Myotonic Dystrophy: Symptoms, treatment by Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Muscles are an important component or part of our body that performs a number of functions. There are various types of muscles such as skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. They are of various types depending on the organs. There is another classification depending upon the voluntarism. Some are voluntary such as skeletal muscles and some are involuntary such as cardiac muscles. Sometimes due to genetics or trauma can lead to the shrinkage or dysfunctioning of the muscles. Muscular dystrophy is one such condition that is characterised by gradual weakening and wasting of the muscles. We shall see this condition in detail in the text below. We shall also discuss the management of the same in the contemporary system of medicine as well as in the traditional Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. Let’s discuss!!

Introduction

Myotonic dystrophy is a part of inherited disorders known as muscular dystrophies. It is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy that usually starts in adulthood. Myotonic dystrophy is manifested by gradual or progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles. It may also include intellectual disability, heart conduction problems and cataract. Early balding and inability to have children can be seen in men. The condition is also known as dytrophica myotonica, myotonia dystrophica and myotonia atrophica. In Ayurveda, the condition can be well correlated with mamsa dhatu kshaya. Let’s look at the causes, clinical features, investigation and management of Myotonic dystrophy. Let’s have a look!!

Causes of Myotonic Dystrophy

The cause of myotonic dystrophy is a genetic mutation of genes.

Typically myotonic dystrophy is an inherited condition which follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Mutation of DMPK gene leads to the occurrence of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM 1) whereas mutation of gene CNBP causes type 2 myotonic dystrophy (DM 2).

Types of Myotonic Dystrophy

1. Type 1 myotonic Dystrophy: This type is a mild type or the symptoms are less intense.
2. Type 2 myotonic Dystrophy: Weakening of the muscles that are central or near to the central part of the body occurs. There could be weakening of the muscles of elbows, hips, shoulders and neck.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lengthy muscle contractions
• Temporary jaw lock
• Cataracts
• Slurred speech
• Gastrointestinal features such as problematic swallowing, gallstones, constipation.

Investigations

• Genetic testing
• Electromyography

Management

• In allopathy there is no cure for myotonic dystrophy. The management includes wheelchairs, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, pacemakers and braces.
• Muscle relaxants such as carbamazepine, mexiletine
• Tricyclics antidepressants
• NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Physiotherapy

Ayurvedic aspect and management for Myotonic Dystrophy

Ayurveda is a traditional medicinal system of India that focuses on the lifestyle, diet and medicinal and surgical intervention in the diseased whenever required. Ayurveda’s objective is to provide relief to the diseased ones and maintain the healthy status of the healthy persons. Ayurveda is based on the three doshas of the body i.e. vata, pitta and kapha.  All these within required range results in a healthy status of a person whereas the vitiation of these leads to diseases.

In Ayurveda, the correlation of the condition of the myotonic dystrophy can be well established with the mams dhatu kshaya due to vata vriddhi. Due to the consumption of vata vardhak food and doing certain things that lead to the aggravation of the vata dosha leads to certain conditions that cause the atrophy of the muscles.

Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya

The reduction in mams dhatu leads to the emaciation of neck, lips, penis, hip region, chest, groin, axilla, abdomen, thighs, dryness in the body, pain in the body, muscle fatigue, pain in the joints, reduction in the weight etc.

Management of the mamsa dhatu kshya depends on the ayurvedic quote ‘saravada saravbhavanam samanyam vridhhikarnam’ which means taking the deficient thing will lead to overcoming the deficiency. Such as muscle deficiency (weakening/wasting of muscles) will be fulfilled with the intake of meat products and so on.

So intake of meat will help in the myotonic dystrophy but the main thing that leads to the emaciation of the muscles that needed to be attended to. So here the management of the vata dosha is required on the lines of managing vata vyadhi. As the muscles weakness occurs to an extreme level so providing strength to the same and massaging the affected muscle with strength providing oils. Management of vata vyadhi include snehana, swedana, anusvasan basti, brimhanaiya food (nourishing food) , oil massages.

Herbs such as giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), erand (Ricinus communis), rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), bala (Sida cordifolia), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), nirgundi (Vitex negundo) etc are helpful in the alleviation of the symptoms associated with myotonic dystrophy and also provides strength to the muscles which ultimately leads to the good functioning of the respective muscle.

Erand Pak, Bala Ashwagandhadi taila, bala taila, dashamoola ghrita, drakshasav, rasraj ras, chyawanprash, brahma rasayan, ashwagandha ghan vati, gokshuradi kwath, mahabaladi kwath et are various ayurvedic preparations that helps in myotonic dystrophy.

