Ayurvedic Management of ITP (Thrombocytopenia)

ABSTRACT

It is an autoimmune condition that causes low platelet count which can often lead to bleeding. ITP is also known as Immune thrombocytopenia which was earlier called Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura because some patients have symptoms like purpura(Large reddish purplish rash on the skin). ITP targets mature platelets that circulate through the spleen. Whereas new platelet cells remain unaffected. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with Tiryaka Raktapitta. Ayurveda offers proper management of ITP through the use of herbs that balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and increases the platelet count.

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune bleeding disorder in which the immune system attacks the platelets in the blood. It is more prevalent in women as compared to men. Also, it is more common in children as compared to adults. Normally, the immune system differentiates between the body’s own cells and other cells. But in this condition, the immune system produces antibodies and white blood cells (T cells) that destroy blood-clotting platelets. ITP is categorised into two types : Acute ITP and Chronic ITP. Acute ITP is mostly seen in children. It can be a result of any previous viral infection which usually resolves within six months. Chronic ITP is more common in adults. It stays for longer than 6 months. It causes low platelet count resulting in easy bruising, bleeding, anaemia, weakness etc. It is very crucial to treat ITP to avoid complications like Haemorrhage, blurred vision, increased Gastrointestinal bleeding and Hemorrhagic shock, etc.

CAUSES

• Idiopathic: It is an autoimmune condition with an unknown cause (Idiopathic).
• History of viral infections (Chicken pox, Hepatitis, HIV)
• Other autoimmune disorders: Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy: It can sometimes alter the immune system and results in ITP (Mother)
• Leukaemia and lymphoma

SYMPTOMS

• Easy bruising
• Presence of Petechiae: Tiny reddish purplish spots as a result of bleeding in the skin
• Purpura: Larger reddish purplish rash which is larger than petechiae
• Ecchymosis (Large bruised area showing discoloration as a result of bleeding)

Bleeding from gums (Gingival bleeding)

• Bleeding from the Nose (Epistaxis)
• Retinal haemorrhage resulting in blurred vision
• Anaemia
• Blood in urine and stools
• Bloody vomiting
• Heavy menstrual flow (Menorrhagia)
• Internal bleeding

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination

• Blood test
• Bone marrow biopsy

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

According to Ayurveda ITP is correlated with “Tiryaka Raktapitta ”. In Charak Samhita it is concluded under RaktaPitta Chikitsa that overconsumption of Pitta aggravating foods leads to the aggravation of Pitta. Aggravated Pitta afflicts blood resulting in Tiryaka Raktapitta. Symptoms include bleeding from various parts of the body like gums, nose, and mouth. It affects Yakrita (liver) and Pliha (spleen). Many other organs can also be affected in later stages. ITP is managed in Ayurveda through the use of Pitta Pacifying herbs and Samshodhan Chikitsa (Bio-cleansing therapy).

TREATMENT

The following herbal formulations can be used in order to manage ITP

Churna

• Amalaki Churna
• Manjishtha churna

Vati

• Punarnava Mandur
• Ashwagandha ghan vati

Swaras

• Giloy swaras
• Durwa swaras

Kwath

• Padakadi Kwath
• Atrushakadi Kwath

Peya

• Chandanadi Peya
• Kiratiktadi Peya
• Dhakyadi Peya

Ras / Pishti

• Suvarna Basant Malti Ras
• Kumar Kalyan Ras
• Akik Pishti

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ITP BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides an effective combination of Herbal Remedies for the Management of Immune Thrombocytopenia The formulation contains pure extracts which are formulated under GMP guidelines. The medicines made here are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. These products are formulated by MD Doctors. All the herbal formulations are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects. Given below are the herbal remedies given by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Products List

1. Plato Plan Syrup
2. Ashwagandha capsules
3. Punarnava Mandur
4. Hemo Plan Syrup
5. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Plato Plan Syrup

Plato Plan Syrup is a standardised herbal formulation that contains Erand Karkati (Carica papaya), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Wheatgrass (Triticum sativum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shigru(Moringa pterygosperma) and various other herbs. This syrup contains Carica papaya which helps in managing thrombocytopenia and Erythema nodosum seen in ITP. Giloy present in Plato Plan Syrup balances Tridosha and is astringent in rasa (Taste). It manages anemia and bleeding associated with ITP. This syrup helps in managing Thrombocytopenia, Jaundice, and Skin diseases associated with ITP.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons twice a day.

2. Ashwagandha capsules

Ashwagandha capsule is an ayurvedic formulation that contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is a great immunomodulator and is considered a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) in Ayurveda. It helps in increasing platelet count along with other blood cells. Ashwagandha helps the bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. It is also responsible for providing strength to the body and subsides fatigue associated with ITP.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava Mandur is an ayurvedic formulation that contains Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx) and various other herbs. Punarnava helps in the detoxification of the blood and improves blood circulation in the body. Haritaki is considered a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) and tridoshahar (Balances all 3 doshas). Mandoor Bhasma is itself a rich source of iron. Punarnava mandur has hematogenic(helps in the formation of RBCs), hematinic (boosts haemoglobin levels), diuretic, and depurative (blood purification) properties. This formulation helps in the pacification of Kapha and Pitta.  It manages anemia, and spleen enlargement associated with ITP.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

4. Hemo Plan Syrup

Hemo Plan Syrup is a herbal formulation that contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Draksha (Vitis vinifera) and various other herbs. Hemoplan syrup helps in balancing Pitta dosha. It contains Manjistha which is known for Raktaprasadan (Improves blood circulation by balancing doshas). It is exclusively used in blood disorders. Hemo Plan syrup contains herbs that are cool in potency and prevents blood loss from various parts of the body.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons twice a day

5. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras

Suvarna Basant Malti Ras is a herbo mineral formulation that contains Swarna bhasma (Calcined gold), Mukta bhasma (Calcined pearl), Purified hingul (Cinnabar), Kharpara bhasma (Calcined zinc), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) and various other herbs. It contains herbs and minerals that balance Kapha and Vata. It is known for managing cold, cough, and disorders of the liver and spleen. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras is also responsible for managing infections associated with ITP.

Dosage: 1 tablet taken with honey after a meal once or twice a day.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

ITP is an autoimmune condition that causes low platelet count which can often lead to bleeding. In this condition, the immune system produces antibodies that attack its own body cells. Bleeding, easy bruising, presence of Petechiae, Purpura, Ecchymosis and Anemia are some of the symptoms seen in ITP. Ayurveda offers a very holistic way to manage ITP through the use of herbs and herbo mineral products that help in increasing platelet count and improving symptoms associated with ITP.