ALPHA 1 – Antitrypsin Deficiency and its Herbal Treatment

Introduction

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency is a condition which is inherited from the parents through genes. This disease increases the risk of developing certain liver or lung damage. Alpha 1 antitrypsin is a protein that is prepared by the liver and whose function is to protect lungs. It is  a condition resulting in deficiency or malformation of this protein that causes predisposition to lung disease, i.e. obstructive pulmonary disease and certain liver diseases (hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis of liver). AATD usually goes undetected until the huge damage occurs to lungs or liver. It is an uncommon but not a rare disease. Usually it is  present in newborn babies in the form of cause of jaundice and hepatitis. In infants it presents as cholestatic jaundice and in children it can be manifested in the form of liver failure.

Pathophysiology

This genetic abnormality causes alteration in configuration in molecules of the alpha-1 antitrypsin which causes inhibition in the release of the enzyme from the hepatocytes. Alpha-1 antitrypsin enzyme works to give protection against neutrophil elastase. When there is deficiency of this enzyme, the serum levels of its drops result in no protection and that results in lungs and liver damage. The protease, i.e. protease starts to accumulate in the alveoli causing damage to alveolar walls. This causes emphysema. On the other hand, the excessive alpha-1 antitrypsin starts to accumulate in hepatocytes and hence causing liver damage.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of this disease are those similar to typical lung diseases. These include:

1. Wheezing
2. Slow progressive dyspnea
3. Cough
4. General weakness

Prognosis

Usually Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is manifested as a liver disease in initial stages and then the pulmonary stage appears in later stages. Prognosis of the disease depends upon the stage on which it is diagnosed like if diagnosed in earlier stages when the liver is not damaged a lot and also there is  no lung involvement then the prognosis is good. But if the diagnosis is made in later stages when there is both lungs and liver involvement, the prognosis appears to be bad. Mortality rate becomes higher in people with smoking history, male gender and decreased response to bronchodilator.

Treatment

Treatment as per modern medicine system involves quitting smoking, giving preventive vaccinations to high risk patients, supplemental oxygen therapy when required, bronchodilators, and physical rehabilitation. But none of the above mode of treatment is specific and exact for this condition.

On the other hand people are moving to Ayurveda for the treatment of various diseases, owing to the gentle, safe and permanent treatment of the diseases. Ayurveda is the Science of life discovered in India itself. This treatment is done on the basis of natural methods using herbs and other natural processes which eradicate the disease from root cause. As per Ayurveda, diseases are result of imbalance of three doshas present in the body, i.e. Pitta, Vata and Kapha. And balancing of these doshas results in health.

Herbal Remedies  from Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an emerging global company dealing in treatment of various diseases with the use of pure herbal medicines. These herbal products are prepared in house with the purest and safest herbs. These herbs are of best quality and go through various authentic processes to become an effective herbal remedy.

In case of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Planet Ayurveda offers certain best suited herbal medicines that contain herbs and their standardized extract in order to treat and manage the complaints of the disease effectively. Herbal products used in it are:

1. Curcumin Capsules

These herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of curcumin (Curcuma longa). Curcumin capsules possess anti-inflammatory properties that prevent inflammation and damage to the organ. These capsules also possess immunomodulating properties that enhance the immune system and prevent such diseases. It also possesses antibacterial, antiviral and many other health benefits that owe a part in maintaining health.

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

2. Giloy Capsules

These herbal capsules are prepared under proper sight of MD- Ayurvedic doctors. They are prepared from standardized extract of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). Giloy capsules possess various medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti cancerous, and anti arthritic properties. All these properties help in treating this disease. Giloy capsules act as a blood purifier and help in treating liver disease ailments like jaundice.

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

3. Tulsi Capsule

It is prepared from standardized extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). These capsules are used very well in treating autoimmune diseases and hereditary diseases Tulsi has a very good effect on the respiratory system, hence helpful in treating ailments related to lungs like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. These capsules also help in treating rhinitis, allergies and cancer.

Dosage-  1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Ashwagandha Capsule

These herbal amazing capsules are prepared from standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Consumption of these capsules help in treating general debility, and enhances immunity. It provides overall strength to the body and also fulfills deficiency of various compounds in the body.

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

5. Brahmi Chywanprash

This herbal chyawanprash is a blend of various amazing herbs( Brahmi, Dashmoola, Bala, Ashwagandha, Bhumi amla, Shatavari, Nagarmotha etc.) that enhances immunity and provides strength mentally as well as physically. It also balances out all the three doshas and dhatus in the body, resulting in a healthy balanced body.

Dosage- Take 1 to 2 teaspoons twice daily with milk.

Abstract 

It is concluded that Planet Ayurveda offers the best remedies for treating Alpha trypsin deficiency. These remedies  are completely safe to use as these are free of chemicals and additives.