Treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

The world around us is filling deep with a lot of things these days, some are positive and some are totally negative. The negative additions in the world are in the form of crimes, deaths, hatred, jealousy and most importantly diseases. We never have thought about what is the cause of a disease. Some people are even like “it's all luck one may get that one may not get that”. But obviously the one who will suffer from a disease will always question why me? In this article also we are going to discuss a rare disease named paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and will also discuss its causes, symptoms and treatment according to both modern and Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION

The Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is an acquired form of hemoglobinuria rather than inherited. The condition is life -threatening disease of blood which is characterized by destruction of red blood cells, blood clots and impaired bone marrow function. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or PNH is closely related to aplastic anemia. The disease affects RBCs (Red blood cells) which carry oxygen, white blood cells which protect the body from various types of infections and thrombocytes or platelets which are involved in blood clotting. The condition can occur at any age and is often diagnosed in young adulthood. The people with PNH have sudden and recurring episodes of symptoms. Such episodes can be triggered by stress which can be mental or physical.

CAUSES OF PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

The causes of PNH are explained in below:

• The variations or mutations in the PIGA gene cause almost all the cases of Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Variations in the PIGT gene cause the rare and inflammatory form of the condition.
• The proteins produced from both genes are involved in a multistep process which connects particular proteins to the surface of cells. These proteins are attached to the cells through a special molecule called a GPI anchor. GPI anchors are also called GPI anchored proteins.
• The PIG-A protein helps in production of GPI anchors.  On the other hand PIG-T Protein helps in attaching the GPI anchor to proteins.
• Anchored proteins have a variety of roles, including sticking cells to one another, relaying signals into cells and protecting cells from destruction.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

The condition is having certain classical signs. Such signs are as follows:

• Red discoloration of the urine due to presence of hemoglobin and hemosiderin from breakdown of red blood cells.
• The Urine is more concentrated in the morning at this time the red discoloration is more prominent.
• This phenomenon is common in those who have a primary form of PNH.
• Other symptoms like anemia, tiredness, shortness of breath and palpitations as well.
• A small proportion of patients report recurrent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and also pain during swallowing.
• This also results in erectile dysfunction in men mainly at the times when  breakdown of red blood cells is rapid. It causes spasms of smooth muscles.
• Nearly 40% of the population with Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria develops thrombosis as well.
• Thrombosis is the main reason for the complications and deaths due to Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
• The common sites for the development of the blood clots are legs leading to deep vein thrombosis and this can result in pulmonary embolism as well.

TYPES OF PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

There are mainly two types of Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria:

• One is, in the absence of any type of bone marrow correlation.
• Another is where there is involvement of primary bone marrow disorders.

DIAGNOSING PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

• This condition is diagnosed when a blood test is performed. The blood tests in PNH generally show evidence for intravascular hemolytic anemia. There are low levels of hemoglobin, raised lactate dehydrogenase, raised bilirubin and decrease in the levels of haptoglobin.
• No iron deficiency is detected.
• The main diagnostic test for individuals with PNH or Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is flow cytometry (lab tests used to analyze characteristics of cells or particles).

TREATMENT FOR PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

• The most common drug used for treating this condition is eculizumab. A newer drug is also introduced for treating this condition and it is named as ravulizumab.
• Rest of the treatment runs according to the symptoms. Like drugs can be prescribed to stop the bleeding.
• In case of low hemoglobin some supplements can be given to increase the volume of hemoglobin. 
• In the worst cases there is a possibility that bone marrow transplant is suggested.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

The Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria can be correlated with aggravated pitta dosha in Ayurveda along with the dushti of rakatveha srotas and majja dhatu. The aggravated pitta is responsible for this dushti and thus results in rakta pitta which is of ahdog type. Ahdog type of rakta pitta means bleeding from the lower openings of the body such as in this case. The pitta vitiation has also resulted in the aggravation of vata in this case due to  dhatu kshaya that is rakta dhatu. Due to kshaya of rakta dhatu there is a condition like pandu appears (anemia) which is again the reason for weakness and recurrent infections associated with Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

As there are two types mentioned then one type is just due to aggravation of pitta dosha and kshya of rakta dhatu leading to vitiation of vata.

