Ayurvedic view on Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2 or Schmidt’s Syndrome
Abstract
The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome is a rare polygenic inherited disorder that shows the triad of Diabetes mellitus type 1, Hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. It is a disorder in which the immune system attacks its own body cells. There are various diseases like Primary hypogonadism that can co-exist with this condition. Schmidt’s syndrome is difficult to diagnose and if diagnosed early it can be treated easily. Let’s have a look!
Introduction
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome Type 2 or Schmidt Syndrome is a syndrome characterised by the presence of autoimmune Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s disease) which is associated with other endocrine disorders like Autoimmune thyroid disease or Type 1 Diabetes or both. It can occur at any age and in both sexes. It is most commonly found in women in the middle age. It is an autoimmune disorder in which AIRE gene mutation is seen which results in the body’s own cells attacking its own cells. There is hyperpigmentation of the skin due to increased production of ACTH. The patient is presented with Polyuria (Frequent urination), Polydipsia (Extreme thirst), Low blood pressure, Weight loss, Hair loss and many other symptoms. Schmidt’s syndrome should be managed properly in order to avoid further complications like Ketoacidosis, Neuropathy, Nephropathy, Retinopathy etc.
Causes
- Primary Adrenal insufficiency followed by Diabetes or thyroid disease.
- Genetic mutations: Mutations in the AIRE gene.
Symptoms
- Hyperpigmented skin
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Puffiness around eyes
- Polyuria (Frequent urination)
- Polydipsia (Extreme thirst)
- Polyphagia (Constant hunger)
- Dry and itchy skin
- Vitiligo
- Low blood pressure
- Severe dehydration
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Blood test: Done in order to check the level of sodium, potassium and cortisol in the body.
- Synacthen stimulation test
- Thyroid function test
- Imaging: CT scan, MRI
- Blood sugar testing: FBS, RBS, A1C, Glucose tolerance test
Ayurvedic Overview
In Ayurveda, Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome Type 2 is due to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body. Ama is the undigested metabolic waste or toxins in the body. Asyasukha (Excessive food intake), Swapnasukha (Excessive sleep), Dahi (Curd), Gramya mamsa (Meat of domestic animals), Oudaka mamsa (Aquatic animals), Anupa mamsa (Marshy animals), Avayama (Sedentary lifestyle), Dravanna (Excess liquid diet) lead to the formation of ama. These toxins get accumulated in the various parts of the body. Ama formation and decreased digestive fire cause dosha vitiation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Predominantly). It leads to manifestations of symptoms like Twak Vivaranta (Hyperpigmented skin), Bahumutrta (Frequent urination), Puffiness around eyes, Trishna (Extreme thirst), Shavitra (Vitiligo), Severe dehydration, Galganda (Enlarged thyroid gland) etc.
Treatment
Ama pachan and agni deepan should be done first in order to manage Schmidt’s syndrome. The following treatment should be used in order to treat Schmidt’s syndrome
Samshodhan chikitsa (Bio-cleansing therapy)
- Vaman
- Virechana
- Basthi
Sanshaman chikitsa (Pacifying therapy)
- Yogas (Formulation) described by Acharya Charak:
- Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Murva (Morus alba), Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris)
- Haldi (Curcuma longa), Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata), Tagar (Valeriana officinalis), Vayvidanga (Embelia ribes).
- Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Kuth (Saussurea costus), Lalchandan (Pterocarpus santalinus)
- Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica), Arjuna Bark (Terminalia arjuna), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Neelkamal (Nymphaea nouchali).
Other Yoga Includes
- Kanchnar guggul
- Ashwagandha churna
- Triphala churna
- Trikantakadh ghrita
- Guggulu tikataka ghrita
- Panchtikta ghrita
- Lodhra asav
- Punarnava asav
- Dantya asav
Yoga Management
- Nadi Shudhi Pranayam
The following herbs can also be used in order to manage APS Type 2
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
- Bhibhitkai (Terminalia belerica)
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
- Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
- Shilajit (Asphaltum)
Herbal Remedies for Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides the best combination of effective herbal remedies for the management of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the management of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome.
Products List
- Kanchnaar guggul
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Navkarshik Churna
- Panchtiktaghrit Guggul
- Mahamanjisthaghan Vati
- Tribulus Power
Product Description
1. Kanchnaar Guggul
Kanchnar guggul is a herbal formulation that contains Kanchnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Trikatu (Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Piper longum), Varuna bark (Crataeva religiosa), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and many other herbs. It contains Kanchnaar which has anti-inflammatory properties. This formulation is Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (Light), and Ushna (Hot) in potency. Due to its Kshaya rasa (astringent taste), pitta and kapha balancing properties, it helps in managing enlarged thyroid glands. Kanchnar guggul helps in drying excess Kapha and fluid from the body. It helps in cleansing lymphatic drainage. It also reduces medha dhatu and manages hypothyroidism seen in Schmidt’s syndrome.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.
2. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia curcumin is a wonderful herbal formulation that contains Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Extract of Curcuma longa). Shalaki and Curcumin are both rich in antioxidants. Shalaki is known for balancing Kapha and Pitta. It is known for its Shotha Har (Anti-inflammatory ) properties. Whereas Curcumin improves the functioning of beta cells and helps in maintaining sugar levels.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Navkarshik Churna
Navkarshik Churna is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation that contains Amla (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), Bahera (Belleric myrobalan), Vacha (Sweet flag), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Majishta (Rubia cordifolia) and many other herbs. It helps in eliminating ama. It contains Triphala which balances all three doshas. It contains neem that balances Kapha and Pitta. It helps to subside dry and itchy skin. Manjishtha purifies the blood and helps in reducing hyperpigmentation due to primary adrenal insufficiency.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily after meals with plain water.
4. Panchtiktaghrit Guggul
Panchtiktaghrit guggul is a herbal formulation that contains Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Patola Patra (Trichosanthes dioica) and many other herbs. The ingredients present in this ghrita have pitta-balancing properties. It has anti-inflammatory properties and provides hydration to the skin. It also helps in improving digestion. This ghrita helps in reducing the enlargement of thyroid glands. It also helps in resolving abdominal distention. Guggul is tridosha shamak and is helpful in managing Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes and Hypothyroidism.
Dosage: 2 tablets thrice daily with lukewarm water.
5. Mahamanjisthaghan Vati
Mahamanjisthaghan vati is a herbal formulation that contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). Manjishtha is known for its Pitta dosha pacification properties. It purifies the blood and helps in reducing skin problems like Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily or thrice with lukewarm water.
6. Tribulus Power
Tribulus power is a herbal formulation that contains Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). It balances all three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Gokshura helps in removing puffiness around the eyes. It is a natural diuretic. It maintains a normal blood sugar level and helps in managing diabetes in Schmidt’s syndrome.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604
Conclusion
Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome/Schmidt’s syndrome is the rarest form of the autoimmune disorder with polygenic inheritance. This syndrome is a combination of autoimmune disorders like Addison’s disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and Autoimmune hypothyroidism. It should be treated in time in order to avoid complications. Ayurvedic treatment begins with ama pachan and agni deepan in order to remove toxins from the body. Ayurveda helps in managing Schmidt’s syndrome through Shodhan and Sanshama chikitsa. Herbs that act on the root cause of Schmidt’s syndrome are used. One should take this syndrome seriously and get treated on time.
