Ayurvedic Approach of Nephrotic Syndrome and its Management with Herbal and Herbomineral Preparations

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the prevalent diseases in pediatric population. Its prevalence is about 2-7 in per 100000 children. Nephrotic syndrome has evolved as an immunological condition having characteristics of massive proteinuria, (>40 mg/m2/hrs.), hypoalbuminemia (albumin <2.5g/dL), hyperlipidemia (cholesterol > 200mg/dl) and edema which start from face. 90% of children will have idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, whereas the remaining 85% will have minimal change nephrotic syndrome. However, a histological categorization of Nephrotic Syndrome may be done as Primary Nephrotic Syndrome, in which - Nephrotic syndrome can be caused by numerous sources and can be either entirely due to disease/damage of the Glomerulus and restricted to the kidney. One of the basic Nephrotic syndromes is minimal change Nephrotic disease, which is relatively prevalent in youngsters, and there will be normal appearance of Nephron and kidney under optical microscope. This is the most typical reason for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome which is also known as Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome. Prognosis of this syndrome is depended on responsiveness of the patient toward steroids. Most of patients are sensitive to steroids initially and later become steroid dependent or resistant. It has been noted that, after giving treatment with protocol to steroid dependent and resistant patients with variable result outcome and with more side effects. Hence there is need of certain type of medicine and formulation which shows no side effects and having more potency to treat the Nephrotic Syndrome. Although Ayurveda does not identify any disease as Nephrotic syndrome, the similarities between signs and symptoms and a group of diseases with Ojas and its aberrations addressed in various Ayurveda classics. However, Ayurvedic therapy is heavily reliant on Dhatwagnimandhya treatment by Amapachana, Ojovardhaka, Rasayana treatment, and Medhovaha Srotodusti treatment. Mutrala and renal protective drugs should also be examined. Author make an effort to elaborate etiopathogenesis, pathology, sign and symptoms in the light of Ayurveda along with role of herbs in the management of nephrotic syndrome. Key words: Nephrotic Syndrome, Ojas, Dhatwagnimandhya, Amapachana, Ojovardhaka, Mutrala