Porphyria (CNS)(MND)

Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is a medical condition which forms part of a rare group of hereditary conditions known as Porphyrias, which involve defects in heme metabolism, resulting in excessive secretion of porphyrins.  This causes intermittent episodes of acute abdominal pain, neuropathies, and constipation.  Heme is the iron part of hemoglobin in blood. Other porphyrias include skin and central nervous system involvement. Diagnosis is confirmed by elevated levels of urine porphobilinogen, and conservative treatment is with intravenous glucose infusion, which inhibits heme synthesis and helps reduce abdominal pain.  Patients having attacks of severe pain and those with neurological involvement usually require treatment with Hematin.

All individuals having this genetic defect have increased levels of porphyrins secretion, but all do not experience symptoms. It is stipulated that systemic inflammation brings about a reduction in kidney function as well as neurological damage, which in turn causes peripheral and autonomic neuropathies and psychiatric symptoms. AIP usually occurs in the age from 18 to 40, with women being more affected than men. Attacks of abdominal pain usually last from 3 to 7 days. Precipitating factors include unknown causes, fasting, alcohol, prolonged exposure to sun, stress, heavy exercises, and drugs like Phenobarbital, estrogens, and sulphonamides.

Individuals having AIP who have recurring attacks, severe incapacitating neuropathies, and those having severe neuropsychiatric manifestations are suitable candidates for Ayurvedic herbal treatment. Ayurvedic treatment not only provides good symptomatic relief, it also significantly reduces inflammation, which is the hallmark of severe symptoms and recurrence. Involvement of the skin and central nervous system has to be treated separately.

With the commencement of Ayurvedic treatment, most patients get relief from severe pain within 1 to 5 days. Further treatment is aimed at preventing a recurrence, and ensuring a good bowel movement. Patients need to be treated regularly for about 8 months in order to get lasting relief and freedom from recurrence of the symptoms. Treatment is then tapered off and stopped completely. For day to day medical issues, short courses of simple Ayurvedic medicines are given to treat symptoms. Ayurvedic medicines are tolerated quite well and have not been known to aggravate or precipitate AIP; however, patients should avoid self-medication, and take treatment from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. It is equally important to avoid all known precipitating factors.

Patients having skin involvement usually present with severe itching; this can be controlled very well with Ayurvedic herbs within a few weeks. Patients having neuropsychiatric symptoms or motor neuropathy need specialized treatment for longer periods – nearly 8-12 months. Along with oral medication, Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures like full body massage, fomentations, medicated enemas and Shiro-bastis may be required. A few patients with severe involvement of the nervous system may even require medications for up to 2 years for a full remission of symptoms.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines can thus be judiciously utilized in the successful management and treatment of AIP as well as all porphyrias.

An order once placed, cannot be cancelled. For exceptional circumstances (e.g. sudden death of patient), we need to get our medicines returned in good and usable condition, after which a refund will be effected after deducting 30 % administrative expenses. Return will be at the cost of the client. Capsules and powders do not qualify for a refund. Local courier charges, international shipping costs incurred, and documentation and handling charges also will not be refunded.Even in case of exceptional circumstances, a refund will be considered only within 10 days from delivery of the medicines. The decision taken by staff of Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic in this respect will be final and binding on all clients.

The treatment package includes shipping costs for domestic clients who are ordering within India. Shipping charges are extra for international clients. In addition, international clients will have to select a minimum of 2 months' order since this will be the most cost effective and practical option.

With a full course of treatment, most patients  get complete relief ; patients  can live a near normal life with limited exercise and a healthy diet. It is important to avoid known aggravating factors. Even for day to day health issues, it is better to take simple Ayurvedic herbal treatment.