Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Nephrotic syndrome – Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome unfolds as a silent storm within the kidneys, where the delicate filtration system loses its grip, spilling precious proteins into the urine. This disruption leads to swollen limbs, foamy urine, and a cascade of imbalances—low blood albumin, high cholesterol, and relentless edema. Though it may arise from subtle causes like minimal change disease or deeper systemic forces like lupus or diabetes, its impact is profound. In this article we will discuss it in more detail and its Ayurvedic Overview and management.

 

Introduction

Nephrotic condition is a clinical condition characterised by severe proteinuria, which leads to low Albumin level in the blood (Hypoalbuminemia) and causes associated symptoms like high cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia), Swelling (Edema), and other complications. It occurs due to increased permeability of the glomerular basement membrane, often as a result of infections or thromboembolic events. This abnormal permeability can stem from intrinsic kidney disease or be secondary to conditions like diabetes, congenital infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, certain cancers, or the use of specific medications. Nephrotic range proteinuria is typically defined as the excretion of 3 gm or more of protein in the urine over a 24 hour period or the presence of 2 gm of protein per gram of urinary creatinine in a single urine sample. This level of protein loss can also be seen in systemic conditions like amyloidosis. Nephrotic Syndrome can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and races. It may present in its classic form or in combination with Nephritic syndrome. Nephritic syndrome is characterised by inflammation of glomeruli, which results in the presence of blood in the urine (Hematuria) and a decline in kidney function.

Causes

The causes of Nephrotic Syndrome can be classified into primary and secondary factors:

Primary Causes

1. Minimal Change Disease (MCD): A common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome, especially in children, where the glomeruli appear normal under a microscope, but their function is impaired.
2. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A condition where some glomeruli become scarred, impairing kidney function and leading to protein leakage.
3. Membranous Nephropathy: A condition characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, which can result in protein loss in the urine.
4. IgA Nephropathy: A disorder where immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits build up in the kidneys, potentially causing nephrotic syndrome.
5. Diabetic Nephropathy: Kidney damage caused by long-term uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to nephrotic syndrome.

Secondary Causes

1. Diabetes Mellitus: Chronic high blood sugar can cause damage to the kidneys over time, resulting in protein leakage and nephrotic syndrome.
2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect kidney function, leading to nephrotic syndrome.
3. Infections: Certain infections, like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, may cause kidney damage, contributing to nephrotic syndrome.
4. Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in organs, including the kidneys, disrupting their normal function and leading to nephrotic syndrome.
5. Cancer: Certain cancers, particularly those affecting the kidneys or related systems, may result in nephrotic syndrome.
6. Medications: Some drugs, such as NSAIDs or certain antibiotics, can harm the kidneys and cause nephrotic syndrome.

Symptoms

The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome are mainly due to the loss of large amounts of protein in the urine, causing various imbalances in the body. Common signs include:

1. Edema
2. Proteinuria
3. Foamy urine
4. Hyperlipidemia
5. Hyperalbuminemia
6. Thrombophilia
7. Rapid weight gain
8. Fatigue
9. Anemia
10. Hypertension
11. Muehrcke’s nails
12. Reduced appetite
13. Cloudy and dark urine

Diagnosis

To diagnose nephrotic syndrome, following factors are considered

• Proteinuria: Presence of more than 3.5 grams of protein per deciliter (dL) in urine within a 24-hour period.
• Hypoalbuminemia: Albumin levels in the blood dropping below 3 grams per deciliter (dL).
• Peripheral Edema: Swelling, particularly in the lower legs and hands.

Treatment

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. The main approach includes:

1. Medications

• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressives Drugs
• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Blood thinners (Anticoagulants)

2. Dietary Changes

• Low sodium diet
• High protein diet
• Restricting dietary fat

3. Blood Pressure Control

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs

4. Dialysis

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, Prameha is a term that broadly refers to a group of disorders that cause abnormalities in the urine,especially involving the composition and frequency of urination. While nephrotic syndrome is not directly mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, its symptoms such as Albuminuria, hyperlipidemia and edema can be correlated with Prameha, which is primarily focused on metabolic imbalances related to the urinary system. Albuminuria, which causes the urine to become concentrated, thick, or dense, can be related to a specific subtype of Prameha known as Sandrameha. Sandrameha is characterised by the presence of thick, turbid, and dense urine, often associated with an increase in a specific gravity and change in its composition , which is a similar feature of Albuminuria.

