ABSTRACT
A hereditary condition is one of the conditions that can run into a family. These conditions can pass from mother, father or both the parents into a child. Hereditary conditions are also known as Genetic Conditions because the reason behind occurrence of these conditions is Genetic Mutations. It is also known as Inherited disorders because of the conditions inherited from parents to kids. All Hereditary Conditions can be called Genetic Conditions but all Genetic Conditions can't be called Hereditary because it can occur as a result of gene mutation individually. These mutations can occur randomly or may be due to some environmental factors. In this article we will discuss one such Hereditary Disease that is known as Hereditary Spherocytosis, let's have a complete look on this condition.
INTRODUCTION
Hereditary Spherocytosis is a disorder which affects the surface membrane of Red Blood Cells. In this condition Red Blood Cells disfigured and their shape change into spheres and these spherical cells are much more less flexible than the normal Red Blood Cells. In Healthy bodies Spleen promotes Immune System's response against Infections. Spleen helps in filtering the damaged cells and Bacteria out from the BloodStream. But in case of Hereditary Spherocytosis the disfigured Red Blood Cells are unable to pass through the Spleen. This irregular shape makes the Spleen break these cells faster. The process of earlier breakdown of Red Blood Cells is known as Hemolytic Anaemia. As we all know the life of Normal RBC's is up to 120 days but in this Hereditary condition the life of RBS's is reduced in between 10 to 30 days.
CAUSES OF HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS
As we read earlier this is one of the Hereditary conditions so it is also caused due to a Genetic Mutation. If someone has a family history of Hereditary Spherocytosis then there is a chance of passing this condition to their children. People with any race may develop this condition but most commonly it is found in Northern European Descent peoples.
SYMPTOMS OF HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS
Hereditary Spheroctosis may range from mild to moderate or moderate to severe symptoms. Symptoms totally vary depending upon the severity of the condition.
Most patients with this condition experience moderate symptoms and those who have the condition in a mild state are mostly Unaware about the disease. Following are the common symptoms of Hereditary Spherocytosis:
Anaemia: As we read earlier this condition causes faster breakdown of RBCs thus it leads to Anaemia. If Anaemia is due to Spherocytposis then a person may appear dull and paler than the normal patient of Anaemia. Anemia may results further into following symptoms:
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headache
- Increased Heart Rate
- Heart Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
Jaundice: Over a breakage of Red Blood Cells a pigment bilirubin is released. As in HS the RBC's breakdown faster thus releasing too much Bilirubin in the Bloodstream. This excessive amount of Bilirubin leads to Jaundice which makes the skin pallor and sclera of eyes also turns yellowish from white.
Gallstones: Excessive Bilirubin may also lead to Gallstones as a result of too much Bilirubin into the Bile. Until the Gallstones cause blockage it may not cause any symptoms, symptoms occur after blockage are:
- Sudden pain in right shoulder, below breast-stone, upper right abdomen
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Fever
Symptoms in Children
Symptoms in Children may be different, Jaundice is more common in newborns, commonly in the first week of life. So in infants must notice the following symptoms:
- Irritable
- Difficulty feeding
- Excessive sleep
- Yellowish skin or eyes
Puberty onset may be delayed in some of the children with HS. At last the most common symptoms in HS are Jaundice, Anaemia and Enlarged Spleen.
DIAGNOSIS OF HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS
This condition is usually diagnosed in the phase of Childhood or in early Adulthood, 95% cases. If there is a family history of HS then the physician may ask with symptoms you experience and ask in detail about the medical history or family history. Then a physical examination is done, by checking enlarged Spleen that is examined by palpating the different regions of the Abdomen. Blood samples will be taken for CBC examination which helps in diagnosing the size of RBCs and their levels in the BloodStream. Viewing the blood under the microscope helps in analyzing the shape of the cells which is the main characteristic of Hereditary Spherocytosis.
AYURVEDIC VIEW OF HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS
As we read earlier this condition is Hereditary where the main cause is gene mutations. Ayurveda explains the concept of Genetics as predominance of Doshas in qualitative or qualitative form from birth. Dosha depends upon the Prakriti of the Shukra-shonita at the time of fertilization resulting in child's birth. So basically as per Ayurveda the hereditary conditions are considered as the abnormalities of Shukra (Semen) and Shonita (Ovum). Particularly Hereditary Spherocytosis includes tridosha vitiation along with Raktaj Dushti. Symptoms as per Ayurveda includes Pandu (Anemia), Kamla (jaundice) and Pliha Vridhi (Splenomegaly).
Management in Ayurveda is to be done for alleviating Anaemia, Jaundice and Splenomegaly. Various herbs and purified minerals are used to manage this condition that are mentioned as below:
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava herb consists of rejuvenating properties which helps in prevention of early destruction of RBCs. This herb consists of miraculous appetizing and digestive properties along with Pitta balancing properties which helps in increasing hemoglobin. On the other side the herb is quite beneficial to reduce the bilirubin levels and to decrease the size of spleen.
- Draksha (Vitis vinifera): The outer skin of Draksha consists of Resveratrol which helps in increasing the formation of blood cells. It also consists of rejuvenating properties that help in preventing the deterioration of RBCs. It consists of Antioxidant properties which is also responsible for preventing the disfigurement of RBCs.
