Herbs for Auto Immune Diseases
Autoimmune/Inflammatory diseases have been studied intensively for a long time, and recently, some autoimmune diseases which are common in planet, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 Diabetes have achieved A remarkable advance in scientific knowledge, as well as in the production of medicines for therapeutic purposes.. However, a large no. There has been little emphasis on and poorly studied autoimmune / inflammatory disorders that are less common but more severe.. These are categorized as "autoimmune diseases/ rare inflammatory," indicating that they may affect small number of patients.
According to Allopathy, there are over 150 rare inflammatory / autoimmune disorders, many of which are incurable. Concerns have been raised about the use of Herbs for Auto Immune Diseases with any kind of immune effects in patients with autoimmune diseases. However, a growing body of literature confirms that the ancient traditional Ayurvedic practice of using immunomodulating herbs is very safe and effective in these patients. Simplistic ideas about the mechanisms of those herbs supported on in vitro studies or theoretical models are not a sound basis for creating clinical decisions. Few herbs which help in Auto-immune Diseases are described below.
Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root
Ashwagandha is considered Fto be same but milder than Ginseng. It is an ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations & is prescribed for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis and rheumatism). It is used as a general adaptogen, Ashwagandha increases energy, improve overall health, and balance pathological stages of many diseases. It also enhance longevity, prevent adrenal exhaustion, balance the hormones in men with andropause, and prevent convalescence at the geriatric stage.
Ashwagandha has been comprehensively researched & a number of chemical components have been identified. According to Allopathy, there are over 150 rare inflammatory / autoimmune disorders, many of which are incurable.& saponins (sitoindoside VII and VIII) as well as a generous amount of iron, calcium, and other elements. In few animal studies, Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to those of hydrocortisone.
In vitro studies suggest that Ashwagandha possess anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against cartilage damage in OA.This well known immunomodulator and adaptogen has been combined with salai guggul / Boswellia serrata (frankincense) resin, ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome, and turmeric (Curcuma longa) inflammation modulating herbs in a research sample. rhizome extracts in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial in patients with a autoimmune disease ie. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Chopra, et al. 2000). This herbal formulation was superior to placebo at improving symptoms.
This Research depict that herbs have a definite role in curing auto-immune disorders. In another Research study, the extract was shown to significantly suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Interleukins (IL-1beta and IL-12p40). Withania somnifera is an immunomodulator, both stimulating immune response in low immune states and exerting an immunosuppressive action on B and T cell activity in hyper-immune/autoimmune states.
Miscellaneous Herbs
An open clinical Research found that 60-120 mg daily of a standardized extract of from Centella asiatica (gotu kola) herb in patients with SLE (another autoimmune disorder) was associated with symptomatic improvement (Wolram 1965). Gotu kola(mandukarparni) is also another immunomodulating herb and is extremely safe to use.
Glycyrrhizin, a chemical present in Mulethi(Glycyrrhiza glabra) possess immunomodulating properties. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (gan cao) and G. When developing adenoviral hemorrhagic cystitis or nephropathy, glabra (licorice) root was administered to a few patients with renal transplants immunosuppressed with cyclosporine (Takahashi, et al. 1989). The treatment was found to be effective, with no sign of transplant rejection.
Lastly, Immunomodulating herbs may offer benefits to some patients with autoimmune diseases. There is substantial, clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of immunomodulating herbal extracts in autoimmune diseases. Ayurvedic practitioners around the globe have been using a lot more other herbs which have immunomodulatory action. In subsequent articles, I will discuss more and more herbs helping in autoimmune conditions.