In another type the aggravated vata dosha has now reached deeper dhatus and has started destroying them.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is an ISO certified company which is also having certification of HALAL, KOSHAR, FDA and others. The herbal preparations manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are in the form of tablets (vati), capsules, syrups, decoctions (kwath), jams (avaleha) and others. The products prepared by Planet Ayurveda are totally herbal and do  not contain any type of adulterants, fillers, dyes, flavor enhancing agents, binders etc. The herbal preparations manufactured or prepared by Planet Ayurveda are potent and are used in various types of conditions. The formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria includes the following:

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Hemo Plan Syrup
2. Plato Plan Syrup
3. Giloy Capsules
4. Punarnava Mandur
5. Spirulina Capsules
6. Immune Booster
7. Manjishtha Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Hemo Plan Syrup

Hemo Plan Syrup is a liquid formulation which hss herbs like manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), draksha (Vitis vinifera) and sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) as its ingredients This formulation gives really good result for all types of anemia and effectively enhances the the process of hemoglobin production in human body. The product acts as a blood purifier as well and is made with natural herbs under strict Ayurvedic principles. The symptoms like weakness, anorexia etc. subsides gradually with the regular intake of this syrup. The herbs in this formulation are effective in providing strength and are nutritional ofr the body. As it is a liquid preparation its absorption is quick in the body and thus gives results immediately.

Dosage: Two tsp twice a day after meals.

2. Plato Plan Syrup

Plato Plan Syrup is a liquid preparation by Planet Ayurveda which helps in the enhancement of platelets in Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. The formulation has ingredients like errand karkati (Carica papaya), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),  Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Draksha (Vitis vinifera) and some others. The formulation not only helps with platelet count but also has its impact on pacification of aggravated pitta dosha. All these herbs help in the enhancement of immunity and ashwagandha in this formulation has deeper effects at the level of dhatus. The formulation is formulated by MD ayurveda experts and is very effective.

Dosage: Two tsp twice a day after meals.

3. Giloy Capsules

Giloy Capsules are manufactured using standardized extract of guduchi or giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). This herb is very well known to help as an immune system modulator. It  enhances working of the immune system and thus helps in building a very strong immune system which is difficult to pierce. Giloy typically means a herb that can effectively protect the body and improves various metabolic functions working inside the body. The herb basically has a good and protective effect on every system of the human body which means it helps in maintaining the overall normal functioning, quality and quantity of the circulatory system and its components as well. The herb is a marvelous or can be called as a magical herb of Ayurveda as it helps in maintaining, increasing, and boosting immunity of the very human body. The formulation also helps in pacification of pitta dosha.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

4. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava Mandoor is a classical formulation that works on rasa and rakta dhatu. The formulation also has its effect on various types of srotas as well. Punarnava mandoor has ingredients like Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Chavya (Piper chaba), Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and many others. It also has a role in preventing and managing blood in urination and provides protection to kidneys as well. The formulation has rejuvenation properties and balances the fire element in the body. In many disorders, the formulation is used as the source of iron due to the presence of iron oxide. It helps in balancing Hemoglobin levels in the body and is effective in urinary system disorders. This classical preparation acts as a rasyan and it also has immunomodulatory effects.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

5. Spirulina Capsules

Spirulina Capsules are prepared using standardized extract of spirulina (Spirulina platensis). This formulation has very great effects in enhancing the blood levels in the body and also helps in building a strong immunity. The spirulina capsules have vitamins like Vitamin E, C and B6 as well. Spirulina is known to boost the production of white blood cells which are decreased in this case. The formulation is also effective in helping the body to fight various types of infections whether viral and bacterial. It is also rich in minerals like copper and iron as well.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

6. Immune Booster

Immune Booster is a patent formulation of Planet Ayurveda that helps in boosting your immune system and protects you from various types of infections. The formulation has ingredients like amalaki (Embalica officinalis), Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Grape seed  (Vitis vinifera) and Piyush (Bovine colostrums). These all ingredients make a very good combination in combating various types of infections. The formulation also has its role in normalizing the white blood cells which are mainly required to boost immunity and protect the body from infections. Immune booster helps in pacification of pitta dosha as well.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

7. Manjishtha Capsules

The manjistha capsules are prepared using pure and effective extract of manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). The formulation gives great results in pacification of pitta dosha and gives impressive results as an immune system modulator. This formulation also helps in the purification of blood and eliminates toxins from the body as well. Not only on blood this formulation also has an impact on lipid metabolism of the body. The capsules help in fighting infections as well hence also help in the detoxification of rakatveha srotas as well. The formulation has its impact on deeper dhatus too.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

The Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a very rare condition and its treatment is not well defined in modern science but here Ayurveda can definitely help you with its ways and herbs. The magical herbs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts are very effective and give great results not only in one condition but in multiple conditions. The formulations which are mentioned above are totally herbal and prepared from the natural extract of herbs. There is no addition of chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers and flavor enhancers etc. Moreover, these products give great results in Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and manages its very effectively. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com