Category: Liver Health

July 14, 2023

Hereditary Spherocytosis – Causes, Symptoms and Its Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Hereditary Spherocytosis is an inherited blood disorder characterised by Hemolytic anaemia.  It is a condition in which there is a genetic error that causes sphere-shaped RBCs like rigid basketballs. Normal RBCs are biconcave which makes it flexible but in Spherocytosis your RBCs are rounded and lack flexibility. Normal RBCs have a larger surface area and central pallor whereas spherocytes have a smaller surface area and no central pallor. RBCs can burst anytime and can cause anaemia or jaundice. Also when these cells pass through the spleen they are mistaken as damaged cells. As a result, the spleen destroys these cells resulting in anemia.So in this article, we will study about it in detail!

INTRODUCTION

Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited hemolytic disorder clinically characterised by Anaemia, Jaundice and Splenomegaly. Genetic mutation in structural membrane protein phenotype leads to a spherical shape of RBCs. Abnormalities in proteins like Spectrin, Ankyrin and Band-3 protein lead to abnormalities in plasma membrane integrity, decreased surface area and formation of spherocytes. It is an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant trait. The autosomal dominant inheritance pattern is seen in more cases. Symptoms of Hereditary Spherocytosis may range from mild to moderate. Shortness of breath, Tachycardia, Jaundice and Gallstones are some of the symptoms seen in this condition. The patient is also presented with splenomegaly because the spleen has to work more in order to filter and break down RBCs. It is manageable and should be treated in time in order to avoid complications like splenic rupture or hemolytic crisis, aplastic anaemia, and growth retardation.

Hereditary Spherocytosis

CAUSES

Genetic mutations: Genetic mutations in cell membrane proteins (Spectrin, Ankyrin, Band-3 Protein and many other proteins) of RBCs.

SYMPTOMS

  1. Anaemia
  2. Jaundice
  3. Splenomegaly
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Tachycardia (Fast heartbeat)
  6. Pale skin
  7. Tiredness
  8. Gallstones
  9. Low blood pressure
  10. A few symptoms seen in severe Hereditary Spherocytosis include delayed puberty and stunted growth.

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Complete blood count (CBC)
  2. Peripheral blood smear
  3. Coombs test
  4. Osmotic fragility
  5. Direct antiglobulin test
  6. Eosin-5 maleimide binding test

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Hereditary Spherocytosis is a medical condition resulting from Bija Dushti (Abnormal sperm and ovum). It is a genetic disorder categorised under Sahaja Roga (Hereditary disease) or Kulaj roga. This bija dushti affects doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) predominantly Pitta dosha resulting in Paittija Pandu, Kostha-Shakhaashrita Kamla and Plihodar. Hereditary Spherocytosis is a Pitta-predominant disease that affects the Rakta Dhatu (Blood). Pandu (Anaemia), Kamla (Jaundice), Plihodar (Splenomegaly), Shwashkrichta (Shortness of breath), Tachycardia (Fast heartbeat), Kalam (Tiredness) are some of the symptoms seen in Hereditary Spherocytosis.

TREATMENT

Hereditary spherocytosis is managed by taking Sanshodhan (Bio-cleansing therapy), Pitta Shamak (Pitta pacifying) and Raktavardhak (Erythropoiesis stimulating) herbs.

Samshodhan Chikitsa (Bio-cleansing therapy)

  1. Virechana (Purgation)
  2. Jalokaavcharan (Leech therapy)

Acharya Charak has mentioned the following formulations in order to manage Hemolytic anaemia, Jaundice and Splenomegaly:

  1. Punarnava mandur
  2. Navayasa churna
  3. Mandur bhasma
  4. Loha bhasma
  5. Sawaran Makshik Bhasam
  6. Mandur vatak
  7. Shilajatu vatak
  8. Gomutra Haritaki
  9. Bijka arishta
  10. Draksha Ghrita
  11. Haridradi Ghrita

Following herbal formulations can also be given in Hereditary Spherocytosis:

  1. Chausath Prahari Pippali
  2. Shuddha Gairika
  3. Arogyavardhini Vati
  4. Panchatikta ghrita

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides the best combination of effective herbal remedies for the management of Hereditary Spherocytosis. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the management of Hereditary spherocytosis.

  1. Punarnava Mandur
  2. Hemo Plan Syrup
  3. Gandhak Rasayan
  4. Green Essentials
  5. Yastimadhu Ghan Vati
  6. Drakshasav
  7. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati

Hereditary Spherocytosis Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurvedic Management of Hereditary Spherocytosis

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava Mandur is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that contains Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx) and many other herbs. Punarnava is Vata and Kapha shamak. It is Panduhara (Subsidies anaemia), Hrudrogajit (useful in cardiac disorders), Mutrala (Diuretic) and is used to manage anaemia in Hereditary Spherocytosis. Punarnava mandur contains Mandur Bhasma popularly known as Iron oxide. It balances Pitta and manages iron deficiency and the underlying disease associated with it. Punarnava mandur is used to manage a wide range of disorders like anemia, splenomegaly, inflammatory conditions and skin diseases.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

2. Hemo Plan Syrup

Hemo Plan Syrup is a herbal formulation that contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and various other herbs. Manjistha pacifies Kapha and Pitta and purifies the blood. Shatavari balances Vata and Pitta and is cold in potency. It helps in reducing fatigue associated with anaemia. Ashwagandha balances Kapha and Vata. It is balya (Improves strength) and a rich source of antioxidants. It helps in strengthening heart muscles and helps in the normal growth of the body.

