Ayurvedic Treatment For Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
ABSTRACT
Collagen is the most important protein present in the body and is hard, fibrous as well as insoluble. It is found in our skin, bones, muscles and tendons and helps in providing the body strength as well as elasticity. Fibroblast is the cell that is responsible for making 5 type of collagen including Type 1 is found in skin tendons, bones and organs, Type 2 is the home for cartilage, Type 3 is supporting mesh for the soft organs like blood vessels and liver, Type 4 is found in basal lamina on which the epithelial cells are found and Type 5 is found on the surface of cells like placenta and hair. The synthesis of Collagen is done by the gene called COL and there are many genes that encode different genes but what happens when these are defected it gives rise to a disorder known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Here through this article we are going to discuss this rare collagen disorder and its management through herbal medicine.
WHAT IS EHLERS DANLOS SYNDROME
It is a group of inherited disorders that mainly affects the connective tissue and symptoms differ depending on the affected gene. Ehlers Danlos syndrome is mainly characterized by the joint hypermobility where the joints stretch more than normal, tissues are fragile and skin hyperextensibility where the person is able to stretch his or her skin more than normal. Currently it has been diagnosed that EDS has thirteen types and each type has its own clinical presentation. It is seen that one in every 5000 patients is affected with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES AND CAUSES OF EDS
Here are the thirteen different type of EDS along with its cause
CLASSICAL EDS
The main symptoms of this type are
- Atrophic Scarring
- Skin Hyperextensibility
- Generalized Joint Hypermobility.
Cause:-In more than 90 percent of cases with Classical EDS has heterozygous mutation where one of the genes encodes Type 5 collagen (COL5A1 and COL5A2). It is rarely seen that genes encoding the type 1 collagen are mutated and is an autosomal dominant type.
CLASSICAL-LIKE EDS
Symptoms seen are
- The skin texture appears velvety along with presence of skin hyperextensibility and absence of atrophic scarring.
- Easy bruising of skin and discoloration of the skin.
- Recurrent dislocation of the joints
Cause:-This type is caused by the lack of Tenascin XB due to mutation of biallelic TNXB and this is the only gene related with Classical-like EDS. This is an autosomal recessive type.
CARDIAC-VALVULAR EDS
Here are the symptoms seen
- Atrophic scarring
- Skin becomes thin
- Easy bruising
- Skin hyperextensibility
- Severe and progressive cardiac-valvular problem including mitral valve and aortic valve.
- Restricted mobility of joints.
Cause:-It is mainly caused due to family history with autosomal recessive transmission, It is seen that there is a mutation of biallelic COL1A2 Collagen which results in lack of proa2-chain. This then leads to nonsense mediated mRNA decay and COL1A2 is the only one gene related to Cardiac Valvular EDS
VASCULAR EDS
There are the main symptoms seen in patient
- Ruptured artery at very young age
- Perforation of Sigmoid colon in the absence of known diverticular disease or other bowel disease.
- Rupturing of Uterine walls during the 3rd trimester or severe perineum tear.
- Formation of Carotid cavernous sinus fistula with the absence of trauma
Cause:-There is family history and is mostly seen in patients who are less than 40 year old.
The patient with Vascular EDS has heterozygous type of mutation on the COL3A1 gene and is autosomal dominant inherited.
HYPERMOBILE EDS
There are no specific symptoms seen in this type and the hypermobility also remains unidentified in most cases. It is the secondary manifestation of other types of EDS.
The underlying cause is yet to be discovered but it is autosomal dominant inherited.
ARTHROCHALASIA EDS
Main symptoms seen are
- Hip dislocations
- Multiple dislocations
- Skin hyperextensibility
Cause:-It is caused due to mutation of heterozygous mutation of either COL1A1 OR COL1A2 gene. There is either half or entire loss of the xon 6 of the gene. This is an autosomal dominant and one of the rare types.
DERMATOSPARAXIS EDS
The main characteristic symptom is skin becomes very fragile and craniofacial symptoms.
Cause:-This is caused due to mutation of ADAMTS2 gene and is autosomal recessive.
KYPHOSCOLIOTIC EDS
Symptoms seen are
- Abnormal curving of the spine
- Dislocation of hip bone or knee bone
- Congenital muscle hypotonia
Cause:-It is the mutation of the PLODI gene and is autosomal recessive dominant.
BRITTLE CORNEA SYNDROME:-
Symptoms presented are
- The cornea becomes thin with or without being ruptured.
- Progressive Keratoconus
- Blue sclerae
Cause:- Brittle Cornea Syndrome is caused due to biallelic mutation of either PRDM5 or ZNF469 and is autosomal recessive dominant
SPONDYLODYSPLASIA EDS
Main clinical features seen are
- Muscle hypotonia
- Stature becomes short
- Bowing of the limbs
Cause:- The cause for Spondylodysplasia EDS is yet to be known and is autosomal recessive dominant.
