Ayurvedic Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Children: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common primary myopathy of children. There are many muscular diseases in children which are inherited through generations. All those are known as congenital myopathy. This disease is an X-linked recessive disorder produced by the abnormality of the gene Xp21. It is a severe condition that poses a life-threatening risk and significantly reduces a patient's lifespan. It is characterised by progressive symmetrical muscular weakness, with proximal muscles being more affected than distal ones. Additionally, individuals with DMD often exhibit pseudohypertrophy of the calf muscles. The compilation of data from classical Ayurvedic texts contributes to a holistic understanding of potential interventions, aiming to improve patient quality of life and prevent contractures. The study is crucial in bridging traditional and contemporary healthcare practices, offering valuable insights for clinicians and the wider medical community in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by DMD. This research underscores the need for an integrative and comprehensive approach to enhance therapeutic strategies for this prevalent X-linked recessive disorder. In pursuit of this objective, concerted efforts have been directed towards raising awareness among both the general public and the medical community. Furthermore, the review delves into the exploration of various Panchakarma treatments, a traditional therapeutic approach rooted in Ayurveda. By consolidating and synthesising data derived from classical Ayurvedic texts pertaining to DMD, this review seeks to provide a holistic understanding of potential interventions. The goal is to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic strategies that can ameliorate the impact of DMD on patients' lives, fostering a more comprehensive and integrated approach to managing this challenging condition.