What is Fragile X Syndrome?- Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Fragile X Syndrome [FXS] is a genetic condition that affects children. This occurs due to a mutation in gene FMR1 on the X chromosome. It affects both males and females but females have milder symptoms than males. It occurs in 1 male child from 4000 births and 1 female child from 8000 female childbirth.  Males can pass the permutation to their daughters and the mother can pass the permutation to any of her children. In this article, we will discuss various symptoms and their Symptomatic Treatment in Ayurveda.

Introduction

Fragile X Syndrome is also known as Martin Bell syndrome, marker X syndrome, FXS, X linked mental retardation. It is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, which includes developmental problems, learning disabilities, etc. the symptoms are clear from the age of two years in an affected child. Children may also have attention deficit disorder which includes an impaired ability to maintain attention. Seizures occur in children with Fragile X Syndrome [FXS]. Males have more chances of developing seizures than females. Most of the males and half of the females with Fragile X Syndrome [FXS] have physical features.

Ayurvedic Aspect

According to Ayurveda, genetic defects are known as’ Beeja dushti’. The beeja dushti can be a causative factor that is due to doshas imbalance in the mother and father. The effect can be on the mind and body of the child. The indriya (sense organs) of the child are not able to communicate properly. These symptoms can be characterized under the Unmada roga. We find similarities in behavioral abnormalities of Fragile X Syndrome [FXS] and Unmada due to Beeja dushti. The impairment of mind (man), atma (soul), indriya (sense organs), indriyartha (Objects for sensing), sharer (body), sharir doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha imbalance), altogether leads to Fragile X Syndrome [FXS]. They are also said to be due to poorvjanam karma (karma pays off). Thus these are considered aasadhya rogas that cannot be managed. Ayurveda provides treatment modalities only for the symptomatic management of Fragile X Syndrome [FXS]. A cure for such disorders is not possible. This leads to both physical and mental defects in developing children.

Causes

Mutation in the FMR1 gene causes Fragile X Syndrome [FXS]. It has an X linked dominant pattern.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the extent of the mutation. People with a lower amount of FMRP had mild symptoms of physical features along with mild emotional symptoms-

Physical Symptoms include

• Long and narrow face
• Large ears
• Prominent jaw
• Forehead is prominent
• Flexible fingers
• Flat feet
• Enlarges testicles in males

Social and Behavioral Symptoms

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Being very active
• Hand flapping
• Not making eye contacts
• Speaking without thinking

The Child With Fragile X Syndrome [FXS] may also have

• Learning disabilities
• Autistic spectrum disorder

Diagnosis

Fragile X Syndrome [FXS] can be diagnosed by testing DNA from a blood test

Treatment

There is no cure for Fragile X Syndrome [FXS]. However, treatment modalities can help the child to learn various skills. These services include-

• Talking, walking skills
• Speech therapies
• Medications for symptomatic treatment
• Behavior control therapies

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Fragile X Syndrome [FXS]

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified ayurvedic company that prepares natural medicines using authentic ways. The herbal medicines prepared by the company are prescribed worldwide for the treatment of many disorders. These medicines are 100% pure without any side effects. Also while formulating these remedies, experts take care of not adding any sort of chemical. The preparation of medicines is purely based on ayurvedic principles and strictly follows government guidelines. Planet Ayurveda provides Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome. The medications provided by us are for symptomatic management of the condition. Using these medications can improve the symptoms of the patient and also reduce the side effects of chemical medications.

1. Ashwagandha Ghrit

The ghrit is prepared with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Go Ghrita (Cow ghee), Go dugdha (Cow milk), and Water. This is an effective ghrita formulation for the management of symptoms of weakness, general debilities, genital problems, etc. Ghrit also helps to calm the brain and reduce swelling in the whole body. It also enhances the immunity of the child to deal with several health conditions.

Dosage-Have ½ teaspoon twice daily

2. Kumar Kalyan Ras

This is a herbal mineral ayurvedic formulation that is a mixture of herbs Kumari ras (Aloe vera juice), Shudh parade (Purifies mercury), Abhrak bhasma (processed mics), Mukta bhasma (pearl calx), Swarna bhasma (Gold calx), Makshik bhasma (Copper calx). This medicine is specially manufactured for various health conditions of children. This medicine is taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor.

Dosage– Have 1 tablet twice daily.

3. Telomere Boostup

This classical formulation is prepared with a combination of herbs like- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. This is a vajikaran and rasayan combination that acts on the overall health of the body. It has a rejuvenating effect on the body’s cellular nucleus.

Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.

4. Brahmi Vati Gold

These tablets are prepared with standard extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Swarna bhasma (Gold calx), etc. These tablets help to deal with symptoms like anxiety and depression. They help to strengthen the mind of the child which also adds to their learning abilities. It boosts brain functioning and improves memory, by reducing seizures

Dosage– Eat 1 vati once daily

5. Vat Gajankush Ras

This ayurvedic medicine is made from Shudh parade (Purified mercury), Loha bhasma (Iron calx), Makshik bhasma (Clax of copper), Shuddha gandhak (Purified sulfur), Shudh hartala (Purified orpiment), Haritki (Terminalia chebula), Shrungi (Citrullus colocynthis), Visha (Aconitum ferox), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Long pepper (Piper longum), Agnimantha (Premna corymbosa), etc. it fight against the diseases related to vata dosha. It also manages neuromuscular disorders and helps the child deal with social and emotional symptoms more effectively.

Dosage-Have 1 tablet twice daily

6. Curcumin 95% Capsules

This is a single herbal formulation made from standard extracts of Haridra (Curcuma longa). Haridra has bitter, pungent, and hot potency. Curcumin is a natural health supplement. It supports healthy cells and maintains the body as a whole. These capsules provide good dietary coverage that helps the body to deal with symptoms in a better way.

Dosage– Have 1 capsule twice daily

Conclusion

Ayurvedic medicines along with behavioral therapies can be very effective in the symptomatic treatment of the child and help the child to improve his quality of life to some extent. Although a permanent cure is not possible for Fragile X Syndrome [FXS], management with ayurvedic herbs could heal and strengthen the mind and body of the child without any side effects. Visit us at www.planetayurveda.com for the management of symptoms.