MUSCULOCONTRACTURAL EDS
Symptoms and signs seen are
- Craniofacial features that are mostly seen at the time of birth or during early infancy.
- Congenital multiple contractures which results in clubfoot and adduction-flexion contractures.
- Skin Hyperextensibility
- Easy bruising
- Skin becomes fragile
- Increased wrinkling
Cause:- Musculocontractural EDS is caused due to mutation of the CHST14 gene and is mainly autosomal recessive dominant.
MYOPATHIC EDS
Main signs and symptoms seen are
- Muscle atrophy
- Hypermobility of distal joints
- Proximal joint contractures
Cause:- Myopathic EDS is caused due to heterozygous mutation of COL12A1 gene and can be inherited by both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant patterns.
PERIODONTAL EDS
The signs and signature seen are
- Pretibial Plaques
- Lack of attached gingiva
- Intractable periodontitis
Causes:- Periodontal EDS is caused due to heterozygous mutation of C1R or C15 gene and is autosomal dominant.
HOW EHLERS DANLOS SYNDROME CAN BE DIAGNOSED
There are many clinical diagnosis to rule out EDS and this includes
- Genetic test
- Echocardiogram
- Skin Biopsy
- Blood test
TREATMENT
According to modern science the treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is giving medications like Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and acetaminophen which will only reduce the pain. As, there are no specific medications for EDS in modern science and the medication will only give temporary relief with other health complications.
In Ayurveda Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is Correlated with Sehaj Dhatugad Vihar which is caused due to beej-beej bhav (Genetic or chromosomal defect). This results in disturbing the dhatu and this results in symptoms like Skin Hyperextensibility or hypermobility. Ayurveda provides herbal medicine which will help in the production of collagen naturally and making the skin as well as bones healthy. It will remove the root cause of the disease with any complications.
HERBAL MEDICINE PROVIDED BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Herbal remedies provided by Planet Ayurveda are 100 percent pure, natural and vegetarian which helps in balancing the Dosha as well as removing the root cause of the disease. Every Ayurvedic herb made under Planet Ayurveda is free from chemicals, preservatives and additives. All the herbal formulations are made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor and each of them are clinical.They all are free from side effects and safe to use as well. Here are the list of herbal medicine for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome:-
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Shatavari Capsules
- Green Essentials
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Yograj Guggul
- Manjishtha Capsules
Product Description
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
This herbal medicine is formed from a single herb known as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is one of the excellent remedies for providing the body with strength. Ashwagandha helps in providing the tissue with nourishment and particularly gives strength to the bones as well as muscles. It is the best herbal medicine for the nervous system which enhances the mental as well as physical activities.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily after meals with water.
2. Shatavari Capsules
This herb is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties made from Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). It helps in boosting the immunity and making the body stronger. It is very beneficial in enhancing the production of collagen naturally and making it one of the effective medicine for EDS
Dosage:- One capsules after meals twice daily with water.
3. Green Essentials
This herbal medicine is formulated with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Amla (Embellica officinalis), Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and many more. Green Essential will help in providing the body with all the nutrition that is required for collagen.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Boswellia Curcumin
It is the combination of two excellent herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Boswellia Curcumin will not only help in promoting the circulation around the joint but will also strengthen the muscles as well.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals.
5. Yograj Guggul
It helps in pacifying the Vata Dosha as it contains herbs like Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Ajwain (Carum copticum), Kulanjan (Alpinia galanga), Chavya (Piper Chaba), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and many more. All the formulated herbal remedies will help in reducing the pain and making the bones healthy.
Dosage:- One tablet with water twice a day after meals.
6. Manjishtha Capsules
It contains a single herb called Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) which helps in improving the circulation around the body. It helps in supporting the system and making the skin healthy as they become thin in EDS patients. They are also very effective in reducing anxiety, stress and depression.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals.
Some Healthy Tips
Include food and nutrients that will help in making the collagen healthy:-
- Vitamin A:- Plant foods that have beta-carotene and other Vitamin-A sources which are derived from animals.
- Copper:- Include red meat, nuts, shellfish in the diet and also consume drinking water.
- Proline:- Eat soy, cabbage, meat and egg whites.
- Vitamin C:- Include oranges, strawberries, broccoli and pepper
- Anthocyanidins:- Include blueberries, cherries, raspberries and blackberries.
Conclusion
Ehlers Danlos syndrome is a rare genetic disorder as discussed above and can cause many health issues. In Allopathy there is no proper treatment for the EDS but Ayurveda provides their herbal medicine that helps in proper management of the disease. All the herbal remedies mentioned above will help in improving collagen production as well as making the bones strong. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com
