Ayurvedic Management of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy is a genetic heterogeneous group of primary myopathies. It includes weakness and wasting of muscles of hip and shoulder girdle. This kind of dystrophy is usually progressive in nature. This condition can affect anyone irrespective of age and gender. Limb girdle dystrophy can be managed by herbal formulations which are offered by Planet Ayurveda.

Introduction

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy is a broad term used for a group of myopathies. It is characterized by weakness and wasting of muscles of the leg and hip area. It mainly targets limb girdles that are bony structures surrounding the shoulder and hip joints. It is of two types-

1. LGMD 1 – In this type only one copy of a faulty gene is enough for the appearance of disease.
2. LGMD 2- It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner means both copies of causative genes are required.

LGMD can develop at any age. Initially at the time of early stages, a patient’s normal gate is hampered. Patients may face difficulty in running, struggle for standing up and may fall more frequently.

Causes of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy is generally caused by gene mutation. Almost 25 genes are responsible for this kind of dystrophy. Gene mutations result in formation of abnormal functioning of proteins in muscles. They cause progressive weakness of muscles. The inheritance of LGMD varies from person to person depending on the genetic defects. In broad terms, LGMD type 1 is dominantly inherited whereas LGMD type 2 recessively inherited. Basically cells do not produce healthy protein which is required for normal functioning of muscles.

Sign and Symptoms of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

The main feature of Limb girdle muscular dystrophy is weakness and atrophy of limb girdle muscles. The first problem patients notice is while walking, their gait is disturbed. They may have trouble getting up from the chair or from the toilet seat or climbing stairs. As weakness progresses, the person may require the use of assistive mobility devices.

Other symptoms include:

• Weakness in shoulder area while picking or carrying heavy objects
• Difficulty while stretching arms
• Trouble feeding themselves
• Weakening of cardiac muscles
• Muscle cramps
• Joint stiffness
• Scoliosis
• Lordosis
• Dysphagia
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty in breathing

Diagnosis of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, detailed history of patients including family history, identification of characteristic symptoms and various lab investigations.

Lab test includes:

• Serum creatine kinase level
• Electromyography
• Muscle biopsy
• Genetic testing

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Planet Ayurveda offers 100% pure herb based natural remedies to treat Limb girdle muscular dystrophy. These formulations are chemical free and they do not cause any side effects.

These herbal formulation includes:

1. Ashwagandha capsules
2. Musli strength
3. Shatavari capsules
4. Boswellia curcumin capsules
5. Brahmi chawanprash

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are formulated with pure extract of Ashwagandha( Withania somnifera). This is a wonderful herb to increase stamina and muscle strength. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in relieving muscle swelling. Ashwagandha is an immunomodulatory herb and it also has a calming effect on the brain.

Dose- 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meal.

2. Musli Strength

Musli strength is a herbal formulation which is prepared from pure extracts of Musli( Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura( Tribulus terrestris). These herbs in combination help in balancing vata dosha in the body. Musli strength provides strength to the body and increases vitality.

Dose- 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after the meals.

3. Shatavari Capsules

The main ingredient of shatavari capsules is shatavari( Asparagus racemosus). Shatavari comes under the balaya group of herbs, herbs that provide strength to the body and increase immunity power. It has antioxidant properties and it also helps in detoxification of the body. It is very beneficial to improve energy levels in the body and provide strength to the body.

Dose- 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curvumin is an effective herbal formulation that has Shallaki( Boswellia serrata) and curcumin( Curcuma longa). It has anti inflammatory and analgesic properties. This herbal formulation helps in mobility of joints which occurs during stiffness of joints.

Does- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals only.

5. Brahmi Chawanprash

Brahmi chawanprash is an Ayurvedic formulation which is produced by multiple herbs like Brahmi( Bacopa monnieri), Dashmoola, Bala(Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha( Withania somnifera), Bhoomi amla( Phyllanthus niruri), Shatavari( Asparagus racemosus) etc. These herbs balance three energies of the body( Vata, Pitta and Kapha). This herbal formulation provides strength and nourishment to the body. It is a very effective formulation to maintain overall health and general well being of a person.

Dose: 2 to 3 teaspoons twice daily with milk after meals.

Conclusion

It is concluded from the above discussion that Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder that can be managed by Herbal formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda.

Natural herbal formulations help to support a healthy body and provide strength to the body to fight against various diseases.