Adrenoleukodystrophy – An Ayurvedic Overview And Treatment

November 9, 2022 · by Dr. Vikram Chauhan · in adrenoleukodystrophy, ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, BRAIN / MEMORY HEALTH, BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract

There are many diseases referred as Genetic Disorders or Hereditary disorders. Adrenoleukodystrophy is one of the hereditary disorders. In this disease, myelin sheath is damaged and insulates the nerves of the brain, adrenal gland and nervous system. It is an X linked recessive condition that is caused by mutation in a gene of the X chromosome. It has no cure but stem cell transplant may slow down the progression of the disease. What are the Ayurvedic treatments available for the disease, we will discuss it and let’s know more about the aforesaid disease.

Introduction

Adrenoleukodystrophy is hereditary condition in which the myelin sheath is damaged due to a recessive condition of mutation in gene ABCD1 that encodes the protein of the peroxisomal membrane named ALDP (adrenoleukodystrophy protein). Adrenoleukodystrophy protein helps in breaking down very long chains of fatty acids (VLCFAs). Mutation in the ALDP gene leads to saturation of the very long chains of fatty acids that start to build up in the brain, adrenal gland and nervous system. It leads to reduced VLCFA oxidation in peroxisomes.

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, vata is responsible for all the neurological systems. Vitiated vata can cause severe neurological disorders. Adrenoleukodystrophy is a pitta and kapha vitiated disorder that leads to improper functioning of the vata system i.e. the neurological system.

1. Gender Predominance

X-linked ALD affects males more severely than females, who carry the disease.

2. Main Phenotypes

There are three different phenotypes found in affected males –

3. Childhood onset ALD

It occurs in ages between 4 to10. The white matter of the brain is gradually damaged (leukodystrophy) and conditions worsen with time. At first it resembles hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder. Progressive central demyelination with impairment of behaviour, cognition, hearing, vision and motor functions follows initial symptoms and often leads to total disability within 2 years.

4. Adrenomyeloneuropathy

The adult onset is less severe and progresses slowly. It manifests in the late twenties as sphincter disturbances, sexual dysfunction, progressive paraparesis, and often, impaired adrenocortical function. All symptoms are progressive over decades. The carrier women may develop mild symptoms of Adrenomyeloneuropathy.

5. Addison’s disease only

It presents with adrenal insufficiency, when adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient steroids between age 2 years and adulthood and most commonly by age 7.5 years, without evidence of neurologic abnormality.

Symptoms of Adrenoleukodystrophy

Learning impairment
Deafness
Muscle spasm
Crossed eyes
Dysphagia
Seizures
Difficulty in language comprehension
Impaired vision
Deterioration of motor control
Low blood sugar
Progressive dementia
Anorexia
Nausea
Morning headache

Signs of Adrenoleukodystrophy

Poor control of urination
Stiffness in legs
Difficult remembering visual perceptions
Muscle weakness

Signs of adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease include

Poor appetite
Vomiting
Darker skin areas or pigmentation
Decreased muscle mass
Weight loss
Coma

Diagnose

Blood tests: It is required as it will show the increased VLCFA (very long chains of fatty acid) and help detect gene defects or mutations. Moreover it also helps in detecting adrenal abnormalities.
MRI: it is required to detect the early phase of adrenoleukodystrophy including the brain damage and the white matter abnormalities. It provides clear images so that adrenoleukodystrophy can be ruled out at the earliest.
Visual screening: Measuring the visual responses can help in diagnosis of the disease in the males who are asymptomatic or do not have any other signs and symptoms.
Skin and Fibroblast cell Culture: in some cases ski biopsy also helps in monitoring the levels of VLCFA (very long chains of fatty acid).

Management

Basically the disease has no cure. Though the progression of the disease can be slowed down. Below are some options or choices available.

1. Stem cell Transplantation

It is an option to slow down the progression of the disease in children who are diagnosed with the disease. It is an expensive procedure.

2. Adrenal insufficiency treatment

Adrenal insufficiency can be treated with corticosteroid replacement therapy

3. Medications

The medications include muscle relaxants and medications for seizures like Carbamazole, Gabapentin etc.

4. Physical Therapy

It helps in muscle rigidity and muscle spasms.

Herbal remedies for Adrenoleukodystrophy by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned GMP certified, US-FDA registered and ISO 9001:2015 certified Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the objective of manufacturing standard Ayurvedic medicines as described in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. Medicines are prepared without preservatives and additives and other kinds of chemicals which cause many ill effects on the human body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any adulteration. Following are some formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda for curing Adrenoleukodystrophy permanently.

1. Brahmi Capsules

It is composed of the herb named Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which is helpful in regaining the lost neural function. In ayurveda, brahmi is considered as medhya ( boosts intellect and intelligence), balya (strength increase), aakshapehar (antispasmodic), deepana (appetiser), pachana (digestion enhancer), anulomana (redirects vata flow downward), vednasthapak (analgesic), raktashodhak (blood purifier), mutual (diuretic) etc. It has, D-mannitol, monnierasides I-III, apigenin, plantainoside B, hersaponin and cucurbitacin; the alkaloids are nicotine, herpestine and brahmine. All these chemicals present in the herb helps in damaged nervous cells by stimulating nervous synthesis. It further helps in proper neural transmission. Thus it is beneficial in adrenoleukodystrophy.