Tag: Treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia

August 31, 2020

Alternative Treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia

Abstract

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic, neurodegenerative movement disorder. The disorder is characterized by impaired muscle coordination (ataxia) because of nervous system damage which affects the spinal cord. The disorder typically hampers muscle movement in the limbs (arms and legs); thereby posing difficulties with walking, and also causing various other problems. The disorder, which begins in childhood, requires timely management because it is a progressive condition that becomes worse over time. Planet Ayurveda offers some excellent Herbal Products for Natural Management of Friedreich’s ataxia.

Friedreich’s ataxia: Overview

Friedreich’s ataxia – also called spinocerebellar degeneration – is a progressive disorder of the nerves and muscles. The disorder was first described in the 1860s by German doctor Nikolaus Friedreich.

Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare and inherited condition that damages certain parts of the brain and the spinal cord, because of which the nerves which are responsible for controlling the movement of the limbs get adversely affected. The damage to the nervous system in patients suffering from the disorder impairs muscle coordination because of a buildup of iron.

The age of the onset of Friedreich’s ataxia is usually between 5 and 15 years. The disorder can affect boys as well as girls.

As Friedreich’s ataxia progresses with time, the patients usually require a wheelchair after 15-20 years of the onset of the disorder. In severe cases, the patients can eventually become incapacitated, as they lose complete control over limb movements. Overall, the disorder not only causes progressive impairment of muscle coordination, but can also cause several complications involving the heart, vision, hearing, spine, and feet.

Friedreich’s ataxia

Causes of Friedreich’s ataxia

The key cause behind Friedreich’s ataxia is mutations in the copies of the FXN gene which the patients of the disorder inherit from their parents. The FXN is the genetic code for a protein known as ‘frataxin’ which ensures proper functioning of mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of the nerve and heart cells).

The mutations in the FXN gene adversely affect the production of ‘frataxin’ protein in Friedreich’s ataxia patients, thereby triggering a gradual degeneration of the nerve fibers in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The FXN-gene mutations, therefore, damage the nervous system, the spinal cord, and the nerves that control the limb movements.

Symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia

Friedreich’s ataxia makes it difficult for the patients to coordinate the movements of their arms and legs. In particular, some of the symptoms of the disorder are:

  • Walking difficulties
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slurred speech (Dysarthria)
  • Loss of hearing
  • Involuntary movement of the eyes
  • Lack of reflexes in the legs
  • Clubfoot or other foot deformities
  • Spine curved to one side (Scoliosis)
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath.

Treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia

There is no specific Treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia. The management of the disorder is largely focused on treating the symptoms with the help of medications, physical therapy, and the use of walking aids, prostheses, and wheelchair. In some patients, the treatment may also involve a surgical procedure or non-surgical interventions for curing the curvature of the spine and foot deformities.

Friedreich’s ataxia can also be managed naturally with the help of herbal formulations prepared in accordance with the guidelines given in ancient Ayurvedic texts for treating the neurodegenerative movement disorder. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal products for natural management of Friedreich’s ataxia:

1. Brahmi Capsules

The standardized extract of ‘Brahmi’ herb (Bacopa Monneiri) is used for the preparation of these capsules. The herb has immense therapeutic value and is an excellent health tonic, aphrodisiac and memory enhancer.

The use of these capsules is beneficial in managing Friedreich’s ataxia because the Brahmi herb has the ability to strengthen the nervous system, promote mental health, improve memory and concentration, re-build brain tissues, remove free radicals from the body, regulate blood pressure, and relieve inflammatory disorders.

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

2. Gotukola Capsules

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of pure and standardized extracts of ‘Gotukola’ herb (Centella asiatica). The herb is known for its immense medicinal value and its ability to promote overall health and well-being.

The symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia can be managed with these capsules because Gotukola herb can maintain brain health, enhance memory, support healthy blood circulation in the body, maintain a healthy metabolic rate, and balance the Pitta dosha.

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

Herbal remedies for Friedreich’s ataxia

Alternative Medicine for Friedreich’s ataxia

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

For preparing these capsules, a standardized extract of ‘Ashwagandha’ herb (Withania somnifera) is used. The potent herb is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties and immense medicinal significance.

