Using Ayurvedic Herbs and Dietary Practices to Mediate Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3595Keywords:
Huntington's Disease, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Herbs, Ayurvedic Therapies, Integrative MedicineAbstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances, often with a genetic predisposition. HD remains with no cure and limited treatment options, primarily focused on symptom management rather than halting disease progression.1 By analyzing randomized controlled trials and case studies, this paper concludes that Ayurvedic interventions, including herbal treatments and dietary practices, may help alleviate symptoms of Huntington’s Disease by supporting motor function, enhancing cognitive resilience, improving quality of life, and reducing psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The inclusion criteria for the studies reviewed covered a range of patient ages and stages of HD, with an international scope to assess the broader applicability and effectiveness of Ayurvedic approaches across diverse populations.There is evidence that dietary components play a critical role in managing neurodegenerative diseases, like HD. Ayurvedic dietary practices, with a focus on neuroprotective herbs and balanced food combinations have demonstrated potential in maintaining neurological health and slowing disease progression. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of Ayurvedic dietary recommendations, including the incorporation of herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric, on HD progression and symptom management. Investigating the dietary implications of Ayurveda provides a unique and promising approach for HD, as Ayurvedic practices focus on neuroprotective herbs and dietary guidelines that target underlying mechanisms like neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial health. By potentially slowing disease progression and alleviating symptoms, Ayurvedic interventions could complement existing therapeutic options, offering a holistic approach to managing HD.
References
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VIII - References:
Introduction:
Malavika, B; Savitha, HP. Effect of Ayurvedic interventions as add-on therapy in Huntington's disease: A case report. Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports 5(3):p 116-121, Jul–Sep 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/jacr.jacr_78_21
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Literature Review:
[¹ ]Huntington’s disease overview / clinical description
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² — Current treatment limitations (symptom-focused pharmacotherapy)
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⁵ — Evidence that Brahmi / Ashwagandha / Turmeric show neuroprotective or mechanistic activity (clustered support)
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⁸ — Integrative approach / adjunct use with standard pharmacology (case reports, reviews, and pharmacotherapy source)
Malavika, B., & Savitha, H. (2022). Effect of Ayurvedic interventions as add-on therapy in Huntington’s disease: A case report. Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports, 5(3), 116. https://doi.org/10.4103/jacr.jacr_78_21
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(For the standard drugs named—tetrabenazine, SSRIs—see Coppen & Roos, 2023, above [²].)
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