Dosage: 10 ml twice a day.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is a classical herbal formulation that contains Shuddh Gandhak (Sulphur). It helps in balancing all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). It is Pustikara (provides nourishment), Drudhadeha (improves strength), and Raktadoshahar (treats blood disorders). It is rich in antioxidants and helps in managing an enlarged spleen.

 Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily.

4. Green Essentials

Green Essentials is a wonderful herbal formulation that contains Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Green tea (Camellia sinensis), Amla (Emblica officinalis) and various other herbs. Grape seeds and Amla present in green essentials are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps in the formation of healthy RBCs and removes toxins from the blood. Spirulina is anti-inflammatory and helps in reducing the enlargement of the spleen.

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

5. Yastimadhu Ghan Vati

Yashtimadhu Ghan Vati is a herbal formulation that contains Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Yashtimadhu balances Vata and Pitta dosha. It is cold in potency and used to relieve anaemia. It is a known Rasayan and helps in the healthy functioning of blood cells.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day.

6. Drakshasav

Drakshasav is an Ayurvedic formulation that contains Munakka (Vitis vinifera), Ber root bark (Ziziphus mauritiana), Supari (Areca catechu), Javitri (Myristica fragrans), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Sonth(Zingiber officinale) and various other herbs. Munakka balances Vata and Pitta and is a great blood purifier. It is Sharamahar that relieves tiredness and lethargy due to anaemia. Draksha asav mainly acts on Vata and Pitta dosha. It has good results in managing anaemia, jaundice, shortness of breath, and fatigue associated with Hereditary Spherocytosis.

Dosage: 10 ml twice a day with an equal quantity of lukewarm water.

7. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati

Ashwagandha Ghan Vati is a herbal formulation that contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha balances Vata and Kapha. It is hot in potency and helps in reducing tiredness, and low blood pressure and is good for heart muscles.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

CONCLUSION

Hereditary Spherocytosis is an inherited hemolytic disorder characterised by Anaemia, Jaundice and Splenomegaly due to a genetic mutation leading to a spherical shape of RBCs. Symptoms of Hereditary spherocytosis may range from mild to moderate. It is associated with complications like splenic rupture or hemolytic crisis, aplastic anaemia, and growth retardation. Ayurveda helps in managing Hereditary Spherocytosis through  Samshodhan and use of Pitta Shamak and Raktavardhak herbs which are good for spleen and hepatoprotective in nature.

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June 15, 2023

Ascites Symptoms, Causes and Herbal Treatment

Ascites

ABSTRACT

Ascites also known as Jalodara in Ayurveda is one among Udara Roga. According to Ayurveda Jalodara is the accumulation of water in the abdominal cavity exceeding 25 ml. It often occurs due to cirrhosis or other liver disease. Decreased digestive fire accompanied by unbalanced doshas causes Ascites. Symptoms such as abdominal heaviness and stiffness, shortness of breath, bloating, wheezing, edema of feet, and dilated veins are seen in Ascites. Let’s discuss it in detail.

Ascites

INTRODUCTION

Ascites are described briefly in Ayurvedic literature. According to Ayurveda, Ascites are caused by various other pathologies like heart disease, liver diseases, splenomegaly, kidney diseases, wasting diseases, etc. Ayurvedic management with drugs that increase digestive fire, hepatoprotective drugs, daily therapeutic purgation and only a milk diet that acts by breaking down the pathogenesis gives good results in ascites. Diet restrictions are majorly advised in Ascites.

MAJOR CAUSES OF ASCITES

  • Liver diseases like Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer (Cirrhosis being the major cause).
  • Portal Hypertension
  • Heart Diseases
  • Pancreatitis
  • Hypoalbuminemia
  • Peritoneal Tuberculosis
  • Malnutrition

SYMPTOMS OF ASCITES

  • Large distended Abdomen
  • Protruded belly button
  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Increased Thirst
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Coughing
  • Visible veins on the abdomen
  • Swelling in lower legs
  • Bloating
  • Painless swelling in the abdomen

DIAGNOSIS

  • FLUID SAMPLE: A needle is used to aspirate fluid from your abdomen.
  • BLOOD TEST : Initial investigations include cell count,differential,total protein.
  • IMAGING: Images of the inside of your abdomen are taken using ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan.
  • LAPAROSCOPY: It is done to rule out the cause of ascites.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

