Elderly Alzheimer disease & unani medicine
Dr. Md. Shahjalal Chowdhury
Alzheimers disease (AD) is a brain disorder named after German physician Aloes Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Alzheimers disease is a progressive and neurodegenerative disease it is the most common cause of dementia in worldwide affects over 44.6 million people, Already 62% of people with dementia live in developing countries, but by 2050 this will be rise to 71%.
The prevalence has been found to rise exponentially with age, ranging from 3.0% in patients aged 65 to 74 years to as much as 47.2% in those aged 85 years but Its primarily affects the elderly population of over 65 years of age. The most common form of dementia is AD, which demolishes the vital brain cells, causing trouble with memory, thinking, and behavior, brutal enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, and social life.
The loss of memory is considered to be the result of a shortage of the nerve transmitter acetylcholine. It is possible to increase the level of this transmitter in the brain by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which splits or breaks down the transmitter substance.
Drugs that inhibit the breakdown of the messenger or transmitter acetylcholine delay the development of the disease. Alzheimers is the most common form of dementia
Common Symptoms:
The symptoms associated with Alzheimers disease includes:
Progressive mental deterioration
Loss of memory and cognitive functions
Inability to carry out activities of daily life (ADLs)
Anterograde amnesia typically presents first and most intensely
Apathy and loss of initiatives
Paranoia
Delusional thinking
Irritability
Treatment with alternative medicine
Usul-e- Ilaz (Method of Unani Treatment):
1. Treatment according to underlying cause of Disease.
2. Medication with Dwae-e- Mufferah ( Herbs of Refrigerants)
3. Medication with Dwae-e- Mukbbi-e-e Dimagh ( Brain Tonic Herbs)
4. Medication with Muhallel-e-Waram (Anti-inflammatory Herbs)
Alzheimers disease is a chronic disease and requires consistent and comprehensive treatment in order to delay its progression Goals in treating Alzheimer disease are to also manage behavior problems, confusion agitation, Provide safe living environment, Support family members others caregivers. Ilaaz (Unani Treatment):
A number of scientific researchers have been carried out on medicinal herbs. Herbs have anti inflammatory and antioxidant activities that may be used in the treatment of AD. Alzheimers patients have an acetylcholine deficiency. Anti-inflammatory herbs may reduce inflammation of the brain tissue in Alzheimers: German chamomile, Ginseng, licorice, turmeric, and white willow bark. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in cognitive function and reasoning.
Some Unani herbs like Guduchi, Padma (Nelumbo nucifera), Shankhpushpi, Pancha-Tikta-Ghruta Gugguli, Amalaki, Musta Arjun, Ashwagandha, Galo Satva, and others are excellent herbs for slowing down the brain cell degeneration caused by Alzheimers. They enhance the brains ability to function, and therefore, provide stability when used consistently
Dwae-e- Mufferah ( Herbs of Refrigerants):
Bacopa monniera Wettst. (Scrophulariaceae)
Goswami et al., evaluate the effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), associated with the Ayurveda system of medicine, on the cognitive functions in Alzheimers disease patients, and conclude that it could be beneficial in these patients, but more study is needed.
Centella asiatica L. (Umbelliferae)
Extract from the leaves of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been used as an alternative medicine for memory improvement in the Bangladeshi Unani system of medicine for a long time.
Panax Ginseng (Araliaceae)
Panax Ginseng (Ren-shen) contains saponins protopanaxadiol, protopantriol, and oleanolic acid saponins that are reported to have memory-enhancing action for the learning impairment induced by scopolamine. Ginseng grows in Northeastern Asia. The Ginseng root has been used in folk medicine in countries like China and Korea, for boosting Qi (energy), from ancient time. Ginseng has a history of medicinal use that goes back thou
sands of years. The ginseng extract has many uses, and claim to achieve and maintain both physical health and mental well-being. Research has also suggested that ginseng is able to enhance the psychomotor and cognitive performance, and can benefit AD by improving the brain cholinergic function, reducing the level of AD, and repairing the damaged neuronal networks.
Seb (Malus sylvestri): Prevents neuro-degeneration. Stimulates the brain through increased circulation and oxygenation.
Dwae-e- Mukbbi-e-e Dimagh ( Brain Tonic Herbs)
Badaranjboya (Catnip), Amla, Utukhudus (Lavender), Jafran, Valerian,
Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)
Historically, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) was believed to sharpen memory. Lemon balm can also temporarily improve cognitive decline as well as improve the mood for Alzheimers patients. Another study addressing the use of lemon balm for Alzheimers Disease, concluded that Melissa officinalis is one of several plants that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimers disease due to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and its antioxidant activity.
Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae)
Sage as it is more commonly referred for Alzheimers disease treatment. It has been reported to assist the brain in the fight against AD. Sage contains the antioxidants carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. These compounds are thought to protect the brain from oxidative damage.
Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae)
Ginkgo Biloba is the best known herb for Alzheimers disease and its associated symptoms. In controlled clinical trials, using a placebo and control group, ginkgo biloba extracts showed therapeutic benefits in Alzheimers, similar to prescription drugs such as Donepezil or Tactrin, with minimal undesirable side effects. The chief chemical constituent of gingko biloba is gingkolides and it is a pertinent antioxidant, with neuroprotective and cholinergic activities that help in the management of AD. Ginkgo biloba improves protection against A protein-induced oxidative damages (degrading hydrogen peroxide, preventing lipids from oxidation, and trapping the reactive oxygen species).
Ginkgo Biloba is best known for its ability to enhance circulation systemically. Its action is directly related to the vasorelaxing activity. Thus, Ginkgo Biloba can lower blood pressure and inhibit platelet aggregation. Scientific studies have shown its promise on cognition-enhancement (booster), if used during the early stages of Alzheimers disease.
Bacopa monniera Wettst. (Scrophulariaceae)
Goswami et al., evaluate the effect of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), associated with the Ayurveda system of medicine, on the cognitive functions in Alzheimers disease patients, and conclude that it could be beneficial in these patients, but more study is needed.
Centella asiatica L. (Umbelliferae)
Extract from the leaves of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been used as an alternative medicine for memory improvement in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine for a long time.
Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)
German Chamomile is said to stimulate the brain, dispel weariness, calm the nerves, counteract insomnia, aid in digestion, break up mucus in the throat and lungs, and aid the immune system. Chamomile can relieve anxiety, and in higher doses, leads to drowsiness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Withania somnifera (Solanaceae)
Active glycowithanolides of Withania somnifera (Ashawgandha) have a significant antioxidant function, which is accomplished by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Ashwagandha is also reported as a Nervine tonic that rejuvenates the cells and boosts energy. The assessment of cholinesterase inhibition was carried out using a colorimetric method based on Ellmans reaction and demonstrated that the W. Somnifera extract significantly inhibited AChE in a concentration-dependent manner.
Muhallel-e-Owram (Anti-inflammatory Herbs):
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): It can help strengthen the immune systems improve the memory. Dose: Infusion - 1-2 tsp/cup (10-15 min) three times daily.
Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae)
Tinospora Cordifolia (Guduchi) possesses a memory enhancing property for learning and memory in normal and memory-deficits animals. Tinospora Cordifolias mechanism for cognitive enhancement is by immunostimulation and synthesis of acetylcholine, this supplementation of choline enhances the cognitive function.
Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae)
Curcuma longa (Turmeric, Harida) has been used as a source of Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an orange-yellow component of turmeric or curry powder. Studies have proved that Curcumin has anti inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and it helps in combating Alzheimers Disease (AD). Regular consumption of this herb helps in keeping the mind balanced. The dose of curcumin can be reduced by making it to colon targeting.
Commiphora whighitti (Burseraceae)
Commiphora whighitti (Guggulu), a plant resin, contains the major constituent of guggulipid, which is guggulsterone. The guggulipid has been seen to be a potential cognitive enhancer for improvement of memory in scopolamine induced memory deficits. Commiphora whighitti acts on impairment in learning and memory and decreased choline actyl transferase levels in hippocampus. However, Commiphora whighitti shows maximum effects on memory functions and the potential for dementia disorder. The most common medicinal herbs for the treatment of AD and those reported in literature are Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoceae), Salvia officinalis L.,
Some others are medicinal herbs that have a beneficial effect in the treatment of Alzheimers disease (AD) and its associated symptoms are: Zafran /Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), Hypericum perforatum L (Hypericaceae) ,Piper methysticum Frost. (Piperaceae), Rheum spp. L. (Polygonaceae), Terminalia chebula L. (Combretaceae), and so on.
Some Avaible Unani, Ayurvedic Herbal Formulary Medicine in Market:
1. Syrup Jinsint
2. Syrup Seb
3. Capsule: Centurin
4. Etrifal Ustikhudus
5. Syrup Brami Rasayan (Ayurvedic)
6. Syprup Aswagandarista (Ayurvedic)
7. Capsule Kobi (Herbal Medicine)
8. Capsule Valent (Herbal Medicine)
Hefze-ma-Takaddum (Prevention):
1. Eat Antioxidant High fiber foods including fruits such as Apple, oats, potatoes, yams
2. Eat foods high in B vitamins Calcium such as beans, leafy green vegetables, spinach
3. Avoid refined foods especially white bread, pasta Sugar.
4. Calorically restricted low fat diet,
5. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily
6. Regular areobic Exercise at leat 30 minute daily, 5 days a week.
7. Proper sleep Dont smoke.
The writer can be reached at: [email protected]
