Role of Ayurveda in Wilson’s disease

Background: Wilson’s disease (WD) is an inborn error of metabolism of copper in liver, brain, cornea and other tissues. Worldwide prevalence of WD is 1:30,000-50,000.There is no community based incidence or prevalence studies in India, but this disease is more common where consanguinity is prevalent. All the major Hepatic disorders have been depicted under the broad heading of Kamala in Ayurveda. Hence Ayurveda explains a disease named Kamala. The factors of Kamala are clearly mentioned in the lexicons of the Ayurveda. The term Kamala can be defined as a pathological state in which hunger and appetite for food is diminished, all the humours gets vitiated and discolours (Yellowish to Green) the whole body especially through the stool excreta. Objectives : To evaluate the efficacy of Ayurveda therapy in Paediatric Wilson’s disease. Material and methods : A 10 year old male child who was brought by the parents the chief complaints further involuntary movements of hands Which were continuous throughout day and night. Ayurveda therapy like external therapy and internal therapy were initiated which were primarily carminative and digestive in nature. Total duration lasted for approximately 3 months in which two sittings of treatment were completed. Results: On clinical observations, the patient had improvement in slurring of speech and stability of walking whereas movement of tongue was still restricted. Difficulty in swallowing was subsided mildly. Involuntary movement of both the hands and that of face showed no marked changes. Conclusion: from the case study it can be concluded that the drugs which correct the metabolism as a major role to play in wilson’s disease. Ayurveda therapies like medicated oil enema and external oil massage and also plays an important role in the management of the disease. Purificatory therapy like Virechana will show better efficacy along with other therapies.