Sarcoidosis Alternative Treatment With Natural Herbal Medicine

ABSTRACT

Sarcoidosis is an auto-immune condition where there is formation of small lumps called granulomas in the body. The prevalence of Sarcoidosis is seen more in Northern Europe and lesser in East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea etc. Granulomas can form anywhere in the body, but they are most commonly found in the lungs and lymph nodes. They can cause problems like coughing, shortness of breath, or even chest pain. But sometimes the granulomas don’t cause any noticeable symptoms throughout your life and are diagnosed accidently. The symptoms particularly depend on where the granulomas are located and how much organ is involved. So the severity can vary from person to person. Some people may not even realize they have sarcoidosis because it doesn’t always cause noticeable problems, while others might experience significant health issues because of it.

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a condition of idiopathic origin that develops when groups of cells in your immune system form red and swollen (inflamed) lumps, called granulomas, in various organs in the body. Too much production of white blood cells lead to the formation of these lumps like structures called granulomas. The inflammation that leads to these granulomas can be caused either by infections or by certain things you come into contact with in your environment. In a few cases, the inflammation caused by the granulomas can turn into scarring over time, especially in the lungs, which can make breathing difficult. This scarring is called fibrosis, and it can lead to long-term irreversible damage to the affected organs, most commonly lungs. In some patients, sarcoidosis can develop gradually and symptoms might take a longer time to heal. Meanwhile in some cases, patients may develop symptoms very quickly and they recover quickly too. Not everyone needs treatment as many people with this remain asymptomatic.

CAUSES / TRIGGERS

Since it is of idiopathic origin and is considered to be auto-immune. It is believed to develop when the immune system overreacts to certain triggers. These triggers could be

1. Infections: Prolonged respiratory infections can trigger it.
2. Environmental factors: Exposure to dust, mold, chemicals, metals, asbestos can sometimes trigger the condition.
3. Genetics: Presence of family history can increase the risk, though it is not directly inherited.
4. Immune response: Sarcoidosis is considered to be an immune system disorder. In a healthy immune system, cells fight off infections, but in people with sarcoidosis, the immune system overreacts and forms multiple tiny nodular growths called granulomas. 
5. Race and ethnicity: The African Americans and people of Scandinavian descent are at higher risk than others.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The presentation of symptoms in sarcoidosis vary from every patient to patient depending upon the affected organ.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Pain and swelling in joints, such as the ankles
• Swollen lymph nodes

PULMONARY SYMPTOMS

Sarcoidosis most typically affects the lungs and presents these symptoms.

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing

CARDIAC SYMPTOMS

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Chest pain
• Swelling caused by excess fluid (edema)
• Rapid or fluttering heart beat (palpitations)
• Fainting (syncope)

SKIN RELATED SYMPTOMS

• Disfiguring sores (lesions) on the nose, cheeks and ears
• A rash of red or reddish-purple lumps are usually seen on the shins or ankles, which are sometimes warm and tender to the touch
• Darker or lighter pigmented skin
• Nodular growth under the skin, particularly around scars or tattoos

OCULAR SYMPTOMS

• Eye pain
• Severe redness
• Blurred vision
• Watering of eyes
• Burning, itching or dry eyes
• Sensitivity to light

LYMPH-NODES RELATED SYMPTOMS

• Swollen lymph nodes in the chest, neck, armpits, groin, or chin

ORTHO-RELATED SYMPTOMS

• Swelling in the joints
• Reduced range of motion
• Hand deformities due to granuloma
• Joint & bone pains particularly in hands & feet

SARCOIDOSIS IN LIVER-SPLEEN

• Jaundice (in advance cases)
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Pruritus (itching)
• Weight loss
• Fever

RENAL SARCOIDOSIS

• Hypercalcemia & hypercalciuria (abnormal calcium metabolism)
• Proteinuria
• Nephrolithiasis (it occurs in up to 15% of patients which renal sarcoidosis)

SARCODOSIS IN MUSCLES

• Muscle weakness
• Nodular abnormalities
• Muscle pain & swelling

STAGES IN PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS

Since involvement of lungs is most common, its presentation when X-ray is done is classified into 4 stages. These stages are based on the appearance and location of granulomas in the lungs.

It is not necessary for all people to cross through all the stages or for granulomas to disappear completely. You can say these stages help to identify the severity of lung scarring. After stage four, the scarring is irreversible and it results in permanent lung damage.

