Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is characterized by abnormal proliferation of granular leukocytes and, mostly of megakaryocytes. Severe tiredness, heat intolerance, bleeding gums, purpura, skin lesions, weight loss, hyperuricemia, abdominal discomfort and splenomegaly are the most common symptoms of the disease, in advanced condition. This morbid pathological condition is non-sensitive to many of the existing chemotherapeutic drugs or any new generation drugs, without causing any severe side effects for a complete cure.
The author proudly report here that CML can be effectively cured by Ayurvedic medicines in a systematic and most scientific style, without side effects. Two reference cases of CML (Table 1) and treatment protocol (Fig.1) are explained as follows.
The start of the disease was marked with viral fever in patient 'S’ (in 1991) Subsequently, the total leucocytes count (TC) was found lo be shooted up enormously. Higher doses of Cap. Hydrea (4 to 6 ) were administered to maintain normal TC levels. During Cap. Hydrea administration the patient suffered severe side effects like excessive body heat generation, gaseous abdomen, bone pain, insomnia and no appetite for food.
Continuous use of Hydrea developed severe right leg pain and ankle ulcers (in 1997). Because of the unbearable side effects, the Hydrea was withdrawn and switched on to naturopathy as well as dressing of ulcers with antibiotics. Then, the ulcers healed. But, this relief did not last for too long. In 1999 the ulcers reoccurred on both ankles with thrombocytopenic purpura and hence resorted to Cap. Hydrea again. As the days passed on, in 2001 the condition was critically advanced with side effects and resolved to ayurvedic treatment. After withdrawal of Cap. Hydrea the ulcers were almost healed.
Table 1:
A comparison of 2 reference case of CML
This healed condition was not prolonged for quite long. Ulcers and splenomegaly redeveloped in 2002, but with less severity and then resorted to Cap. Hydrea administration. In 2004 the patient started administering Cap. lmatinib and the splenomegaly was controlled and the TC became almost normal. The ulcers became dried, and whole body oedema became very severe (+ + +) At this time the new protocol of treatment was tried and the TC became almost normal in few days. The disease symptoms of patient SJ was different from that of patient S. The SJ had history of vertigo, severe anemia, head- ache, stomach fullness, oedematous left, abdominal aspect and excessive body heat generation for many years. . By profession patient SJ is a farm worker and the disease was not diagnosed at an earlier date. The diagnosis was possible when the patient had insidious per vaginal bleeding in Aug '04. Cap. Hydrea (4 to 6) were administered and the increased TC became within normal limits (Sept '04). Because of the severe side effects of Cap. Hydrea, the patient resorted to Cap. Imatinib. But, instead of controlling the TC, it went upto 94,000 cells/cu cmm in Dec. .'04. At this time the patient decided for ayurvedic treatment at AAMRC. She presented with extreme side effects of whole body oedema, insomnia, headache, body pain, hair loss, no appetite, thirsty etc.
The protocol steps 1 to 3 are self explanatory and are mentioned earlier (Jacob, 2004). The special medication include decoction made in milk with Dasamoolam, Withania somnifera, black grapes, Holo-ste-mma adakodien and Hemidesmus indicus, under strict diet restriction. After a period of 20 -30 days the TC became almost normal (patient S - 10,000 cell/ cu mm or above, Feb ' 05) (patient SJ - 6900 cells / cu mm, Jan '05). Then, both patients looked normal and pleasant and they had no signs of earlier disease symptoms. However, both of them were advised to continue the special medication.
Both patients were treated on Tridhosha principles. Kapha was aggravated and more Kpahakara medicines were administered, besides anti-cancer and anti allergic medicines. The available avurvedic literature on Rhekhtarbhuda cannot be compared to that of the present day modern science, especially the epidemiology and treatment. But, the prognosis can be compared and quote as follows.
Here Pandu (anemi - is a co-existing phenomenon: - of rehktarbhuda as the morbid Vata, Pitta, Kapha and Rakhta engulf or deposit in 'Nadi' and gradually form bleeding shrunken mass. It is also explained that no cure is possible at this stage of the disease. As a contrary to the above belief, now AAMRC has evolved a new strategy for CML control and management. The new strategy worked out very well, while looking at the functions of Ieukocytes such as detoxification (toxic problems due to allergy) etc. During high degree of ama the leukocytes loose the capacity to destroy toxins. When the levels of ama increases, more number of leukocytes are also produced proportionately, as a defensive mechanism. Therefore, importance was given to simultaneous ama reduction by detoxification and further stop of synthesis of abnormal leukocytes. The new strategy helped to control the disease very efficiently in both patients. Also, after the AAMRC treatment they were advised to continue the same medicines and regular follow up.
Here, AAMRC takes claim for development of an effective treatment protocol for CML without causing any side effects, after many years of concerted research and untiring efforts. Efforts are still on to find out similar treatment protocol, if explained else where, for cure of rekhtarbhuda or any other related diseases in avurvedic literature.
Dhosa: Pradushtorudhiram sirascha
Samkuchya sampindhya tha thasthwapakam
Sam srava munna hyathi mamsapindham
Mamsamkurai rachitamasu virdhim
Karothyajasram rudhiralma kandu Rhektha
kshayo pradhava peedithathwal Pandur
bhavedhar bhudha peedithasthu
(Madhavanidhanam)
1. Jacob Z. (2004) Report of gain of eye vision by Ayurvedic therapy in a choroids plexus carcinoma patient. (Paper presented at Akademie der Deutschen Gesellechaft fur Ayurveda, Regensburg, Germany 23- 25 July 2004)
2. Vaidhyan S Janardhan Pillai (1 998) Madhavanidhanam 20, 21 (page 281) Fourth edition published by Devi bookstall, IIoor - 680664.