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Amalaki is Tridosha hara, especially pitta pacifying and one of the rejuvenating herbs. It specifically helps in preventing Anemia by increasing the absorption of iron. Beside this Amalaki consists of cytoprotective properties which helps in preventing disfigurement of the RBCs which is the main cause of HS thus helps in managing the symptoms of HS.
- Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus): Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) is a wonderful blood purifier which helps in maintaining the healthy structure of blood components. It has a refreshing and coolant effect which helps in reducing fatigue and lethargy due to anemia. This herb also helps in preventing nausea and vomiting due to its anti-emetic properties.
- Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia): Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is one of the well known blood purifying herbs. The various properties of Manjishtha are helpful in reducing or managing the symptoms of this condition. These properties includes panduhara (alleviates anemia), rakta dosh hara (purifies blood), yakrit vikara hara (helpful in liver diseases) kamala hara (prevents jaundice and Vamanhara (prevents nausea and vomiting).
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS
Planet Ayurveda has been working for more than 20 years in the field of Ayurveda. This company has a lot of health supplements which almost manage every kind of disease along with providing a healthy life to the healthy person. All their herbal and herbomineral supplements are well certified with the certification of GMP, ISO, Hala and many more recognised certifications. Their products are totally safe if taken under the assistance of Ayurveda experts as they are free from any kind of added preservatives and synthesized materials. As mentioned already they have various products and can manage any kind of health condition and for Hereditary Spherocytosis following remedies are provided by Planet Ayurveda. Let's take a look at why these remedies are effective in managing Hereditary Spherocytosis.
PRODUCTS LIST
- PUNARNAVA MANDOOR
- HEMO PLAN SYRUP
- GANDHAK RASAYAN
- GREEN ESSENTIALS
- YASTHIMADHU GHAN VATI
- DRAKSHASAV
- ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI
Herbal Remedies For Hereditary Spherocytosis
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Punarnava Mandoor
Punarnava Mandoor is one of the Classical Ayurvedic Formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda as mentioned in Classical Ayurvedic texts. This formulation is available in tablet form and consists of ingredients such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), etc. It is helpful for Anaemia as it increases the total iron binding capacity. It has Rasayana property which aids in improving the metabolism thus reducing the weakness and lethargy due to anemia.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Hemo Plan Syrup
Hemo Plan Syrup is one of the herbal syrups prepared by Planet Ayurveda. This herbal syrup is made up of ingredients such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), etc. This syrup is a natural blood purifier and good source of Iron which helps in combating Anaemia. It maintains healthy blood circulation by pacifying Pitta Dosha and also reduces general weakness.
Dosage - 10 ml twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak Rasayan is one of the best formulation works as rejuvenator. These tablets consist of the major ingredient Gandhak (Purified Sulphur). Purified Gandhak is a natural antibiotic, antioxidant and a blood purifier. Being a blood purifier it helps in maintaining healthy blood composition. The antioxidant property of Gandhak Rasayan helps in preventing the disfigurement of RBCs and increases the lifespan of RBCs.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Green Essentials
Green Essentials is a herbal capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda. These capsules are made up of standardized extract of herbs such as Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera), Wheat grass (Triticulum aestivum), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), etc. All the ingredients aid in promoting the health of RBCs thus increasing Hb. Also this remedy consists of natural multivitamins which are quite helpful in reducing lethargy, weakness and makes the patient feel healthy and energetic.
Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
5. Yasthimadhu Ghan Vati
Yasthimadhu Ghan Vati is one of the herbal tablet formulations prepared by main ingredient Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This medication is one of the natural steroids it helps in boosting the effect of other medications. It is quite effective in increasing the number of RBCs thus helping in increasing the hemoglobin. These tablets are beneficial for reducing the breathlessness due to this condition by strengthening the respiratory system.
Dosage - 1 tablet twice daily with plain water after meals.
6. Drakshasav
Drakshasav is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used since ancient times for maintaining health of the blood components. This herbal syrup contains ingredients such as Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Supari (Areca catechu), Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum), etc. All the ingredients of Drakshasav promotes healthy digestion and induce healthy metabolism. Healthy metabolism helps in proper nourishment of the body and helps in promoting overall health of the person and increasing the hemoglobin.
Dosage - 10 ml twice daily with plain water after meals.
7. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
Ashwagandhaghan Vati is one of the classical Ayurvedic formulations made up of main ingredient Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha provides multiple health benefits but being adaptogenic it helps in boosting the action of other herbal remedies used for the treatment. Being a natural steroid it helps in preventing any kind of damage in the body thus preventing destruction of the RBCs also.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.
CONCLUSION
Hereditary Spherocytosis is a disorder which affects the surface membrane of Red Blood Cells and leads to Hemolytic Anaemia. It is a hereditary condition so there is no other such cause which leads to this condition. The other symptoms rather than Anaemia experienced by patients are jaundice, splenomegaly, gallbladder stones, etc. As per Ayurveda the concept of Genetics as predominance of Doshas in qualitative or qualitative form from birth. Management in Ayurveda is to be done for alleviating Anaemia, Jaundice and Splenomegaly. For this various herbal and herbomineral remedies are provided by Planet Ayurveda, so if you or any of your loved one is suffering from the same, you must have these remedies for managing this condition and improving your quality of life.
