Ayurvedic Treatment of Glomerular Disease

Abstract

The main function of the kidney is to filter the blood and excrete out the waste products as urine out of the system and reabsorb the useful one. Thus plays a key role in maintaining water and electrolyte balance in the body. The nephrons are the basic structural and functional units of the kidney which are composed of glomeruli, which are the network of capillaries; this tuft of small blood vessels acts as microfilters that are constantly filtering the blood. But if there is damage in the glomeruli due to any underlying infection or any other causes it will result in various glomerular diseases. In this article we are going to discuss the glomerular diseases in general along with their ayurvedic correlations and then the best Ayurvedic treatment for these diseases.

Introduction

Glomerular diseases are being manifested due to glomerular capillary damage due to any underlying diseases or due to idiopathic causes. Glomerular disorders can be classified on the basis of changes in urine. These disorders usually present with the nephrotic syndrome or nephritic syndromes predominantly along with other conditions such as acute and chronic glomerulonephritis. In some cases, both of these conditions are manifested simultaneously.

In Ayurveda, various nidana, with the predominance of kapha and pitta leading to the violation of tridosha leading to raktvaha strotodushti (vitiation of  microchanneled associated with blood which can be taken as microcapillaries of the glomerular tuft) and resulting in the formation of symptoms of kapahaj and pittaja Prameha.

Signs & Symptoms

The classical sign of glomerular disorders is proteinuria (i.e. increased amount of protein in urine), i.e. ≥ 3 gm/day.

The common signs and symptoms of glomerular disease can be explained by the symptoms of nephritic and nephrotic syndrome along with some other conditions.

These are as

1. Nephritic Syndrome

Nephritic Syndrome is the collection of different signs and symptoms that results due to inflammation of kidneys manifested by oliguria (reduced urine output), nephritic urine sediments,and disturbed renal functions such as elevated creatinine levels.

Nephritic Syndrome in Ayurveda on the basis of clinical features can be explained by the combination of shanairmeha and siktameha, the subtypes of kaphaja Prameha.

The Description of These Symptoms are as

(Charaka Samhita Nidana sthana 4/21)

Shanairmeha is the disorder caused due to excessive kapaha, urinating slowly and that too with great difficulty. This condition can be correlated with oliguria present in nephritic syndrome.

(Charaka Samhita Nidana sthana 4/20)

Siktameha is the term given to the condition when there is sedimentation of tiny gravel like particles in the urine of the person due to vitiated kapha dosha. This can be considered as the nephritic urine sediments.

Nephrotic Range Proteinuria (severely increased level of protein in urine; overall >3 gm/day, urine protein excretion > 50 mg/kg/24 hours and urine albumin excretion > 40mg/ meter square) is commonly manifested with nephrotic urine sediment include oval fat bodies, fatty casts etc). The urine may be foamy because of the protein.

This symptom can be correlated with sandra prasad meha subtype of Kapahaj Prameha as

It states that due to the excessive vitition of kapha dosha when the turbid urine of the affected person is being collected in a tumbler or container, and remained untouched for some time, there is gradual sedimentation at the base of that container and clean from above. This turbidity and the basal sedimentation are possibly due to the various nephrotic urine sediments such as fatty cells or cellular casts etc.

2. Hematuria

Hematuria (blood in the urine), is presented as a result of leakage of blood into the urine from the glomeruli due to deformity caused in it by underlying glomerular disorder And this condition is usually found in combination with proteinuria (excessive protein contents in urine), dysmorphic red blood cells are generally present and often there are mixed cellular casts (nephritic urine sediments). The urine may light brown or look pink coloured.

This particular symptom is best related with the manjistha meha, a subtype of  Pittaja Prameha.

Due to the excessive vitiation of pitta dosha the affected person urinates reddish colored urine like the color of Rubia cordifolia and very foul smelling urine. This reddish color and foul smell of urine is due to the presence of RBCs and other cellular casts in the urine.

