Wilson’s disease is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder of copper metabolism characterized by excessive copper deposition in the liver, brain, and other tissues due to excessive copper absorption in the small intestine and decreased excretion. in the liver. Common symptoms include liver dysfunction, usually manifested by jaundice; shaking; uncoordinated movements; psychiatric features; Kayser-Fleicher rings in the eyes; arthritis; anemia and kidney diseases.
Ayurvedic treatment of Wilson’s disease aims to treat the symptoms and reduce excess copper from the body. Neurological dysfunction is treated with drugs like Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, and Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani. Psychiatric features can be treated with drugs like Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shrung-Bhasma, Laxmi – Vilas-Ras and Maha-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras. Eye involvement is treated with medicated eye drops containing drugs such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Chandan (Santalum album), Honey, rose water and Karpoor (purified camphor).
Bone and joint involvement in Wilson’s disease is treated with medications such as Triphala-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, and Laxadi-Guggulu. Hemolytic anemia is treated with drugs like Tapyadi-Loh and Punarnavadi-Mandur. Kidney diseases are treated with medicines like Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Chandraprabha-Vati, Gomutra-Haritaki and Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha. Liver involvement is treated with medications such as Arogya-Vardhini, Sutshekhar-Ras, Shankh-Vati, Bhunimbadi-Qadha, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Rohitak (Tecoma undulata).
The basic pathology of Wilson’s disease is treated with drugs such as Panchamrut-Parpati, Kutaj-Parpati, Triphala (Three Fruits), Sukshma-Triphala, Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Kutki and Rohitak. These drugs reduce copper absorption from the intestines and increase copper excretion from the liver, and must be taken long-term to reduce the effects resulting from excessive copper deposition in the body.
Most patients with Wilson’s disease present with liver disease in the first decade of life or with neuropsychiatric symptoms in the third decade. Uninterrupted lifelong treatment may be required in all patients with Wilson’s disease. All patients should avoid alcohol consumption and possible hepatotoxic drug therapy.