Causes

General causes are:

• Excessive food intake
• Excessive sleep
• Intake of curd
• Milk products
• New grains
• Jaggery
• Sedentary lifestyle

Treatment

Treatment of Sandhrameha includes:

Single Herbs used in Prameha

• Haridra
• Amalaki
• Jambu
• Haritaki
• Guggulu
• Lodhra
• Nimba
• Durva
• Gokshura
• Manjistha
• Khadira

Ayurvedic Formulations

• Triphala Kashaya
• Lodhrasava
• Jambwasava
• Shilajatu Rasayana
• Panchatikta guggulu ghrita
• Tiktaka ghrita
• Lavangadi churna
• Kaishore guggulu
• Amruta guggulu
• Palasa pushpa kashaya

Herbal Remedies for Nephrotic Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified well known Ayurvedic Company. They create herbal supplements based on traditional Ayurvedic principles to promote holistic health, wellness and dietary plans for Nephrotic Syndrome. Planet Ayurveda’s products are 100% pure, herbal, and chemical free, and safe to use. All their formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) Scholars. Planet Ayurveda provides a wide range of natural remedies, using high qualities of herbs that are sourced and processed with strict quality control measures. They have many effective herbal formulations for chronic disease, one of them is the Nephrotic syndrome care pack.

Product Description

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna

This herbal powder is a natural blend of Varun (Crataeva Nurvala), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri), Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). This powder is formulated to help with a wide range of kidney related issues. All these herbs used in this powder helps to support the kidney, reduce Swelling and Edema, Improves urinary function. It has a property of Anti inflammation. So, it is beneficial in conditions like Nephrotic syndrome.

Dosage : 1 tsp with warm water two times a day after a meal.

2. Curcumin Capsule

This capsule is standardised pure extract of Haridra (Curcuma Longa). Hridra has Anti inflammatory, Antioxidant and immune modulating properties. These properties can be particularly helpful in managing conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Curcumin may improve outcomes and reduce complications, supporting kidney health with minimal side effects.

Dosage : 2 capsules two times a day with warm water after a meal.

3. Chandanadi Vati

This tablet is a pure extract of Safed Chandan (Santalum Album), Kabachini (Smilax China), Safed Ral (Shorea Robusta), Sarala tree (Pinus longifolia) , Kattha (Acacia Catechu) , Amalaki (Phyllanthus Emblica), kapur (Cinnamomum Camphora), etc. All these herbs used in this formulation have Anti inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce edema, support kidney function. It improves urinary health and Alleviates burning sensation. Hence it is helpful in managing conditions like nephrotic syndrome.

Dosage : 2 tablets three times a day with warm water after a meal.

4. Phyllanthus Niruri

This Capsule is a standardised pure extract of Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri). It helps to reduce protein loss in urine, which is crucial for managing nephrotic syndrome. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It also acts as diuretics.so it is very useful in nephrotic syndrome.

Dosage : 2 capsule two times a day with warm water after a meal.

Conclusion

According to modern science, nephrotic syndrome is manageable but not curable. Its symptoms can be correlated with Sandra Prameha in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome focuses on balancing the body’s doshas, especially Kapha dosha, and addresses symptoms through various actions. The treatment includes Kapha Dosha pacifying herbs, Ama pachana (which detoxifies and removes toxins), Agni Deepana (which improves digestion), Shothahara (which reduces swelling), and Mutral (diuretic) properties. These actions help to boost the immune system, enhance kidney function, and improve the overall health of the individual. Planet Ayurveda’s Nephrotic syndrome care pack also helps to manage this condition.