Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) – Effective Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Polyarteritis nodosa, also known as PAN, is a rare autoimmune disorder that involves spontaneous inflammation of the arteries causing symptoms such as fever, pain, fatigue, weight loss, bleeding, and dysfunction of the affected organs. The inflammation of the arteries can be quite serious and can cause permanent damage to the affected organs, such as the intestines and kidneys. Spontaneous bleeding from multiple sites can also be fatal. PAN is therefore a very serious disorder that needs urgent attention.

PAN involves multiple body systems and typically affects the muscles, joints, skin, intestines, nerves, and kidneys. Although it is more common in the elderly population, it can affect people of all ages, including children. Modern conservative treatment of this condition involves the use of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Although there is a good initial response to these drugs, in the long run, the condition of most patients invariably begins to deteriorate. Therefore, PAN can cause serious morbidity and mortality.

In this scenario, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used judiciously and effectively to successfully combat and treat this disease. Herbal medications can be given in high doses and for long periods of time to treat inflammation of the arteries, cause immunomodulation, as well as provide symptomatic treatment to affected organs and prevent permanent damage. It is very important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term irreversible damage.

According to the Ayurvedic pathophysiology of the disease, altered Vata Dosha causes the autoimmune state, and altered and increased Pitta Dosha causes inflammation of the arteries, resulting in damage to various systems and organs. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment aims to correct Vata Dosha and reduce the harmful aspects of increased Pitta Dosha. This can be done using a combination of oral herbal tablet therapy and special Panchkarma procedures. These include induced purgation to treat Pitta Dosha and a series of medicated enemas known as ‘Tikta Ksheer Basti’ to treat Vata Dosha.

While patients with mild forms of the disease go into remission within six to eight months after starting Ayurvedic herbal treatment, people with more severe forms of the disease require prolonged treatment ranging from eight eighteen months or more. However, almost all patients with PAN can be successfully treated to bring the disease into complete remission. Medications can then be continued at low doses or with reduced frequency, to prevent a relapse of the disease. Compared to Ayurvedic herbal-mineral formulations, it is preferable to use herbal medicines as these are safe even with the use of very high doses of the medicines and for prolonged periods.

Patients who present with bleeding at multiple body sites and demonstrate severe damage to major internal organs are best treated in the intensive care units of well-equipped hospitals. However, once the acute symptoms have been well controlled, it is best to institute Ayurvedic treatment so that the disease can be completely cured. Therefore, Ayurvedic herbal treatment has a definite role to play in the successful and effective management of PAN.