Treatment of Partial Empty Sella Syndrome With Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Pituitary gland is a small pea shaped gland located in the base of the skull specifically the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. It is an endocrine gland that secretes various hormones such as ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone), GH (growth hormone), prolactin, oxytocin, etc. and controls a number of processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction, etc. in the body. Pituitary gland itself is an endocrine gland and also controls functioning of various other glands such as thyroid gland, adrenal glands, etc. There can be many abnormal conditions related to the pituitary gland such as hypopituitarism, hyperpituitarism, empty sella syndrome, etc. The condition of empty sella syndrome will be described in detail through the following article.

Introduction

The empty sella syndrome is a rare disease that is related to the situation of pituitary gland in the indentation of the sphenoid bone namely the sella turcica. In this condition, either the pituitary gland shrinks or becomes flattened. When the pituitary gland shrinks, it is not clearly seen on MRI, resembling an empty sella. When the pituitary is partially or somewhat visible, it is named as partial empty sella syndrome. The empty sella does not mean that the sella turcica is empty because it will be filled with CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), it is just a result of flattened or shrunken pituitary gland. When an excessive amount of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) fills in the sella turcica, it may pressurize the pituitary gland, thus resulting in various abnormalities. This will lead to various presentations in the body but let us first discuss the causes underlying the condition of partial empty sella syndrome.  

CAUSES OF PARTIAL EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME

The causes of partial empty sella syndrome can be understood by dividing into two categories i.e. primary partial empty sella syndrome and secondary partial empty sella syndrome. The exact cause underlying the condition of primary partial empty sella syndrome is still not known yet. The females are observed to be more prone to this condition as compared to the males. The secondary partial empty sella syndrome can be a result of various factors such as trauma, infection, pituitary tumors, radiation therapy, etc. This will result in a presentation of various features which will be described as follows.

SYMPTOMS OF PARTIAL EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME

While talking about the partial empty sella syndrome, it should be mentioned that a lot of patients may not have any symptoms. There are a lot of patients who complain of severe headaches, a direct correlation can not be described between the two but clinically, a high frequency and an association is seen. There may be other associated symptoms such as erection problems, disturbances in menstrual flow, reduced levels of energy and decreased sexual power, etc. In severe cases, csf (cerebrospinal fluid) leak from nose, swelling of optic nerve in eye, etc. may also be observed. The symptoms will indicate the condition of partial empty sella syndrome but a proper diagnosis will require some investigations which will be described as follows.

TREATMENT OF PARTIAL EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME

The Diagnosis of the partial empty sella syndrome will require some investigatory tests along with the proper medical history. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT scan (Computed tomography) are useful in diagnosing the condition. The line of management will depend on the severity of the condition. If there is disurbed hormonal levels, it is managed through hormonal therapies accordingly. Symptomatic treatment such as analgesics for headache is given. In severe cases, surgery may also be needed to prevent csf (cerebrospinal fluid) from leakage. Let us now discuss the ayurvedic correlation of the partial empty sella syndrome.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF PARTIAL EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME

Ayurveda has its own unique principles to understand the state of the body and disease. The imbalance in the levels of vata, pitta, and kapha is considered responsible for all the types of diseases. In the case of  partial empty sella syndrome, vata imbalance is responsible for the neurological difficulties. There is excessive csf (cerebrospinal fluid) present which can be correlated with aggravated pitta dosha and kapha dosha also. The cause of the condition may vary from patient to patient. The main line of treatment will include balancing the levels of vata dosha in the body. It will help to improve the nervous system. Various methods are implied to rebalance the vitiated levels of vata dosha which includes restricting the vata aggravating factors from diet and lifestyle, panchkarma therapies, oral administration of ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), etc. Planet Ayurveda prepares various herbal and ayurvedic formulations such as brahmi capsules, yogendra ras for improving the condition of the patients of partial empty sella syndrome which will be described as follows.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR PARTIAL EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME

Planet Ayurveda prepares medicinal formulations that contain natural herbs beneficial for the health of the body. Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of partial empty sella syndrome. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting the health of the patient and managing the diseased state effectively. The products beneficial for improving the condition of essential tremors is described as follows

1. Brahmi capsules

Planet Ayurveda is preparing Brahmi capsules using the pure herbal extracts of the wonderful ayurvedic herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). It helps to balance the vitiated vata, pitta and rakta dosha from the body. It helps to manage various difficulties such as mood swings, difficulty in sleeping, etc. Brahmi is cool in potency and possess medhya properties i.e. improves intelligence. It helps to pacify the vata and pitta dosha in the body. It improves memory, intelligence, uplifts mood and helps to sleep better.

Dosage -: One capsule two times a day with plain water after a meal.

2. Gotukola capsules

Gotukola capsules are prepared by planet ayurveda containing extracts of the ayurvedic herb, Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica). It is a tridosha shamak agent. Gotukola is known to possess excellent vata pacifying properties and hence improves the neurological state of the being. Mandukaparni helps to improve blood circulation also. Gotukola is also helpful in digesting ama (undigested food components) and thus, improving the overall condition of the body.

Dosage: One capsule two times a day with plain water after meals.

3. Ashwagandhaghan vati

Ashwagandhaghan vati is prepared by planet Ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of a very beneficial ayurvedic herb known as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is very helpful in balancing the vata dosha and hence, also useful in improving the neurological condition of the body. Balancing the vata dosha will help to improve the condition of partial empty sella syndrome.

Dosage – Two tablets to be taken two times a day.

4. Telomere boostup

Telomere boostup is being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It is manufactured using hundred percent natural extract of the beneficial Ayurvedic herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), etc. Telomere boostup helps to promote the overall health of the body. The herbal combination it contains helps in rejuvenating the body. This helps in slowing down the aging mechanism. It helps in maintaining the healthy state of the body.

Dosage – One capsule two times a day.

5. Yogendra ras

Yogendra ras is very effective ayurvedic formulation which contains a combination of health benefiting ayurvedic components. This formulation contains parada (purified mercury), gandhaka (purified sulfur), loha bhasma (iron component), etc. It helps to provide strength to the body which will help to deal with the symptoms of partial empty sella syndrome. In general, yogendra ras will help to pacify excessive vata and thus improve the neurological state.

Dosage – One tablet a day to be chewed.

6. Jivantyadi ghrit

Jivantyadi ghrit contains various herbal components such as jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), ashoka (Saraca asoka), etc. prepared in go ghrit (cow ghee). Jivantyadi ghrit is very beneficial for improving the neurological state of the body. It helps to improve the vitality of the individual. Jivantyadi ghrit helps to improve the condition of partial empty sella syndrome up to a great extent.

Dosage: One teaspoon two times a day after meals with warm water.

7. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak rasayan prepared by planet ayurveda contains shuddha gandhak (sulfur in purified form). Sulphur is astringent (kshaya), sweet (madhur), pungent (katu), and bitter (tikta). It is hot in potency and acts as rasayan i.e. rejuvenates the body cells. Gandhak helps to pacify the excessive vata and kapha dosha from the body. Gandhak rasyan is very effective in managing the difficulties faced by the patient of partial empty sella syndrome.

Dosage – Two tablets two times a day, after meals.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that partial empty sella syndrome can be managed very well by following the Principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda believes to rectify the disease right from its roots rather than just managing the symptoms. So, by restricting the causative or aggravating factors and following a healthy diet along with the administration of ayurvedic formulations such as ashwagandha ghan vati, brahmi capsule, gandhak rasayan, etc. the condition can be managed well. The quality of life of the patients suffering from partial empty sella syndrome can be improved up to a great exten