3. Generalized Edema

Glomerular disease leads to excess fluid to build up in the body. This extra fluid is responsible for inflammation in various body parts like, feet, ankles, hands or puffiness of face and swelling under eyes.

Edema in the various parts of the body can be best correlated with vrik janya sarvag sotha (generalized swelling due to renal origin).

Other Symptoms

Reduced glomerular filtration rate.
Fever in infectious cases.
Persistent state of these diseases can lead to various urinary tract infections and other complications.

Causes

There are a variety of diseases that can result in glomerular diseases. The possible causes of these diseases include an infection or as a result of any systemic disease such as diabetes or systemic erythematous lupus. Many other sclerosing diseases cause the scarring of glomerulus or nephrons. Whereas sometimes, the glomerular diseases are of idiopathic origin. Few diseases that can be associated with or are underlying cause for glomerular diseases are

1. Autoimmune diseases such as SLE (Systemic Erythematous Lupus) IgA nephropathy, Anti-GBM (Goodpasture’s) disease.
2. Hereditary nephritis (Alport syndrome)
3. Infection related Glomerular diseases include Acute post- streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), Bacterial endocarditis, AIDS or HIV infections.
4. Sclerotic diseases include glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy etc.
5. Other glomerular diseases such as membranous glomerulonephropathy, chronic kidney failure.
6. Focal necrosis of glomerular tuft which leads to nephritic sediments.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical manifestations, lab investigations which includes raised renal function tests of blood (e.g. blood urea, serum creatinine) and altered urine examination results such as severe proteinuria, albuminuria etc. The reduced Glomerular filtration rate is also an indication of the disease. Furthermore, an KUB ultrasonography will help in accessing and evaluating any other associated pathology going on in the kidney or urinary tract. A kidney biopsy is required for the conformation of glomerular disease and its possible cause.

Complications

These conditions if remained untreated may lead to chronic kidney disease and later to kidney failure. Further, this disease can lead to many urinary tract related disorders such as recurrent urinary tract infections, anuria and urolithiasis etc. along with life threatening systemic complications also. 

Ayurvedic Treatment of Glomerular Disease

The line of management in Ayurveda include

1. Nidana Parivarjana

This treatment method involves the elimination of all the possible causes, causative factors of diseases, along with the avoidance of numerous risk factors for these diseases.

2. Sanshodhan Chikitsa

This modality of management in Ayurveda involves use of purification procedures and other procedures beneficial in improving kidney functions and overall health of the body. These procedures help in the purification of the full body and help in doubling the effects of the herbal medicines used after these procedures. These procedures have been advised to be administered to the patients having aksheenbalmansasya means the one having good physical strength and muscular body built.

These Procedures Include

1. Raktamokshan (bloodletting)– this detoxification procedure can be used in the earlier stages of these disorders. Siravedh (bloodletting from the prominent vein by puncturing it with a needle) is the recommended procedure as it will help in letting out the toxins from the blood and body, ultimately reducing load on the kidneys and preventing further damage to the glomeruli.
2. Vasti (Theraputic emnema) is the best procedure for elimination of the excessive toxins accumulating in the body. It is also termed as half of the treatment by Acharya Charaka.The various lekhen vastis are used for removing hypercholesterolemia and  raising creatinine level in the blood.
3. Virechan (Medicated purgation): It is considered as the best detoxification procedure for various pitta related disorders. As these diseases involve the predominance of pitta. Therefore use of this procedure is recommended before the administration of san shaman chikitsa for best results.

3. Shanshaman Chikitsa

Shanshaman Chikitsa includes the use of oral drugs or herbal formulations. The herbs that are diuretic in nature and play a supportive role in improving kidney functions also increasing the reduced glomerular filtration rates must be given to the patient with glomerular diseases.