As per the Ayurvedic Point of view, Ascites also known as Jalodara is mainly due to blockages of channels (Strotas) causing heart problems, Kidney diseases, Portal Hypertension, and Liver diseases ultimately leading to Ascites. .It falls under the type of Udara roga. In Ayurveda, aggravated Vata gets accumulated in Udara between skin and muscle tissue leading to swelling, this is being termed as Udararoga. Procedures like Swedana ie. Sedation, Diuresis, Nitya Mridu Virechana ie . regular use of mild purgatives are used. Herbal drugs like Punarnava, Pippali, Haritaki, etc are used along with it drugs that are carminative and hepatoprotective in nature are used. Dietary measures like decreasing salt intake, only a milk diet is recommended.

TREATMENT AS PER AYURVEDA

Ayurveda gives effective results in Ascites by treating Agni (Digestive fire) and unbalanced Dosha. Through Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors), Agni Deepan (Provocation of digestion), and Nitya Virechana (daily therapeutic purgation followed with sodium restriction is used to treat ascites. Further treatment of ascites is given below:

Herbal Formulations Include

  • Powders: Patola Muladha Churana, Narayan Churan.
  • Vati: Arogyavardhini vati, Punarnava Mandoor Vati.
  • Ghrita: Panchakola Ghrita, Chitrak Ghrita, Nagaradi Ghrita.
  1. Herbal Drugs like Punarnava, Brihata Panchamoola, Shunthi, etc.
  2. Snehana (Oleation): It is used before the Panchakarma treatment. Dashamoola oil and Narayan oil is used in oleation therapy
  3. Swedana (Sedation): Swedan is done to remove toxins accumulated in circulatory channels.
  4. Virechana (Purgation): In Virechan there is induction of purgation to remove toxins from the body. Nitya Virechan is given in ascites. Castor oil with rock salt, castor oil with Triphala kwath, Kutki, Mustaka, Trivrita are used for Nitya Mridu Virechan.
  5. Shastra Karam: It is a surgical procedure done using an instrument. An incision is given on the left side of the abdomen below the umbilicus. A metallic tube is inserted through a puncture and accumulated fluid is drawn out. All the accumulated fluid is not drained out once and this procedure is repeated again. Administration of water is strictly prohibited after Shastra Karama.
  6. Kshara: The patient is given Tikshana Kshara with Gaumutra.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ASCITES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers the best combination of effective herbal remedies such as the Ascites Care Pack for the Ayurvedic treatment of Ascites. Ascites care pack contains medicines in the form of Tablets and Capsules. It is a polyherbal pack that contains Punarnava, liver detox capsules, jalodarari rasa, etc. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Products of Planet Ayurveda are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects.

Product List

      1. Punarnava Capsules
      2. Water-EX tablets
      3. Rencure Formula
      4. Liver detox Capsules
      5. Jalodari Rasa

Ascites Care PackBuy Now: Ascites Care Pack

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava capsules are an effective formulation that contains a single herb ie. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). Punarnava is helpful in liver abnormalities and in decreasing the accumulation of water in the abdomen by removing excess water through urine.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals.

2. Water-EX tablets

Water-EX tablets are herbal formulations that contain Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These herbs in Water Ex Tablets balance Kapha and Vata dosha and are diuretic, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is helpful in eliminating excess fluid.

Dosage: 2 tablets thrice daily with warm water after meals.

3. Rencure Formula

It is an effective formulation which contains Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kasni (Cichorium intybus). It treats kidneys by reducing their destruction, maintaining normal creatinine levels, increasing urine output, treating proteinuria and maintaining normal functioning of kidneys.

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

4. Liver Detox Capsules

Liver detox capsules contains hepatoprotective herbs like Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Makoy (Solanum nigrum ), Biranjasipha (Achillea millefolium-yarrow), Jhavuka (Tamarix gallica), Himsra (Capparis spinosa) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kasni (Cichorium intybus) which are helpful in removing toxins from liver and maintains fat metabolism. These herbs maintain normal liver activity by normalising liver functioning.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals

5. Jalodari Rasa

It is a wonderful formulation that contains Pippali (Piperlongum), Maricha ( Piper nigrum), Tamra Bhasma (Calx prepared from copper), Turmeric (Curcuma longum), Jaipal (Croton tiglium), Snuhi ksheera (Euphorbia neriifolia). Tamra Bhasma in Jalodari Rasa helps in reducing abdominal distension/pain caused by ascites. It reduces inflammation caused by accumulated fluid by removing excess water from the abdomen./

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

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

Alternative treatment for ascites can help in treating ascites and reducing the symptoms of ascites. Water retention and edema in ascites can be easily tackled by Ayurvedic treatment, a good diet followed by precautions. Further complications of ascites can be avoided by following Ayurvedic treatment. Therefore Ayurveda is an authentic and well-proven solution for treating Ascites.

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