Natural Cure For Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
Abstract
Collagen and elastin- the two major structural protein molecules, that makes the tissues which help in forming the basic matrix or framework, for the body which are known as connective tissues. Elastin is the major component present in the connective tissues that connects bone to bone (ligaments), and skin, this structural protein has a capability of being stretched and returning back to its normal position. Whereas collagen is the protein that is present in each body tissue. In patients with connective tissue disease, these two basic proteins elastin and collagen are affected. These diseases are mostly found with autoimmunity. In this article we are going to discuss one such rare connective tissue disorder Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, its clinical features, causes along with the best Ayurvedic treatment for this syndrome.
Introduction
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that weaken the connective tissues which are responsible for supporting blood vessels, structuring of the skin, muscles, organs and bones. There is a group of genetically inherited disorders that cause EDS, which results in the defects in the collagen production. There are 13 major types of this syndrome are recently identified these include classic, classic-like, vascular, cardiac-vascular, hypermobile, arthrochalasia, dermatosparaxis, kyphoscoliotic, brittle cornea, spondylodysplasia, musculocontractural, myopathic, and periodontal EDS. Each one of these conditions is responsible for affecting different areas of the body.
Sign and Symptoms
Hypermobility- unusually large range of movements in the joints is the commonest manifestation among almost all types of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. The clinical features of this syndrome are mostly related to skin and joints. Classic EDS shows features such as loose joints, velvety- highly elastic skin, fragile skin, redundant skin folds on the eyes, skin that bruises easily, muscle fatigue, muscle pain, heart valve problems, benign overgrowths on pressure areas, like knees and elbows.
The hypermobile EDS includes similar manifestations plus chronic degenerative joint diseases, premature osteoarthritis, and chronic pain.
Whereas the symptoms of vascular EDS include thin skin, fragile blood vessels, thin lips & nose, sunken cheeks, small chin, protruding eyes, & collapsed lungs.
Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Causes
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, mostly is an inherited condition, but in a few rare cases it may occur via spontaneous mutation in the genes. These alterations in the gene sequence weaken the possess and formation of collagen. The genes involved in giving the instructions on assemblance of the collagen to form a structure include COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL6A2, TNXB, PLOD1, and ADAMTS2 is the gene involved in providing the instructions for the manufacture of proteins that work with collagen.
In inherited cases, sometimes the parents are asymptomatic as they are silent carriers of the defective gene of EDS. Other times, the gene is dominant and starts manifesting the features of the syndrome.
Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome involves evaluation through clinical features, and then a series of tests to rule out other similar conditions. The tests include skin biopsy, genetic testing, DNA testing, and echocardiogram.
Potential Complications
This condition may lead to complications such as joint dislocations, early onset of arthritis, slow healing of wounds which leads to prominent scarring, chronic joint pain, and delayed healing of surgical wounds.
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, this syndrome is considered as the sehaj dhatugat vikar. The dhatu is the generalised term given to the various general or specialised body tissues (connective tissues). The definition of dhatu is given by the reference dharnaat dhatava which means the things that make up the basic framework of the body that sustains life.
There are several theories in Ayurvedic texts that describe the formation of successive body tissue from the previous one. Here, in this Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, there is a defect at the beej-beej bhav (genetic or chromosomal level), which leads to the defect in the formation of dhatu. Firstly the ras (twak) dhatu is affected that will lead to the hyperelastic nature of the skin, after that the rakta dhatu (blood related tissues) that is manifested as easy bruising and delayed healing, cardiovascular symptoms etc., the next body tissue affected is mamas dhatu (muscle related tissues) weakness, muscle pain and muscle fatigue like features, then the defects in meda dhatu (fat tissue) is manifested by the benign overgrowths on pressure areas and then alteration in asthi dhatu (body tissues related with the bones and cartilages) is shown by majja dhatu (bone marrow and vascular changes) is characterised by vascular changes like thin lips, protruding eyes etc.
Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Treatment
Planet Ayurveda is an herbal manufacturing unit that formulates medicines with strict adherence to ayurvedic texts and principles. The products made here are obtained from 100% natural sources. These formulations are being made on ancient time tested formulas under the guidance of an expert team led by experienced ayurvedic physicians unified by a goal to heal the various ailments of globe with herbs through Ayurveda.
Herbal remedies as suggested by Planet Ayurveda’s experts for the treatment of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Ashwagandha Capsule
- Shatavari Capsule
- Green Essential
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Yograj Guggul
- Manjishtha Capsule
Product Description
1. Ashwagandha Capsule
These capsules are made up of the standardised extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha has the properties that help in increasing the skin enriching components such as collagen that provide strength to the skin, hyaluronan for enhancement of hydration to the skin and other body tissues, and elastin which is responsible for the suppleness of the body tissues. Moreover, Ashwagandha is well known for gaining muscle mass and strength, thus helping in the treatment of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
Dosage– One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Shatavari Capsule
As we already know that collagen is the main structural framework protein required for the elasticity of skin and body tissues. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is one of the ancient herbs used since ages for its balya (builds collagen) effects, and also supports the prevention of breakdown of collagen. Thus, Shatavari Capsule made by Planet Ayurveda that contains the standardised extract of Asparagus racemosus, will help in the treatment of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome by not only strengthening the connective tissues but also by reducing the joint dislocations due to the regular ongoing damage to the collagen tissue due to underlying diseased condition.
Dosage– One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Green Essential
Weakness due to the absence of stability in the body, is common in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. The normal meals and food supplements may not be able to fulfil all the nutrients required for the proper nourishment and production of collagen and other structural units of connective tissue. Planet Ayurveda’s Green essential provides all the required supplements for managing the condition of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome in a capsule form and the ingredients include Grape seeds (Vitis vinifera), Spirulina, Green Tea, and Amla (Embllica officinalis).
Dosage– One capsule twice daily with water after meals.
4. Boswellia Curcumin
These capsules are the Planet Ayurveda’s formulations which are made by two basic ingredients i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and the active ingredients of Haridra (Curcuma longa). This is the best formulation for the Ehlers–Danlos syndrome as shallaki and curcumin both fasten up the wound healing process that was being delayed by the EDS condition. The Shallaki contains certain constituents that aid up the wound closure and contraction. Boswellia serrata has the unique property to help in collagen synthesis.
Dosage– Two capsules twice daily after meals with water.
5. Yograj Guggul
This tablet formulation is the classical poly herbal formulations, consisting of herbs like Commiphora mukul, Plumbago zeylanica, Terminalia bellirica,Cyperus rotundus, Piper longum, Trachyspermum roxburghianum, Tribulus terrestris, Elettaria cardamomum, and Pluchea lanceolata, like ingredients. Yograj Guggul helps in treatment of joint pains and muscle aches. This formulation not only relieves pain and inflammation related with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome but also helps in improving the digestion system and enhancing the strength of various connective tissues.
Dosage– Two tablets twice daily, after meals with lukewarm water.
6. Manjishtha Capsule
These capsules are made from the standardised extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). Manjishtha is well known for its rakt prasadak guna (skin glow enhancing properties), the texture of glow of skin is determined by the collagen underlying in that region of skin and other connective tissue, its blood purifying ability adds to the detoxification of the blood and related connective tissue which will help in regaining the normal form of tissues even in case of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
Dosage– One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
Conclusion
In modern Allopathic medicine there is no adequate treatment methodology available for this syndrome; they merely focus on symptomatic treatment and surgical repair of damaged joints etc., which have many complications such as delayed healing and increased risk for infections etc. Whereas Ayurveda is the oldest Science of life and medicine, it is the best alternative for the treatment of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, with a holistic approach of herbal medicines, along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com