• Stage 0: X-rays don’t show any signs. Lungs and lymph nodes appear normal on an X-ray.
• Stage 1: Granulomas in the lymph nodes only.
• Stage 2: Granulomas in both lymph nodes and lungs.
• Stage 3: Granulomas in the lungs only.
• Stage 4: X-rays show pulmonary fibrosis, which is permanent scarring of the lungs.

DIAGNOSIS

Tests are indicated on the basis of organs involved. The set of tests are performed to check the functioning and overall health of the involved organ.

• Physical examination: Your doctor will diagnose you on the basis of presenting symptoms, and the evaluation of granulomas. Lymph nodes are also evaluated for any swellings.
• Chest X-ray: It is done to visualize the extent of granulomas and scarring in lungs and decide staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• CT scan, MRI, and PET scan: Further detailed scans are done so as to have a proper image at the extent of the disease.
• Blood & urine tests: KFT, LFT can be done if liver and kidney are involved.
• Various Eye Exams can be done if eyes are involved.
• Endobronchial biopsy: in this small tissue from lungs is taken for biopsy.
• HLA-B27 Test: it is done if bone & joints are involved.

TREATMENT

Symptomatic treatment on the basis of involved organs is done.

1. Corticosteroids
2. TNF-inhibitors
3. Immunosuppressants like methotrexate
4. Corticotrophins: Injected for the body to produce its own steroids.
5. Hydroxychloroquine: Helpful in Calcium metabolism
6. Antimalarial drugs: Are used to control symptoms in skin related sarcoidosis.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In Ayurveda, there is no direct correlation of this disease. Since it is an auto-immune condition, in Ayurveda any auto-immune condition is considered to be developed from “Ama” i.e., toxins. In Ayurveda, we can understand this as when the “Ama” is formed and later it spreads through various srotas i.e., circulatory channels in our body causing “Srotas-Sangha” [obstruction] in “Mamsa Vaha Srotas” (circulatory channels of muscles).

As per Acharya Sushrut (father of ancient surgery) “Mamsa Vaha Srotas” which refers to the circulatory channels of muscles, can indeed be associated with symptoms seen in autoimmune conditions like muscle wasting, swelling, and growths (as mentioned by Acharya Sushrut). The concepts of “Mamsa Shosha” (muscle wasting), “Shwathu” (swelling), and “Sira-granthi” (small growths/granulomas) may align with modern conditions that involve inflammation, tissue damage, and immune dysregulation.

Ayurvedic approaches to treat such conditions often focus on eliminating Ama from the body through detoxifying the body, and balancing the doshas to restore harmony. Various herbs and therapies like Panchakarma (detoxification) can be used to support this process. Ayurveda’s approach is more holistic, aiming at addressing the root cause of the imbalance, rather than just the symptoms.

AYURVEDIC HERBS BENEFICIAL IN SARCOIDOSIS

1. Haridra / Curcuma Longa: Haridra increases our Agni (metabolic fire) because of its ushna veerya [hot potency], Katu [bitter] rasa and Tikta [pungent] rasa. It digests Ama (toxins) and balances tri-doshas. It balances vata due to its Ushna veerya (hot potency); Kapha due to its Rooksha(dry), Katu (bitter), and Tikta [pungent] rasa and also Pitta due to its Tikta (pungent) guna. Haridra removes the blockage in “srotas” [circulatory channels] which are created by vitiated Pitta and Kapha dosh and allows free movement of Vata. Haridra is helpful in immune-modulation by correcting metabolism, enabling free circulation of nutrients & oxygen to every cell due to its anti-oxidant properties. It is also “Vishothahar” i.e., it is a naturally anti-inflammatory.
2. Guggul / Commiphora Mukul: Acharya Charaka has said guggul to be “medo-anilaharm” i.e., it balances vata dosha and is also helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, thus helpful in obesity. It is also tridosha shamaka i.e., balances all the three doshas. Madhur (sweet) rasa balances Vata Dosha, Kashaya (astringent) rasa balances Pitta Dosha and Tikta (bitter) rasa balances Kapha Dosha. It also has “vran-ropan” (wound healing) properties, thus it helps in relieving joint inflammation.
3. Kanchnaar / Bauhinia Variegata: Kachnaar acts on Kapha and Pitta dosha in our body as it is Laghu (lightness), Rooksha (dryness), of Kashaya rasa (astringent), and of Sheeta veerya (cold potency). Its bark is rich in Beta Sitosterol, Stigmasterol and the seeds are rich in Myricetol. It is very useful in gandmala [Cervical lymphadenitis] and other similar disorders with overgrowths as it reduces edema specifically in the lymphatic system. It’s another property is that it is “Kasanuta” i.e., it is useful in cough & cold.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SARCOIDOSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of ayurvedic herbs for the management of sarcoidosis. With the use of above-mentioned herbs, planet Ayurveda has compiled the “Sarco Care Pack”. This pack includes Curcumin Capsules, Kanchnaar Guggul, Aller-G Care, Punarnava Mandur, Chitrak haritki and Vasasav. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100 % natural, vegetarian, additive free, chemical & preservative free and without any side effects. With ayurvedic intervention, the sarcoidosis can be managed efficiently and thus, increasing the quality of life.

