Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders caused due to mutation in the gene for the protein dystrophin, located on the short arm of the X chromosome in the Xp21 region. It is characterized by proximal muscle weakness, calf hypertrophy, frequently developing contractures, and loss of walking by the 2nd decade. Patients are predisposed to severe, fatal pulmonary infections and lose their lives due to dysfunction of muscles involving the respiratory system. The incidence is 1 in 5000 live boys.
Objective: To review existing human case reports and clinical trials for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy through the Panchakarma interventions.
Design: The literature research comprised an electronic database from January 2000 to April 2021. The study included MEDLINE, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Google scholar, Ayush research portal and DHARA database. Search terms were used “Duchenne muscular dystrophy”, “Ayurveda”, “Panchakarma”, “DMD” No limits were used. The search strategy was adapted for each database as necessary. Only trials on humans were included in the patient review. The study applied inclusion criteria while screening the records.
Intervention: Treatment with any regimen of “Panchakarma”.
Outcome measures: Number and results of studies identified in the review.
Results: Seventeen articles were screened; Eight human trials met inclusion criteria. Ayurvedic Panchakarma based procedures effectively relieve the signs and symptoms and reduce the CPK level in children with DMD. There are only few studies published in Ayurveda in the management of DMD. The Conventional System of medicine and Ayurveda System of medicine are at the same level in the case of DMD for therapeutic purposes as there is no permanent cure for this disease in both systems. A combined approach should be made to manage this disease with the conventional method of medicine and Ayurveda. The integrative approach could open new hope for patients of DMD, and it is a need of time.
Key words: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Dystrophin, Panchakarma, Ayurveda, Serum CPK
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