Majja Prayoga - a novel perspective in management of Neurodegenerative Disorders w.s.r. to Parkinson’s Diseases - A Review

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder characterised by a profound and selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Incidence and prevalence of PD increases with advancing age, being present in 1% of people over the age of 65 years. Early-onset PD is defined as the onset of parkinsonian features before the age of 40 years. It accounts for 3-5% of all PD cases. PD is more common in men than in women. Ayurveda perceives it as a Vyadhi (disease) characterised by the Gati Kshaya – hypokinesia later progressing into Prakopa of Vata to uncontrolled involuntary movement. The disease characterised by the symptom triad – Bradykinesia, Resting tremor, Cogwheel rigidity and also with postural instability in some texts. A major hurdle in development of neuroprotective therapies are due to limited understanding of disease process leading to the death of dopaminergic neurons, where the aetiology remains to be elusive, even though the studies are on. The principles of Ayurveda regarding the understanding of a disease as Vatavyadhi in terms of Neurodegenerative Disorder is multidimensional and is enriched with rational principles that can be implemented in clinical practice. A new perspective and focus are given on Majja Prayoga (Bone marrow use). Application of animal marrow for reforming the deranged Vayu and degenerated Dhatu (neurons) is been emphasized. The rationality behind the Majja Prayoga in the Samprapti Vighatana of Parkinsonism is introduced. This study highlights the insight of Ayurveda about Parkinsonism right from the Nidana running down to the Chikitsa aspect.