Ayurvedic Treatment for Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

Abstract

There are many diseases which are confined to children only. These little warriors have to face certain things which even adults might not be able to face. That’s why they are termed as little warriors. Even a quote fits very well here “Sometimes superheroes reside in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.” In this article we will be discussing one such condition which is called Adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD in short. The condition is a rare genetic disorder which affects the white matter of the nervous system and adrenal cortex as well. The article has all information regarding adrenoleukodystrophy according to modern viewpoints as well as Ayurvedic viewpoints. It also has descriptions of various ayurvedic formulations which can help very well.

Key Highlights

1. Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked rare genetic disorder.
2. It is an X-linked recessive disorder caused due to variation in the ABCD1 Gene.
3. Males develop more serious complications than females. Females sometimes do not have any symptoms.
4. Adrenoleukodystrophy is divided into types according to symptoms and age of onset.
5. Mostly, the condition is inherited and there is no way to prevent its inheritance.
6. This deadly genetic condition affects 1 per 17,000 individuals.
7. It often begins at the age of 4 years to the age of 10 years. It can also be present later in life.
8. If understood from the viewpoint of Ayurveda then, Adrenoleukodystrophy is a condition due to dushti or beeja due to aggravated vata dosha. Here beeja is a chromosome.

Introduction

As mentioned before, Adrenoleukodystrophy is a deadly genetic condition which mainly affects men or boys. Adrenoleukodystrophy involves various organs in the body and most predominantly it affects the brain along with the spinal cord. This brain related disorder basically destroys the myelin sheath. Myelin is basically a protective sheath that surrounds the brain’s neurons. Without the presence of myelin sheath the nerve cells do not function properly. In addition, Adrenoleukodystrophy knows no boundaries either racial or ethical or geographical. The most devastating form of Adrenoleukodystrophy is childhood one. The form generally exists between the age of 4yesr to 10 year. It can start in seemingly normal, healthy boys who suddenly begin to regress.

Causes of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

ALD is caused by a variation in the ABCD1 gene. It is commonly called a mutation of genes. These genes provide instructions for creating proteins which play a critical role in many functions of the body. When the gene mutation occurs, the protein produced may be faulty, inefficient, absent or overproduced.

Adrenoleukodystrophy creates such a situation that body’s not able to break down very long chains of fatty acids thus causing accumulation of these very long chains of fatty acids in your brain, nervous system and adrenal gland.

Types of Adrenoleukodystrophy

Aforementioned that based on the age of onset and severity of symptoms Adrenoleukodystrophy is classified into three main types:

1. Childhood cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy
2. Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN)
3. Addison’s disease

Description of Types

1. Childhood Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy

In this type of ALd the children start exhibiting symptoms between the age of 4 years -10 years. The children show symptoms like hyperacidity along with learning difficulties and behavioural changes like increased aggression. Rapid leukodystrophy or progressive increase in the breakdown of myelin sheath occurs over time, thus resulting in worsening symptoms.

2. Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN)

Patients with Adrenomyeloneuropathy also called adult onset Adrenomyeloneuropathy. The symptoms in early to mid adulthood are usually in their 20s or 30s. Neurological symptoms along with progressive weakness in the lower limb. Stiffness is also a very common symptom. The patients with this type often show bowel and bladder dysfunction. In addition, behavioural changes also start as the condition progresses. If the severity of the condition improves then the brain and spinal cord may also be involved. This can impact life expectancy. Though the progression of Adrenomyeloneuropathy is slower than Childhood cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy.

3. Addison’s Disease

In only 10% of patients with ALD, there is presence of adrenocortical insufficiency. This is called Addison’s disease. The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands help in coping up with stress and insufficiency of these hormones can create certain life threatening conditions.

Symptoms of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

The Symptoms of ALD Include the Following

1. There will be gradual vision loss
2. Patients will have learning difficulties
3. There can be dysphagia as well that is swallowing difficulty.
4. Presence of seizures, deafness and lack of coordination including balance
5. There is fatigue along with intermittent vomiting and weight loss.
6. Muscle weakness and low glucose levels are present
7. Headaches are common in the morning time.

Diagnosing Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

1. The early diagnosis of this condition is generally not possible. Many women in the families are not aware that they are carriers of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). As a result their sons are misdiagnosed and their symptoms are easily mistaken for behavioural or developmental issues.
2. But genetic testing can identify the genetic defect.

Treatment of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

For treating Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), there are not many options in the allopathic science but most preferred are as follows

1. Stem Cell Transplant

In this procedure the patient receives blood stem cells from a genetically matched donor.

2. Gene therapy for ALD is Also Done

Ayurvedic Aspect of Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)

• As mentioned before adrenoleukodystrophy is a result of beeja dushti due to aggravated vata dosha in the body. This vata dosha results in the mutation of genes due to its chala property and is the reason for destruction of myelin sheath in the brain. Moreover, it is also responsible for many symptoms arising in this situation. As a child is born he or she is present with these mutated genes which is the result of beeja dushti and thus the cycle continues.
• Ayurveda suggests that typical vata vayadi are very difficult to treat because vata has a tendency to affect dhatus at a deeper level and also has its impact at the level of chromosomes as well. Now if we consider  Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) as a vaydadhi due to typical vata dosha involvement then its treatment is also done in the same way.
• Vata dosha treatment in Ayurveda involves various steps like hydrating, moisturising and nourishing. Moreover, there are certain oral formulations too which are given in this case. The management of vata dosha is very tricky and Ayurveda has remedy to every trick.