Planet Ayurveda Is An Emerging Brand Of Herbal Medicines That Hosts The Manufacturing Of Herbal Formulation Based On Ancient Ayurvedic Texts. These Formulations Are Being Made With Strict Adherence To Ayurvedic Principles As Per The Guidance Of Our Experienced Team Led By An Expert Group Of Ayurvedic Physicians. The Basic Goal of Planet Ayurveda’s Founder Is to Heal the Whole World’s Ailment by a Holistic Approach through

Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Along With Diet Lifestyle Modification.

The Primary Sources of These Products Are 100% Natural in Origin and Are Formulated In Ancient Time Tested Formulas.

Herbal remedies for glomerular diseases as suggested by our expert team of doctors are being compiled under a pack i.e. Revive Kidney Pack. The contents of this pack along with their description is as follows

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna
2. Rencure Formula
3. Punarnava Mandur
4. Varunadi Vati
5. Chandanadi Vati

Product Description

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna

This is a classical poly herbal formulation that is being made for relieving mutrakrichta (difficulty in urination). It is an effective combination of herbal diuretics such as Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) etc. The cumulative diuretic action of these herbs will facilitate the easy passage of urine in oliguria conditions of glomerular diseases. Also these herbs also provide strength to glomerular capillaries.

Dosage– 1 Teaspoonful twice daily warm with water and for best result Boil 1 Teaspoonful in 400ml water until it remains 50-60ml. Filter the preparation with a regular tea strainer and drink. You should use this once in morning 45min. after breakfast and similarly in evening 45min. after dinner. Prepare fresh every time as per this.

2. Rencure Formula

This is an amazing preparation made by Planet Ayurveda’s experts for boosting up kidney functions. These contain herbs such as plaash (Butea monosperma), kaasni (Cichorium intybus) and varun, gokshura etc. These ingredients are like herbal tonics for the kidney and they help in easy flushing out of various free radicals and other toxins that can cause harm to the glomerular tuft of nephrons.

Dosage-2 Capsules, twice daily with warm water after meals.

3. Punarnava Mandur

This is an ancient herbal formulation used in kidney and blood related disorders since ages. Punarnava mandoor is rich with the goodness of Punarnava which is well known for its role in improving and enhancing renal functions, along with mandur (purified form of iron ore), along with other herbs which pacify its blood detoxifying nature. Also had a role in reducing generalised swelling caused due to glomerular diseases.

Dosage- 2 Tablets, thrice daily with warm water after meals.

4. Varunadi Vati

Varunadi vati is another classical poly herbal formulation available in tablet form with us. This herbal formulation comes with an effective combination of three best herbal diuretics i.e. varun, gokshura and punarnava along with guggul (Commiphora mukul), the multiple health benefits of guggul adds up with these diuretic herbs, that includes anti-diabetic properties and anti-inflammatory properties and also the cholesterols and lipid profile maintenance done by guggul aids in lowering the loads for the kidneys.

Dosage-  2 Tablets, thrice daily with warm water after meals.

5. Chandanadi Vati

This classical remedy is very beneficial in providing relief from kidney disorders. It provides a calming and soothing effect on the urinary tract system and also provides relief from burning gut. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is used in the treatment of burning micturition, kidney disorders, heatstroke, burning gut, piles, fissures, etc. This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. It contains herbs and minerals like Safed chandan (Santalum album), Kababchini (Piper cubeba), Safed ral (Shorea robusta), Gandhabiroja (Pinus longifolia), Katha (Sanegellia catechu), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Gairik (Red ochre), etc.

Dosage-  2 Tablets, twice daily with warm water after meals.

Conclusion

In the end of this article it is concluded that various drugs used by allopathic practitioners in long run produces hazardous effects on our kidneys and causing such glomerular diseases, they usually use corticosteroids or relayed on symptomatic treatment for these diseases, whereas Ayurveda by an integrated approach of herbal medicine diet & lifestyle modification, is focused on treating the disease from the very root cause and side by side treating the disease symptomatically and providing strength to the kidney cells including glomerular tuft of capillaries. Thus preventing further damage. Hence it is the need of the hour for the various glomerular disease patients to adopt Ayurvedic approach of treatment for better results in glomerular diseases.