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 that causes symptoms such as fever, pain, fatigue, weight loss, bleeding, and dysfunction of the affected organs. Inflammation of the arteries can be quite serious and can cause permanent damage to 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 generally 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, over time the condition of most patients invariably begins to deteriorate. Therefore, PAN can cause severe morbidity and mortality.

In this scenario, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used judiciously and effectively to successfully combat and treat this disease. Herbal medicines can be administered in high doses and for prolonged periods to treat inflammation of the arteries, induce 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 irreversible long-term damage.

According to the Ayurvedic pathophysiology of the disease, the altered Vata Dosha causes the autoimmune state, and the altered and increased Pitta Dosha causes inflammation of the arteries, resulting in damage to various systems and organs. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment is aimed at correcting the Vata Dosha and reducing 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 suffering from a more severe form of the disease require prolonged treatment ranging from eight to eighteen months or more. However, almost all patients with PAN can be successfully treated to bring the disease into complete remission. The drugs 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 long periods of time.

Patients presenting with bleeding from multiple body sites and demonstrating severe damage to major internal organs are best treated in well-equipped hospital intensive care units. However, once the acute symptoms have been well controlled, it is better 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.