ABSTRACT
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a hereditary disorder that results in damage to the myelin sheath, i.e. an insulating membrane of the nerve cells present in the brain. In case of ALD, the body is not able to break down the long chains of fatty acids resulting in saturated fatty acids to build up in the brain, adrenal gland and nervous system. There are different types of ALD and the most common one is X-linked ALD that is caused due to X-chromosome genetic defect. ALD usually affects males more severely when compared to females. In this case females are usually carriers of the genetic disease. Here in this write-up you can get all the information about Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and its Ayurvedic treatment.
INTRODUCTION TO ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
ALD causes severe damage to the affected person’s nervous system. There occurs breaking away of the protective fatty covering which protects the spinal cord and brain, i.e. myelin sheath. This condition makes it difficult for your nerves to send the messages to the brain. ALD also harms the adrenal glands of the body which controls the vitals functions like blood pressure, immune system and other important things. This results in the inability of the body to produce enough of hormones that are required for healthy functioning of the body.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
As per the Ayurvedic aspect, genetic diseases occur due to the defected genetic component. Emphasis is also given on the fact that variation in genetic component causes variation in the prakriti. In Ayurveda the causation of hereditary diseases are defected chromosome (Beeja), fraction of part of chromosome (Beejabhagavayava) and genes (Beejabhaga) which eventually causes defect in ovum and sperm.
TYPES OF THE ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
There are three types of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD):-
- Childhood cerebral ALD - This type of ALD causes severe disability and progresses very rapidly. It affects mainly 3-10 years old children.
- Adrenomyelopathy - It is usually milder than the former type of ALD, i.e. Childhood cerebral ALD. The progression is also slow in this type.
- Addison’s disease - It is known as adrenal insufficiency as well. In this type the adrenal glands are not able to make enough hormones.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
Signs and symptoms may vary in different types like:-
Childhood Cerebral ALD
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Spasms of muscles
- Paralysis
- Impaired vision
- Language comprehension problem
- Coma
- Hyperactivity
- Swallowing is difficult
- Motor control deterioration
Adrenomyelopathy
- Weak control on urination
- Remembering visual perceptions and thinking become difficult
Addison's Disease or Adrenal Insufficiency
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Muscle mass is decreased
- Weakness of muscles
- Areas of pigmentation or dark skin color
CAUSES OF ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
ALDP, i.e. Adrenoleukodystrophy protein helps in breaking down fatty acids in a very long chain. In case of ALD, the body is not able to make enough of this protein which causes the building up of fatty acids in the body causing harm to the cell's outer layer of adrenal gland, spinal cord, brain and testes.
Men are more commonly affected by ALD as compared to women and also the symptoms in them are severe comparatively. This occurs because ALD is an X-linked inherited pattern disorder which means the mutated gene is on the X chromosome. Hence women have two X chromosomes so if one is affected they can have the other one normal but in males there is only one X chromosome. Therefore the disorder occurs.
DIAGNOSIS OF THE ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
It can be difficult to diagnose ALD as this disorder can mimic the signs and symptoms of other conditions. There are different tests that need to be done in order to diagnose the ALD. Certain blood tests are advised to the patient to check the levels of VLCFAs, adrenal glands functioning, and genetic mutation is also looked for. MRI can be advised in order to look for the damage to the brain and children in whom ALD is suspected, their vision screening is also done.
TREATMENT FOR ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
Conventional treatment of ALD includes the steroids to treat Addison’s disease, medication to relieve seizures, physical therapy to relieve muscle spasms and other symptoms.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY
As ALD is caused due to beej dushti (genetic mutation) as per Ayurveda, hence the treatment aims at the causative factor and presentation of the symptoms. There are many natural herbs and compounds that possess qualities to treat these ailments. Hence, the Ayurvedic medicine is prepared accordingly and given to the patient.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a renowned pharmaceutical company that indulges in the production of herbal medicines and products. These products are prepared using authentic and pure herbs and natural compounds whose quality is maintained with the help of certain standardization processes. For Adrenoleukodystrophy, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies.
PRODUCTS LIST
- Brahmi Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Gotukola Capsules
- Rasraj Ras
- Giloy Capsules
- Spirulina Capsules
Herbal Remedies for ALD
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Brahmi Capsules
These capsules are prepared using the herb called Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in its standardized form. Brahmi capsules contain neuroprotective properties that help in preventing and treating any kind of damage to nerves and the brain.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
It is prepared using a herb in its standardized extract form, i.e. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb. Ashwagandha capsules help in preventing and treating injuries to nerves and muscles, along with providing them strength and also help in relieving muscle weakness.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice after meals with plain water.
3. Giloy Capsules
Giloy capsule is the single herb formula that is prepared using Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) herb. These capsules help in boosting immunity and also help in fighting diseases.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
4. Gotukola Capsules
Gotukola (Centella asiatica) is used in the preparation of these medicinal capsules. These capsules help in treating ailments of the brain, impart vitality to the body, and help in treating extreme weakness.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
5. Rasraj Ras
Rasraj ras is an therapeutic formula of Swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), Abhrak bhasma (Calcined mica ash), vang bhasma (Calcined tin metal), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Ras sindoor (Ayurvedic formulation), Laung (Piper longum) etc. It is used to strengthen the muscles, nerves, and helps in treating paralysis, hemiplegia and cerebral disorders.
Dosage - Chew 1 tablet daily once after meals.
6. Spirulina Capsules
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in its standardized extract form is used to prepare these herbal capsules. It helps in treating overall weakness and enhances the production of all the blood cells in the body naturally.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
CONCLUSION
Adrenoleukodystrophy is progressive disorder which can cause severe conditions in the patient. Hence it needs to be diagnosed and treated correctly. Ayurveda can help in natural healing and help in management and treatment of the condition naturally to a certain extent.