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
3. Aller-G Care
4. Punarnava Mandur
5. Chitrak Haritaki
6. Vasasav

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Curcumin Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of Curcuma longa which has a potent concentration of its active alkaloid Curcumin. These potent capsules are full of antioxidants, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is helpful in correcting metabolism, enabling free circulation of nutrients & oxygen to every cell due to its antioxidant properties. It neutralizes free radicals thus is also recommended in treatment of cancer. Curcumin is said to have action similar to NSAIDs as it is anti-inflammatory, thus helpful in various inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, RA etc.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily with warm water after meals.

2. Kanchnaar Guggul

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract from Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata). It also has Triphala (Three myrobalans), Trikatu (Three pungents), Varuna (Crateava nurvula) and many other herbs. Thus, it is helpful in cough, cold, rhinitis and other lung related symptoms due to the presence of Triphala and Trikatu. Classically it is indicated in diseases with small multiple growths thus is useful in sarcoidosis.

Dosage: 2 tablets, three times per day with warm water after meals.

3. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care capsules are prepared from the standardized extract derived from Haridra [Curcuma longa], Neem [Azadirachta indica], Shirish [Albizia lebbeck] and Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera]. This formulation is exceptional for optimal lung health. It can be consumed as a dietary supplement as it is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory and maintains good immunity too.

Dosage: 2 capsules, two times in a day with warm water after meals.

4. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava Mandur is a  classical herbomineral preparation is  available in form of  tablets which are  prepared from the standardized extract of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa ) and Loh bhasma (Iron ash) after following proper “Shodhana” [purification] procedure .It is helpful in correcting iron deficiency anemia, blood purification etc. It also reduces inflammation in the body due to its shothhara (reduces inflammation) properties.

Dosage: 2 tablets, two times per day with warm water after meals.

5. Chitrak Haritaki

Chitrak Haritaki is a classical ayurvedic preparation which is available in the form of “Avaleha” (jam-like consistency). It is prepared by using the standardized extract derived from equal parts of Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Haritki (Terminalia chebula), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and Madhu (honey). It also has Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gud (Jaggery) and many other herbs which are present in minor amounts. These herbs help to balance Vata & Kapha dosha and remove excess mucus from lungs as it “Lekhaniya” (has scraping effect). As Chitrak-haritki is Ushna (hot) in potency, it is helpful in “aam-pachan” (digestion of toxins).

Dosage: 1 tsp. twice per day.

6. Vasasav

This syrup in an alcoholic preparation with very little alcohol concentration prepared from Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Gud (Jaggery), Dhatki (Woodfordia fruticosa), Trikatu (Three pungents) , Ela (Elettaria cardamom) and many other herbs. It balances Kapha and Pitta as it is Katu (bitter), Tikta (pungent) and of Sheeta veerya (cold potency). Ayurvedic Arishta and Asava preparations are ancient formulations that are produced through a fermentation process, during which alcohol is naturally generated. Due to their liquid nature, they are rapidly absorbed by the digestive tract, allowing for swift action. These preparations have been found to support lung function and alleviate symptoms by dissolving accumulated Kapha dosha, which causes the blockage of the body’s srotas.

Dosage: 2 tsp. two times per day.

CONCLUSION

Sarcoidosis presents a complex challenge for both patients and healthcare providers, with its varied symptoms affecting multiple organs, especially the lungs. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, but they may not address the underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition. Ayurvedic treatments, with their holistic approach, offer a promising alternative by targeting the root causes of sarcoidosis. Through the use of natural formulations like Vasasav and other herbal remedies, Ayurvedic medicine works to restore balance, clear blockages, and support the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Thus, Ayurvedic treatment emerges as an efficient and effective solution for managing sarcoidosis and improving overall health.