedies are totally free from any kind of added preservatives and synthetic materials so feel free to consume these remedies and if you face any query while using these medications you can share it on www.PlanetAyurveda.com