Treatment of  Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) According to Ayurveda

Considering this condition as purely vata dosha induced, then the treatment will run the same. The vata dosha is balanced in the following ways in Ayurveda:

1. Sanshaman chikitsa: includes oral intake of herbal formulations
2. Sanshodhan chikitsa: By expelling out toxins using various procedures

Sanshaman chikitsa includes administration of herbal preparations which are prepared with ashwagandha, brahmi, gotu kola, giloy and many others. In this condition administration of certain herbomineral preparations can also be given.

On the other hand if we discuss sanshodhan chikitsa then abhyanga that is massage, administration of basti with medicated oils, nasya (administration of medicated oils through nasal routes) etc. can be preferred.

Herbal Formulations for Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal product manufacturing unit that deals with the preparation of patent products as well as classic products. The products are totally herbal, 100% pure and natural. There are no synthetic constituents used in the manufacturing and all the formulations along with compositions are guided by MD Ayurveda experts. Adrenoleukodystrophy is a condition in which there is aggravation of vata dosha and Planet Ayurveda has specific formulations that can successfully work in this condition. The formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the Effective management of Adrenoleukodystrophy are as follows:

1. BRAHMI CAPSULES
2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
3. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES
4. RASRAJ RAS
5. GILOY CAPSULES
6. SPIRULINA CAPSULES

Product Description

1. BRAHMI CAPSULES

Brahmi capsules are manufactured from Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is one of the four medhya rasayan which are popular in Ayurveda for maintaining a very good balance of the working of the brain and mind. The herb is known for its vata anulomana property as well, which is the main reason for dushti of beeja. Brahmi along with other herbs has potency to protect the myelin sheath from its degradation and also help in the reduction of symptoms generally noticed in this case. Brahmi capsules are known to have antioxidant roles as well. It also helps in the reduction of inflammation due to the  accumulation of very long chain fatty acids.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with Lukewarm water.

2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

These capsules are prepared using standardised extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb. This herb is helpful in improving the body’s capacity to maintain all types of  physical effort. This herb helps in improving the  weakness and strengthens the ligaments as well. The ashwagandha capsules are effective for management of fatigue, body pain and strengthen all over the body. The fatigue which is present  in this case can be well managed with ashwagandha. It also helps in the pacification of  tridosha. The formulation has great results in nourishing the body, nerve and nerve cells that are neurons. It also helps in protection of the myelin sheath.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with Lukewarm water. In case of small children, open the capsule and mix it in water then administer.

3. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES

Gotu kola capsules are prepared using standardised extract of gotu kola (Centella asiatica). The herb is having really impressive effects in the pacification of vata dosha in this case and thus helps in managing the symptoms. Gotu kola is a herb which helps in enhancing the cognitive function of the brain and also helps in reducing the oxidative stress in the body. As there’s a mutation in the gene resulting in accumulation of amino acids due to aggravated vata dosha, so gotu kola is of help. Gotu kola is termed as the herb of longevity and is known to boost brain power. It acts on the pineal gland as well and also has its impact on inflammation too. The herb is known to have rejuvenating effects.

Dosage:  One capsule twice a day after meals with Lukewarm water. In case of small children, open the capsule and mix it in water then administer.

4. RASRAJ RAS

Rasraj ras is an Ayurveda classical preparation which has a very great role in anulomana of vata dosha. The rasraj ras is a very famous formulation of Ayurveda which gives very great results in conditions like Parada (purified mercury), Abhraka (Purified Silica), Swarna (Calx of gold), Loha bhasma (Calx of iron), Vajgandha (Withania somnifera) and many others.  It is basically a very impressive herbo mineral formulation and thus gives very great results even at low doses. Rasraj Ras gives great results in the anulomana of vata dosha as well. Being a herbo mineral preparation this formulation has it simpact till the level of chromosomes thus is helpful in this condition.

Dosage: One tablet twice daily after meals with lukewarm water. In case small children crush the tablet, mix it in water and administer it.

5. GILOY CAPSULES

Giloy capsules are manufactured using standardised extract of guduchi or giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). This herb is very well known to help as an immune system modulator.The herb helps by enhancing the working of the immune system and results in building an impressive immune system which is difficult to pierce. Giloy is a herb that helps in the protection of the body and also has its effect on pacification of aggravated doshas. Giloy is the magical herb of which is called as amrit in Ayurveda due to its marvellous effects. People use giloy in a wide range of conditions and in every condition the giloy gives its ultimate effect on the human body. The herb has its effect on the nucleus of a cell and thus is really helpful in this condition.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water. In case of small children, open the capsule and mix it in water then administer.

6. SPIRULINA CAPSULES

Spirulina capsules are also prepared with standardised extract of spirulina (Spirulina platensis). The formulation has great results in enhancing the immunity of the body and also has its effect on pacification of dosha as well. Spirulina capsules are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which means it reduces the inflammation present due to accumulation of a very long chain of   amino acids. Moreover, the formulation is rich in various types of vitamins like vitamin E, C and B6. spirulina is also known to boost the production of white blood cells.  The capsules are totally herbal and do not contain any type of preservatives.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water. In case of small children, open the capsule and mix it in water then administer.

Conclusion

The conditions affecting children are growing at a rapid speed. This fact can not be ignored. There are many conditions which develop in children untimely and their cause is not known. What has to be done in such cases because allopathic science is not left with much of the choices. Here, the Ayurveda can play its part. Ayurvedic herbs are potent enough to act at the level of the cell nucleus. These formulations are potent and give great results in many conditions whether autoimmune, genetic, metabolic and many others.