Effect of Ayurveda and Siddha interventions in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A case report

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a hematological malignancy marked by the clonal proliferation of the mature, yet dysfunctional B lymphocytes in blood and its subsequent infiltration of the marrow, lymphoid tissues and spleen. The resultant immune dysfunction exposes the body to multiple infections and is a cause of major mortality. Here, we discuss the case of a 46-year-old male suffering from CLL who presented with long-standing episodes of low-grade fever, productive cough and throat irritation, lethargy and pedal edema. He was treatment-naïve at the time of presentation. He was treated in lines of Rajayakshma as per Ayurveda, and Kuruthiputru as per Siddha medicine. After three years of treatment with continued follow up till date, comprising of Shamana Chikitsa (Ayurveda and Siddha internal medications), Sodhana (bio purificatory methods)through Mridu Virechana (therapeutic purgation) using Trivrut Avaleha 35g, Guduchi Rasayana (Tinospora cordifolia) and Yashtimadhu Rasayana(Glycyrrhiza glabra), patient reported reduction in frequency of infections, improved performance score with a mean reduction in TLC counts by 100 thousand/cu. mm in 10 months starting intervention. Presently the patient is stable with occasional episodes of dry cough and generalized weakness. Integrated practices involving Ayurveda and Siddha medicines may be beneficial to patients suffering from CLL by reducing the episodes of infections, improving the quality of life while pacifying the deranged hematological parameters to certain extent.