The use of these capsules is beneficial in managing Friedreich’s ataxia because Ashwagandha herb can enhance mental health, improve brain function, support nerve functions, enhance heart health, reduce metabolic imbalances, strengthen the muscles, manage inflammation, rejuvenate the body, and balance the Vata and Pitta doshas.

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

4. Boswellia Curcumin

These capsules are prepared from a combination of two potent anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients — Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). The Shallaki herb is known for its ability to fight inflammation, while Curcumin is considered an excellent antioxidant.

The use of these capsules is beneficial for patients suffering from Friedreich’s ataxia because the two herbal components can promote neuro-protective activity, relieve pain and inflammation, support healthy joint function, reduce joint stiffness, and swelling, increase mobility, support immune health, and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

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

5. Shilajit Capsules

The standardized extract of ‘Shilajit’ herb (Asphaltum) is used for the preparation of these capsules. Shilajit herb has a lot of medicinal value and is considered an excellent adaptogen, restorative, rejuvenative and ‘Rasayana.’

People affected by Friedreich’s ataxia can benefit from the use of these capsules because Shilajit has the ability to maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body, rejuvenate brain cells, relieve mental and physical stress, enhance memory and concentration, improve the body metabolism, eliminate toxins from the body, strengthen the muscles, and purify the blood.

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

6. Yograj Guggul

These tablets are prepared from a combination of some extremely beneficial herbs, including Shuddh Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Ela (Eletteria cardamomum), Ardraka (Zingiber officinale), Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi), Karavi (Piper chaba), Ajamoda (Trachyspermum roxburghianum), Kushta (Saussurea lappa), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Dhanyaka (Coriander), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), and Patra (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).

The use of these tablets can benefit patients affected by Friedreich’s ataxia because the herbal ingredients have the combined ability to manage nervous disorders, strengthen the neuromuscular system, maintain a healthy metabolism, support healthy muscles, treat bone and joint disorders, and balance the Vata dosha.

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

Conclusion

Planet Ayurveda Herbal Products for Natural Management of Friedreich’s ataxia are prepared from 100% pure and standardized herbs. The products are completely safe to use because they do not contain any chemicals, starch, yeast, artificial colors, preservatives, additives, fillers, or binders. However, it is recommended that patients suffering from Friedreich’s ataxia should use herbal products in consultation with an expert Ayurveda practitioner.

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December 30, 2016

Ayurvedic treatment of friedreich’s ataxia

Abstract

Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare hereditary degenerative disease that mainly affects the nervous system and the heart. Also known as spine cerebellar degeneration that damages parts of brain and spinal cord and can even affect your heart. Its main neurological symptoms manifested as muscle weakness and as ataxia itself means, a loss of balance and coordination. Its effects on the heart vary from mild, no symptomatic abnormalities to life-threatening symptoms in the heart’s musculature. Friedreich’s ataxia is a genetic defect that’s inherited from both parents by what’s called “autosomal recessive transmission.”

It is frequently associated with cardiomyopathy or diabetes.

It doesn’t affect parts of the brain involved in thinking.

Friedreich’s Ataxia

What are its Causes?

This disease is linked to defects, or mutations in the gene FXN called as frataxin gene which leads to limit in formation of a protein called frataxin. Frataxin, which is important for mitochondrial functioning in regulating the iron levels in the mitochondria, involved in energy production necessary for all cell bodies in the cells.. We also know that specific nerve cells (neurons) degenerate in people with FA, and this is directly manifested in the symptoms of the disease.

People with a family history of Friedreich’s ataxia are at greater risk of inheriting this disease. If the defective gene is only passed down from one parent, the person becomes a carrier of the disease but usually doesn’t experience symptoms of it.

It might be non-inherited where experts never find out cause. The following procedures and circumstances can cause ataxia

  • Brain surgery or Head injury.
  • Alcohol or Drug abuse.
  • Infections – chicken pox (usually goes away after infection has gone).
  • A brain tumor.
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals.
  • Neurological conditions – Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy etc.
  • Cerebellum malformation while the baby is still in the womb.

Ayurvedic view of the disease

Ayurveda considers that this disease is due to beej dosha. Vata dosha is mainly involved in Friedreich’s Ataxia.

What could be Symptoms of Friedreich’s Ataxia?

Symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia usually appear between ages 2 to the early 50s, but commonly diagnosed between ages of 10 to 15. Difficulty with walking is the most common initial symptom of the condition. Other symptoms appearing are like:

  • Changes in vision, especially color vision.
  • Loss of hearing
  • Weakness in the muscles
  • Absence of reflexes in legs
  • Poor coordination or balance
  • Abnormality in speech
  • Involuntary eye movements
  • Deformities develop in foot, like clubfoot
  • Difficulty sensing vibrations in your legs and feet.
  • Uncoordinated movements (ataxia) gets worse with time
  • Approximately 75 percent of people with Friedreich’s ataxia have heart problem and their heart muscle becomes weaker (cardiomyopathy).
  • The spine curves sideways (scoliosis) may develop
  • About 10 percent of people with FA have Diabetes abnormalities.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Friedreich’s Ataxia By Planet Ayurveda

Herbal formulations provided by Planet Ayurveda to manage friedreich’s ataxia

Ayurvedic Treatment For Friedreich’s Ataxia

Products Desription

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are herbal medicine that is efficient for weakness stress, nervous breakdown, neuropathy due to diabetes. Regular use of Ashwagandha capsules helps to regain the strength of muscles, even relieve the muscle spasm and fatigue. It is good nervine tonic that is capable of increasing the physical aswell as mental stamina of the body. It is suitable to children as well old age people. All its property make it beneficial in counteracting the symptoms of Friedreich’s Ataxia

Aswagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha capsules prepared in Planet Ayurveda comprises of standardized root extract of Ashwagandha herb. It is rich in natural alkaloids that has properties that relieves stress and helpful in getting rid of tiredness.improving stamina, helping in diabetic neuropathy. Ashwagandha herb is amazing in regulating the Vata in the body. Vata mainly maintains the body movement that includes movement of nerve impulses throughout the nervous system.

Ashwagandha has, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. It is good for Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Dosage : 1 – 2 capsules twice daily, with plain water after meals.

2. Gotu Kola Capsules

Gotu Kola Capsules is herbal preparation of Planet Ayurveda that is capable of keeping healthy nervous system and healthy heart. This product is manufactured from pure and standardized extract of Gotu kola herb. This Ayurvedic product is also an effective remedy for maintaining healthy legs. Thereby a good herbal remedy for Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Gotu kola is an herb that is helpful in preventing nervous exhaustion. It is good in managing the stress and its vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial for the heart.

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

3. Shilajit Capsules

Shilajit Capsules is Ayurvedic formation of Planet Ayurveda that is an energetic supplement and nutrient for healthy body. It is formed of high-quality extract of Shilajit resin. It is potent to increase energy levels and boost stamina. Also healthy supplement for proper blood glucose level in the body. It is a suitable herbal Treatment for Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Shilajit (Asphaltum)

Shilajit consists of humic acid and fulvic acids that has brought it with great medicinal properties. It is very useful nutrient for reducing weakness, fatigue, tiredness, stress and anxiety. It is rich in anti-oxidants which are good source in relieving mental and physical stresses and growing their stamina and manage Diabetes also. It also rejuvenates brain cells and this way can conduct well the nerve signals and impulses in the body.

Dosage : 1 to 2 capsules twice daily after half an hour of meal with plain water.

4. Brahmi Capsules

Brahmi Capsules are pure natural preparation of Planet Ayurveda that is obtained from high-quality extract of potent Brahmi plant. Brahmi capsules are beneficial herbal remedy in counteracting the stress and mental fatigue as well as eliminating nervous exhaustion. It is also good cardiac tonic as well.

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Brahmi is useful herb that is rich in anti-oxidants that makes it a suitable brain tonic, cardiac tonic. It acts wonderfully on the brain health and helps to improve neuron degeneration as well as better general tonic.

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

5. Medhya Churna

Medhya churna is an herbal preparation that is rich in antioxidants properties which can rejuvenate the system making the brain sharp. All its herbs work synergistically on nervous system and immune system.

Its ingredients are

  • Vacha (Acorus calamus)
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum)
  • Shwet jeerak (Cuminum cyminum)
  • Kishna jeerak (Carum carvi)
  • Sonth (Zingiber officinale)
  • Marich (Piper nigrum)
  • Pipali (Piper longum)
  • Patha (Cissampelos pareira)
  • Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnierri)

Herbs used in this preparation support to sustain the good brain health system and very effectively manage the stress problem and give relief to patient of Friedreich’s Ataxia.

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

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