Natural and Ayurvedic Remedies for Castleman Tumor

ABSTRACT

The lymphatic system of the human body is made up of several lymph glands and lymphatic tissues. This system is involved in the main defence line of the body as it is the part of the body’s immune system that filters the pathogens and antigens (bacteria, viruses and other harmful microbes), so that they can’t spread to other body parts. But due to some diseases these lymph nodes stop their normal functioning and lead to an immunocompromised condition. One of such diseases is Castleman tumour, in this article we are going to discuss the Castleman tumour, its clinical manifestations, possible causes along with best Ayurvedic management for the disease.

INTRODUCTION

Castleman tumor, also known as Castleman disease, is the rare neoplasm involving the lymph nodes and related tissues. This disease can affect one or more lymph nodes of a single region or multiple regions of the body. The clinical features of Castleman disease are similar to lymphomas (cancer affecting lymph nodes). This disease is classified into two categories based on the number of lymph node regions affected.

Types of Castleman Tumor

1. Unicentric Castleman Disease (UCD): Affects a single or multiple lymph nodes in one region of the body. It is also known as the localised Castleman tumor.
2. Multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD): It is the form of the disease, which affects multiple lymph nodes of the multiple regions of the body.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS of Castleman Tumor

Few general clinical features of Castleman disease include abnormally enlarged lymph nodes primarily in the neck, axilla, cervical and inguinal region, extreme tiredness and chronic fatigue, skin rashes, bruising and easy bleeding, shortness of breath, nausea, red spots in the skin, reduced or loss of appetite, splenomegaly-hepatomegaly (enlargement of spleen and liver), feeling of pressure in chest or abdomen, anemia, night sweats, fever and unexplained weight loss etc.

CAUSES OF Castleman Tumor

The cause of Unicentric Castleman disease is unclear whereas the most common causes of Multicentric Castleman disease include infections such as HHV-8 (human herpesvirus 8) and problems with any other immune system related person such as the person affected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or immunocompromised due to other reasons. Moreover, this disease can also be found associated with other cancerous situations such as lymphoma.

DIAGNOSIS of Castleman Tumor

There are certain tests which are required to confirm the diagnosis of Castleman disease; these tests include blood and urine examination, and imaging (x-rays and CT- scans) for location of enlarged lymph nodes and then biopsy of affected lymph nodes.

AYURVEDIC VIEW about Castleman Tumor

In Ayurveda, the tumors are covered under a broad term arbud. Acharya Sushruta had given the clinical features of arbud as

(Sushrut Samhita Nidana Sthana 11/13)

It states that due to the vitiation of tridosha, start affecting the body tissues (here lymph nodes) and start proliferating as round, stable, less painful, having big base, and gradually increasing and devoid of suppuration like collection of abnormal cells , which is known as arbud (tumors) by the Acharayas.

Here, as this disease involves the tumour of lymph nodes, thus its best correlation can be made with lasikabhanyarbud.

HERBAL TREATMENT BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is the leading manufacturers that formulates herbal medicines with strict adherence to ancient ayurvedic texts. the products made here are being manufactured from 100% natural sources with time tested formulas, under the guidance and surveillance of a team of experts led by ayurvedic doctors.

Herbal remedies as suggested by Planet Ayurveda’s experts for the management of Castlemen tumor-

1. Tulsi Capsules
2. Immune Booster
3. Kaishore Guggul
4. Boswellia Curcumin
5. Giloy Capsules

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Tulsi Capsules

It is the formulation made by standardised extract of Ocimum sanctum, the major action of tulsi is its ability to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme that is the main enzyme responsible for stimulating inflammatory response in the human body and also helps in triggering various cancerous activities. Thus, by the action of this enzyme tulsi capsules prevents inflammation of lymph nodes and also reduces the painful conditions in Castleman tumors.

Dosage: 1 capsule two times daily with water, after meals.

2. Immune Booster

It is a poly herbal formulation made by Planet Ayurveda’s team for boosting up the weakened immune system due to the underlying Castleman tumor. The contents of this capsule include bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Go-piyush (bovine colostrums), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) etc. which are all well known for their immune boosting capabilities. These capsules are rich in antioxidant properties which aid in scavangening the free radicals and endotoxins from the body and preventing the lymphatic cells & other body’s cells from further oxidative damage.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Kaishore Guggul

It is the classical polyherbal tablet formulation, whose contents include triphala (amalaki- Emblica officinalis, bibhitaki- Terminalia bellirica, haritaki- Terminilia chebula), trikatu (sunthi-Zingiber officinale, pippali- Piper longum and maricha- Piper nigrum) and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) along with guggul (Commiphora mukul) like other beneficial herbs. The extract of these herbs helps in reducing the inflammation, uric acid levels, cramps in muscles and in addition this formulation also has blood purifying ability which is very much beneficial for Castleman Disease.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily with lukewarm water, after meals.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

The herbal formulation made with the combination of functional extracts of two herbs i.e. shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). Shallaki has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and the curcumin extract obtained from haridra is very much effective in reducing the spread of cancer and protecting healthy cells from further damage. Thus this formulation as a whole is very much efficient in reducing the size of inflamed lymph nodes but also prevents the further spread of Castleman tumor in other lymph node regions.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily with water, after meals.

5. Giloy Capsules

Giloy Capsules are made from the standardised extract of Tinospora cordifolia. Giloy has anti-neoplastic properties. Giloy contains certain phytochemicals which are responsible for upregulation of anti-tumor activity of the macrophages associated with tumors. It is also an abundant source of antioxidants. Also, the immunomodulatory action of giloy adds up to its medicinal benefits for managing the Castelman tumor.

Dosage: Two capsules two times a day, after meals with plain water.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-521-4040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

Due to the lack of appropriate management of this disease in Allopathic medicine they are just focused on surgical removal of the affected lymph nodes, which have a higher risk of recurrence & several hazardous post surgical complications. In the end of this article it is concluded that Castleman tumor is manageable with Ayurvedic herbal formulations, with effective and lesser side effects than allopathic medicine.