What is The Best Substitute for Sumatriptan in Ayurveda?

What is Sumatriptan?

It belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Sumatriptan is an approved drug used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura (1). It is available in the market in different dosage forms Tablet and capsule (Orally), Nasal spray, Injection (Subcutaneous), Transdermal patches (2).

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a neurological disease that can cause many symptoms. It is a chronic headache and ranges from moderate to the severe affecting half side of the head. This drastic pain intervenes with the daily routine.

Causes: The specific cause of migraine is not known. This may be due to genetic and environmental factors. Non-uniformity in the brain chemicals including serotonin can cause migraine problems. The symptoms of migraine also create due to the temporary blood vessel widening.

Symptoms: Nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, mood changes, increased appetite, Polydipsia, Polyuria, excessive yawning, etc.

Role of Sumatriptan in Migraine

Sumatriptan is regarded to decrease blood vessel widening. It helps to reduce headaches and other symptoms linked with a migraine attack. Sumatriptan works only when a migraine attack has started. It will not stop the further occurring of migraine attacks. So, Sumatriptan is not a medicine that lastingly stops the migraine attacks (4) and it also causes many side effects in patients.

Side Effects of Sumatriptan

This can cause adverse central nervous system problems outside of migraine attacks. It can generate mild sedative effects such as tiredness or sleepiness (1). The most common and serious side effects of Sumatriptan (3) are the following:

1. General Side Effects

• Dizziness, Drowsiness, Weakness, and Tiredness
• Warm, Hot, Burning Sensation to Face (Flushing)
• Numbness in fingers or toes

2. Severe Side Effects

• Raynaud’s Syndrome: Changes In Color Or Sensation In Fingers And Toes
• Stomach and intestinal problems: Sudden or severe abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, bloody diarrhea

3. Complications With Blood Circulation to Legs and Feet

• Spasms and Pain in The Legs Or Hips
• Leg Muscle Heaviness or Stiffness
• Burning Sensation in Your Feet or Toes When Resting
• Numbness and Tingling in the Feet

4. Shortness of Breath

5. Allergies Like Hives, Rash, Swollen Eyelids, Face or Lips

Ayurvedic Approach For Migraine

(Reference: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 2: Uttara-tantra// Chapter- 25// shloka no. – 15)

This Shloka Explains: that when provoked tri dosha gets restricted in the head it causes impairment in Mansik Dosha and produces severe pain and delirium in the period of 10 to 15 days without any cause. Then these events of headache called Migraine.

The Best Substitute for Sumatriptan In Ayurveda

Ayurveda from old times gives natural treatment for any disease without producing any side effects. Many efficient natural herbs are there which treat the disease and related symptoms.

The Effective Herb For Migraine Is Brahmi – The Best Substitute For Sumatriptan In Ayurveda.

Brahmi is the best substitute for Sumatriptan in Ayurveda. It is traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases but mainly known as the best nerve tonic and memory enhancer (5). It individually and together provides a synergetic effect in Migraine. There also many other herbs that are used in the treatment of Migraine. So, Brahmi and other herbs are also used in formulations herbal products.

Reference: Shloka No. 280-281, Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga

This Shloka Explains: Brahmi is an astringent, bitter, and light, has cold potency and taste becomes sweet after digestion. It also illustrates that Brahmi strengthens vocal cords, improves concentration, boosts brain strength, aids skin and blood-related ailments, eases the motions and also treats various conditions such as Diabetes, Jaundice, Fever, and Cough. Brahmi pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas in the body.

The Herbal Formulation as the Best Alternative To Sumatriptan For Migraine in Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers the best herbal formula for migraine named “Migraine Care Pack”, the best substitute for Sumatriptan in Ayurveda. All herbal formulations involved in this pack include pure herbs and do not contain any chemicals and preservatives. They are efficient, safe to use and do not create any side effects such as Sumatriptan.

‘Migraine Care Pack’ include the following herbal formulations:

1. Brahmi Capsules
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
3. Pitta Balance Capsules
4. Arogayavardhini Vati
5. Medhya Churna

Products Description

1. Brahmi Capsules

Brahmi capsules contain the best and standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa Monneiri) which boosts the functioning of the brain and keeps a healthy brain.

Benefits: These capsules are natural and pure, and do not produce any side effects like Sumatriptan. These capsules balance the three doshas in the body. They also nourish and strengthens the neurons and improve their ability to learn.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day post-meal with plain water.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules of Planet Ayurveda are made by the standardized extract of Ashwagandha herb (Withania Somnifera).

Benefits: It acts as an adaptogenic tonic and gives comfort from stress. It is a very beneficial herb for enhancing the functioning of the brain. Therefore, it is very effective in the prevention of migraine headaches.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily post-meal with plain water.

3. Pitta Balance Capsules

These capsules are made by the combination of different ingredient such Praval Pishti (Coral Calcium), MuktaPishti (Pearl Calcium), Akik Pishti (Agate Calcium), Giloysatva (Tinospora Cordifolia), Jahar Mohra Pishti (also named as Naga Pashana in old Ayurvedic texts), and Kamdhudha Ras.

Benefits: These effective herbs balance the Pitta of the body. The balanced Pitta is very necessary to defend the body from the diseases. Hence, it is a very helpful formulation for a great number of diseases with incredible positive effects.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day post-meal with plain water.

4. Arogyavardhini Vati

Arogyavardhinivati is the combination of many herbs including Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), Chitrakmool (Plumbago Zeylanica), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), and Amlaki (Emblica Officinalis).

Benefits: It helps to eliminate toxins from the body and promote the healthy functioning of the digestive system. These tablets strengthen the body and prevent severe Migraine Headaches.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day post-meal with plain water.

5. Medhya Churna

Medhya Churna is the blend of very amazing herbs including Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Marich (Piper Nigrum), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus Calamus), ShwetJeerak (Cuminum Cyminum), Pippali (Piper longum), Patha (Cissampelos Pareira), Ajmoda (Carum Roxburghianum), Sonth (Zingiber Officinale), etc.

Benefits: These herbs help to improve memory and concentration. Medhya Churna sharpens the brain and helps to relax the body and mind. Therefore, this formulation considered the best substitute for sumatriptan in Ayurveda.

Dosage: 1 gram of powder two times a day after half an hour of meals with plain water.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470206/
2. https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00669
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020132s024s026lbl.pdf
4. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.524.pdf
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746283/