Pathya

• Ghrit (Ghee)
• Oil
• Sesame seeds
• Wheat
• Maash
• Shali chawal
• Sathi chawal
• Kulath
• Sura
• Parval
• Moringa
• Garlic
• Pomegranate
• Mango
• Nimbu (lemon)
• Ber
• Draksha
• Gokshur
• Milk
• Coconut water
• Tamarind
• Gomutra (cow urine)
• Massage etc

Apathya

• Chana (chickpeas)
• Matar (Peas)
• Karela
• Madhu (honey)
• Worry
• Grief
• Waking till late night
• Sexual intercourse etc

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Myotonic Dystrophy

Planet Ayurveda is an emerging US-FDA registered, GMP certified and ISO 9001:2015 certified Ayurvedic Company, which manufactures standard Ayurvedic medicines as given in the various ancient scriptures of Ayurveda. Medicines are prepared without preservatives and additives and other kinds of synthesised material which cause many side effects on the human body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any adulteration. Planet Ayurveda extends its herbal formulations that are helpful in managing the condition of Myotonic dystrophy.

Given below are some of the Products by Planet Ayurveda that are helpful in Myotonic Dystrophy

1. TRIBULUS POWER
2. ASHWAGANDHADI GHRIT
3. ATIRASADI CHURNA
4. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
5. GANDHAK RASAYAN
6. BALA ASHWAGANDHA THAILAM
7. DHANWANTHARAM TAILAM

Product Description

1. TRIBULUS POWER

Tribulus Power is a great herbal medicine formulated by Planet Ayurveda that is beneficial in a number of conditions. Tribulus Power contains the strengthening and energising properties of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Furthermore, it corrects the neurological dysfunctions as it helps in proper functioning of the neuromuscular structures by strengthening them. Thus it helps in strengthening the body and muscles. With such properties, Tribulus Power helps in the management of myotonic dystrophy as it strengthens the muscles and helps in their functions properly.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day

2. ASHWAGANDHADI GHRIT

Ashwagandhadi ghrit is a classical ayurvedic ghrit formulatuin. It contains ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), go ghrit (cow ghee) and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) that provide strength to the body and nourishes all the body tissues (dhatus). It provides energy and strength to the affected muscles and establishes a better functioning of the muscles. Ashwagandhadi ghrit provides a great benefit in the emaciation of the body tissues. Therefore, it is of much help in re-installment of the healthy and well-functioning of the muscles that are affected by myotonic dystrophy.

Dosage: One tsp twice a day

3. ATIRASADI CHURNA

Atirasadi churna is a product of Planet Ayurveda that is helpful in a number of disorders that are related to the weakening of the body. The churna is composed of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), kali musli (Curculigo orchioides), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), semal musli (Salmalia malabarica), akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum), vidari kand (Pueraria tuberosa), kesar (Crocus sativus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. Atirasadi churna gives strength to the weakened muscles that are affected by myotonic dystrophy.

Dosage: One tsp twice a day

4. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin capsules, a product of Planet Ayurveda, contains the properties of the herbs shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). Boswellia Curcumin reduces the pain and other symptoms linked with myotonic dystrophy and also helps in the re-establishment of the functions and conditions of involved muscles. Therefore, Boswellia Curcumin is beneficial in the condition of myotonic dystrophy as it provides strength to the muscles. Boswellia Curcumin helps in the managing myotonic dystrophy and also results in healthy contractions and relaxations of the muscles of the body.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day

5. GANDHAK RASAYAN

Ganghak Rasayan is a classical ayurvedic mineral based rasayana. It is composed of shuddha gandhak (purified sulphur). Furthermore, sulphur has many health benefits. It nourishes the body from inside out. It possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral activities. It enhances skin complexion and normalises the muscular contractions and relaxations. It is useful in myotonic dystrophy as it strengthens the muscles.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day

6. BALA ASHWAGANDHA THAILAM

Bala ashwagandha thailam is a classical ayurvedic herbal oil formulation that is used in a number of musculoskeletal disorders. It is filled with the strength giving properties of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), bala (Sida cordifolia). It helps in strengthening the muscles and provides good functioning of the same. Thus it is of great use in myotonic dystrophy.

Dosage: Oil to be heated and then applied

7. DHANWANTHARAM TAILAM

Dhanwantharam tailam is classical ayurvedic oil preparation which is used in the condition of weak muscular power. The oil possesses strengthening and power providing properties of the herbs kulatha (Dolichos biflorus), bala (Sida cordifolia), agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), prasarini (Paederia foetida), brihati (Solanum indicum), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) and others. The oil provides energy to the weak muscles. Furthermore, the oil preparation alleviates pain and pacifies vata dosha. As Dhanwantharam thailam reduces pain and provides strength to the muscles, therefore it is of great help in managing myotonic dystrophy.

Dosage: Oil to be heated and then applied

CONTACT PLANET AYURVEDA TO PROVIDE YOU THE COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040

Conclusion

Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition that leads to the weakening and wasting of the muscles. Weakening and wasting of the muscles lead to altered functions of the respective muscles. In the contemporary system of medicine there is no cure available for this condition. And the condition of the patient deteriorates as the disease progresses. Whereas Ayurveda offers a positive management of myotonic dystrophy, with its vata pacifying and strength providing properties of certain drugs that we have seen above in the text. The products of Planet Ayurveda mentioned above are so helpful in the management of myotonic dystrophy and provide strength to the affected muscles. In the last, Ayurveda best manages myotonic dystrophy.