Ayurvedic Approach to Sickle Cell Disease WSR to Sannipatika Pandu: An Overview

Abstract

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic life-long blood disorder characterized by RBCs that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape – sickling decreases the flexibility and results of the cell in a risk of various complications. The Valine amino acid is replaced by the Glutamic acid in the 6th position of the 11th chromosome of the Beta chain of the hemoglobin inside the RBCs. Due to that, the haemoglobin concentration of individuals is not maintained properly and there is a chance of multiple infections in seasonal variation. SCD can be compared with Sannipatika or Sahaja (hereditary) Pandu Vyadhi in Ayurveda, to understand the Ayurvedic perspective of SCD and all the related pathophysiology of Rakta Dhatu i. e. its Utpatti, Hetu, Lakshana, Samprapti, Chikitsa Siddhant, etc are taken into consideration in this context. SCD occurs more com-monly in people belonging to tropical & subtropical regions in malaria-prone areas. According to Ayurveda Beeja-Dushti play a major role in its pathogenesis. Aim: To establish a correlation between Sickle Cell Disease and Pandu Vyadhi. Material and Method: A comparison of literary materials from Ayurvedic classics specially Charak and Sushruta Samhita, in relation to modern texts and their available commentary as well as different webs. Discussion: The genetic basis of SCD is well established so, Beeja Dushtijanya Pandu/ Kulaja Pandu/ Anuvamshika Pandu may be some similarities with SCD. In the present context, the Doshika status of the disease can be analyzed as Vata-Pitta provocation along with the depletion of Kapha. Conclusion: In this study Genetic basis of SCD and Beeja Dushtijanya Pandu is correlated with both Modern and Ayurvedic points of view. Both show similarity in pathogenesis and in some clinical presentation, it can be concluded that Sickle cell disease and Beeja Dushtijanya Pandu/ Kulaja Pandu / Anuvamshika Pandu appears to be appropriate for correlation.