Treatment of Castleman disease through Ayurveda

INTRODUCTION TO CASTLEMAN DISEASE (CD)

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare disease that affects the lymph nodes and related tissues. The disease is characterized by abnormally rapid and excessive growth of cells in the lymph nodes which are a part of the body’s immune system. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that help the body fight infections by filtering out germs. The glands are found in small groups in different parts of the body.

Castleman disease was first described as an uncommon lymph-node disorder by Dr. Benjamin Castleman in the 1950s. The disease is known by some other names also. These names are Castleman tumor, Giant lymph node hyperplasia, Angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, Angiofollicular ganglionic hyperplasia, Benign giant lymphoma, and Angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma.

In people affected by Castleman disease, there is an overgrowth of cells in and around the lymph nodes. The disease can affect people of all age groups, though it most commonly affects adults. The potential risk of the occurrence of the disease is almost equal for both men and women.

Castleman disease is not officially categorized as cancer. Nonetheless, the disease can sometimes become quite serious and can increase the patient’s risk of cancers like Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) and Kaposi sarcoma.

TYPES OF CASTLEMAN DISEASE

Castleman Disease Is Of Two Types:

1. Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD): UCD is the more common type of Castleman disease that affects adults in the 20s and 30s. This condition involves cell overgrowth in only one lymph node or only one region of enlarged lymph nodes, generally in the chest or abdomen.
2. Multicentric Castleman disease (MCD): MCD is a serious form of Castleman disease which usually affects people aged between 40 and 60 years. This condition involves cell overgrowth in a number of lymph node groups throughout the body or, in other words, multiple regions of enlarged lymph nodes.

CASTLEMAN DISEASE: CAUSES

The exact cause behind the occurrence of Castleman disease is not clearly known. However, some of the possible causes that can lead to the disease are:

• Weak immune system
• Acquired genetic mutations
• Inflammation
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8)

CASTLEMAN DISEASE: SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of Castleman disease are mostly related to the ‘Multicentric’ form of the disorder because people suffering from the ‘Unicentric’ type of disease do not initially have any noticeable symptoms.

The common signs and symptoms associated with Castleman disease are:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Night sweats
• Poor appetite
• Unintended weight loss
• Anemia
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen
• Bruising and easy bleeding
• Red spots on the skin
• Skin rashes
• Numbness in hands/feet
• Shortness of breath
• Enlarged spleen or liver

CASTLEMAN DISEASE: TREATMENT

The treatment of Castleman disease depends on whether a particular patient is suffering from the Unicentric or Multicentric form of the disorder.

Castleman disease can also be managed safely with the help of herbal or Ayurvedic products. Renowned herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda offers some excellent herbal products for managing the disease in a natural manner.

Herbal Remedies for Castleman Disease

These products – prepared under the guidance of experienced Ayurveda experts – include:

1. Tulsi Capsules

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of pure and natural extracts of Tulsi herb (Ocimum sanctum). The herb is widely known in Ayurveda for its proven immuno-modulator actions, as well as its ability to manage a number of diseases including cancer, auto-immune disorders, skin ailments, and respiratory problems.

Patients suffering from Castleman disease can benefit from the use of Tulsi capsules because of the effectiveness of the herb in strengthening the immune system, eliminating the negative effects of environmental toxins, and providing abundant bioavailable antioxidants, calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C to the body. 

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

2. Immune Booster

A combination of potent herbal ingredients is used for preparing these capsules, which are considered an excellent natural supplement for enhancing immunity. The ingredients of the capsules include Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Grape seeds (Vitis vinifera), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), and Cow colostrum (Bovine colostrums).

The use of these capsules can effectively manage the symptoms of Castleman disease because the capsules can make the immune system strong, enhance body metabolism, prevent the recurrence of the infections, reduce inflammation, and remove toxic and unwanted materials from the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule once or twice a day with water after meals.

3. Kanchnaar Guggul

These tablets are prepared by a combination of various effective herbs such as Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Varuna (Cratae vareligiosa), and Pippali (Piper longum). It supports the healthy functioning of cells and tissues and also prevents the overgrowth of cells. 

Dosage: 2 tablets twice or thrice in a day with lukewarm water.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

Two powerful anti-inflammatory herbs – Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa) – are used for the preparation of these capsules. Shallaki is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, while Curcumin – a key active component of the Turmeric or Haridra herb (Curcuma Longa) – is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

The use of these capsules can benefit people affected by Castleman disease because the capsules can support the immune system, alleviate pain and inflammation, manage cancers/tumors, promote healthy joints, and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times daily with plain water after a meal.

5. Giloy Capsules

The capsules are prepared from the natural herbal extract of Giloy herb (Tinospora cordifolia) which is known for its immense medicinal significance. The herb has proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antipyretic, and immune-modulator properties.

The use of Giloy capsules can manage the symptoms of Castleman disease because of the ability of the herb to treat chronic fever, manage various skin conditions, help the body fight infections, and manage different kinds of cancers.

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

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

CONCLUSION

The herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda are 100% pure and natural formulations that can safely be used by patients suffering from Castleman disease. The products do not contain any chemicals, starch, yeast, artificial colors, preservatives, fillers, additives, or binders. However, it is recommended that people affected by Castleman disease should use herbal products under the supervision of an expert Ayurveda practitioner.