Herbal Treatment for Microfilaria-Dr Vikram Chauhan
Abstract
Microfilaria is an early stage of certain parasitic nematodes. These parasites live in the tissue or circulatory system of hosts. Microfilariae develop in mosquitos and their transmission to humans occurs through mosquitos only. The common symptoms of microfilaria include fever, pain in the genital area and skin exfoliation. This condition can be managed with Ayurvedic treatment.
What is Microfilaria?
Microfilaria is a term used for an early larval stage in the life cycle of certain parasitic nematodes. They mainly live in adult tissues and circulatory systems of vertebrates. They release microfilariae into the bloodstream of the vertebrate host by adult parasites. The microfilariae are carried by blood-feeding arthropod vectors which act as an intermediate host, it develops into infective larvae that can be transmitted to the embryonic vertebrate host. There these embryonic larvae are usually located in the blood of an infected person.
Type of Microfilariae
There are eight different types of filarial nematodes. These filarial nematodes use humans as a host and are further divided into three categories which depend on the organ of the body they occupy.
1. Lymphatic filariasis
These parasites present in the lymphatic system of the body. It includes Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti.
2. Subcutaneous filariasis:
These parasites present in the subcutaneous layer of human skin. It includes Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus, and Mansonella streptococcal.
3. Serous cavity filariasis
These parasites present in the serous cavity of one’s abdomen. It includes Mansonella ozzardi, and Mansonella perstans, etc.
What are the causes of spreading microfilaria?
Mostly Blood-feeding black flies and mosquitoes are the main reason for the spread of these parasites. For full development, a parasitic nematode has to go through 5 different stages. These types of parasites have to infect more than one host to complete their life cycles.
How to Diagnose Microfilariae Smear?
To diagnose the presence of microfilariae in the blood microfilaria test includes an analysis of the blood smear. The blood sample may be collected from a finger prick, earlobe or venous blood. There are several tests which help to diagnose microfilariae in the blood such as thin blood smear, thick blood smear, quantitative blood count, serological test and membrane filtration method, etc.
What are Herbal Treatments for Microfilaria?
Ayurveda provides various herbs that are beneficial in the treatment for microfilaria. These herbs are safe and have no side effects.
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal formulations for the treatment of microfilaria. These formulations contain herbs that are 100% pure, natural and safe to use. These do not contain any chemical, preservative, and additives.
It includes
- Kaishore Guggul
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Punarnava Mandur
- Giloy Capsules
- Curcumin Capsules
Product Description
1. Kaishore Guggul
These tablets of Planet Ayurveda are formulated by the combination of several effective herbs such as
- Amla (Emblica officinalis)
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica
- Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia)
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
- Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Pippali (Piper longum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Vidanga (Embelia ribes)
- Wild sultan seed (Baliospermum montanum)
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Due to presence of these herbs Kaishore Guggul possesses various healing properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, mosquito larvicidal, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, antiulcerogenic, immunosuppressant, and antipyretic, etc. It also helps in detoxification of the blood and eliminates the toxins from the body. These tablets improve Pitta imbalance of the body. Kaishore Guggul is also a very effective herbal remedy especially used in the Treatment of Uric Acid type arthritis.
Dosage: Two tablets twice in a day with plain water after meals.
2. Gandhak Rasayan
These tablets of Planet Ayurveda are prepared by the pure Gandhak (Purified Sulfur). Gandhak Rasayan has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties and is beneficial in all types of infection due to its broad-spectrum antibiotic activity. Gandhak Rasayan balances the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas in the body. It improves immunity and also acts as a blood purifier.
Dosage: Two tablets twice in a day with plain water after meals.
3.Punarnava Mandur
These herbal tablets consist a combination of herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) & Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx), etc. It is enriched with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. Therefore it is an effective herbal treatment for microfilaria. These herbs improve kidney functions. It helps to improve blood circulation, kidney functions, and hemoglobin level in the body. It acts as a detoxifier and removes all toxins from the body
Dosage: 2 tablets three times daily with plain water after meals.
(Bhava Prakasha Nighantu/ Guduchyadi Varga/ Shloka no. 190)
This shloka explains the properties of Punarnava. It has a bitter taste. After digestion, it converts into the pungent taste. It has cool potency and balances Vata and Kapha Dosha. It manages cold cough and digestive fire. It also treats blood disorder.
4. Giloy Capsules
These capsules of Planet Ayurveda are formulated by a pure standardized extract of herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). This herb has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immune-modulator actions. These capsules help the body reduce fever and fight all infections including viral and bacterial infections. It decreases the span of fever and the duration of infection. It also helps to treat various skin conditions, diabetes, improves digestion, reduces stress and anxiety, and is beneficial in other health issues.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice in a day with plain water after meals.
5. Curcumin Capsules
Curcumin Capsules are formulated by pure and standardized extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa). It has antiviral and antibacterial activity. It acts against various important human pathogens such as hepatitis C virus, influenza virus, HIV and strains. Therefore it is also an effective herbal treatment for microfilaria. These capsules are also useful in diabetes, indigestion, cancer, asthma, and allergy, etc.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice in a day with plain water after meals.
Conclusion
It is concluded that microfilaria can be managed by an effective combination of herbal formulations which are loaded with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These formulations help to prevent the growth of microorganisms and they are free from chemicals hence there are no side effects. Diseases caused by microfilariae may cause severe damage to our body if left untreated.
