Herbal Remedies for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes in Ayurveda

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder. Connective tissue disorders are a group of disorders that affect the parts of the body that connect the structures of the body together such as tendons, ligaments, skin, bone and cartilage. This connective tissue disorder involves the muscles, skin and joints. But they can also include eyes, heart, lungs, kidney etc. Connective tissue holds the cells of the body together with each other. These are up of proteins such as collagen and elastin. Collagen protein is found in the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone and blood vessels and Elastin protein is responsible for stretching that resembles a rubber band. Examples of Connective tissue disorders are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), Marfan syndrome, Osteogenesis imperfecta etc. But in this article we will discuss the disease called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and its treatment through herbal remedies.

Introduction

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. It is a group of inherited disorders which affects the connective tissue of the body. It affects primarily skin, joints and blood vessels walls. In this disease there are overly flexible joints and stretchy skin becomes fragile. This is a group of related disorders which are caused by different genetic defects in collagen.

Etiology/Causes

This is a hereditary condition so it is caused by the defect in the DNA sequence. But in some cases this disease occurs via gene mutations.

Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms

This syndrome affects connective tissue across the body with symptoms present mostly in joints, skin and blood vessels. So the patient who is suffering from this disease showing following symptoms:

• Skin become fragile
• Hyperflexible joints
• Dislocation, subluxation and hyperextension of joints
• Swan-neck deformity in fingers of the hands
• Tearing of tendons and muscles may occur
• Scoliosis or kyphosis may occur
• Muscles pain and joints pain
• Cardiac abnormalities

Differential Diagnosis

Following shows same characteristics with this disease:

• Cutis laxa
• Marfan syndrome
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Diagnosis

A diagnosis can be made by thorough examination of medical history and clinical observation. DNA and biochemical examinations will help to identify the affected individuals. Other diagnostic test includes:

• Collagen gene-variant testing
• ECG
• Lysyl hydroxylase activity

Treatment

There is no exact treatment for this disease in Allopath. We can only manage the symptoms and prevent further complications i.e. there is a supportive treatment. We have to do close monitoring of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system etc. For joint pain they have to give pain killers which have their own drastic side effects.

Complications

Following complication may arise in this disease:

• Vascular abnormalities such as vascular lesions, enlarged arteries
• Gastrointestinal abnormalities such as colonic perforation
• Obstetric problems such as uterine rupture and uterine hemorrhage during pregnancy

But don’t worry; Ayurveda has all the answers for every problem. In Ayurveda there are best herbal remedies for numerous genetic disorders. So let’s just talk about some herbal products for the treatment of this disease.

Herbal Remedies for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers herbal products for the treatment of this disease. This is a leading company of herbal medicines. They manufacture herbal products with the standardized extracts of potential herbs under the guidance of expert Physicians. Planet Ayurveda offers following herbal products for the treatment of this disease:

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Shatavari Capsules
3. Green Essentials
4. Boswellia Curcumin
5. Yograj Guggul
6. Manjishtha Capsules

Products Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

This is a single herbal formulation and made from the standardized extracts of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb is beneficial in treating various debilitating conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. This herb provides strength to the muscles and calms down the system. Ashwagandha is a best natural rejuvenator which helps in maintaining proper nourishment to the tissues particularly bones and muscles.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

2. Shatavari Capsules

These capsules are made from a single herb extract that is Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). This herb is the best herbal supplement to improve overall health. This formulation is rich in natural anti-oxidants and micronutrients and helps in detoxification of free radicals from the body. This herb provides nourishment to the muscles and bones and also very beneficial in all health problems of women. It is effective in fatigue, anxiety, general weakness etc.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

3. Green Essentials

These capsules are poly herbal formulation. This is helpful in fighting genetic disorders. This clears away heavy metals, toxins from the body. This formulation contains Grape seeds (Vitis vinifera), Wheat grass (Triticum aestivum), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) etc. These herbs are best enhancing immunity and prevent us from free radicals. This formulation provides nutrition to the body and various vitamins which are essential for our body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

4. Boswellia Curcumin

This is a poly herbal formulation which is an effective combination for bone disorders and various infections. The herbs in this formulation helps in reducing stiffness, pain and swelling in joints that is Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). The herbs not only produce an analgesic effect, but also suppress inflammation, pain and swelling.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

5. Yograj Guggul

This is an Ayurvedic classical formulation. This formulation is best for musculoskeletal disorders. The herbs such as Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Ajwain (Carum copticum), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Chavya (Piper chaba), Guggul (Comminphora mukul) etc helps in pacifying Vata in the joints, nerves and muscles. It also helps to maintain healthy metabolism and remove toxins from the body and hence is beneficial against genetic Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.

Dosage: 2 tablets to be chewed after meals with plain water two times a day

6. Manjishtha Capsules

This is a single herbal formulation used as a natural muscle relaxant. The herb Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is the best blood purifier. It reduces stress, anxiety and depression. It enhances blood circulation and detoxifies the body and is helpful in managing this disease.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

Conclusion

This is a rare disease and we say that there is no treatment available in an allopathic way. They just treat the symptoms of the patients. But In Ayurveda there are best herbal products for this disease and the herbal products of Planet Ayurveda not only treats this condition but also provides strength to the body and make a person healthy.