Abstract
Although migraine headache is a benign condition. Many people do not pay attention to it because it is much less likely to be fatal, but it requires proper treatment because it severely affects life. And most people prefer modern medicines like sumatriptan that cause side effects and lead to serious complications later. So, everyone needs to find out the best alternative of these medicines, which do not cause any side effects and treat migraine naturally i.e. Ayurvedic treatment. It includes herbs and herbal formulation. This natural remedy is the best alternative to sumatriptan. Planet Ayurveda provides a pure and safe herbal formula for migraine named "Migraine Care Pack", the best alternative to Sumatriptan in Ayurveda.
What is Sumatriptan and its use?
It refers to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Sumatriptan is used for acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura (1).
Mechanism of Action
Sumatriptan is agonists of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D (5-hydroxytryptamine). This agonism leads to the contraction of cranial blood vessels and prevents the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. Sumatriptan reduces carotid artery blood flow but increases blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery.
Dosage Forms And Route Of Administration
It is available in the market in the different dosage form with the different route of administration (2) i.e.
- Tablet and capsule: Oral
- Spray: Nasal
- Injection: Subcutaneous
- Patches: Transdermal
What is Migraine?
Migraine is a chronic headache that can range from mild to severe. It can affect one half of the head. Migraine attacks can last two to 72 hours and this severe pain interferes with the daily routine. The exact cause of migraine is not known. This may be due to environmental and genetic factors. Variations in brain chemicals including serotonin can cause migraine problems. So the fluctuations in the brainstem and its interaction with the trigeminal nerve is the major route to produce pain. Symptoms of migraine may include vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to sound, smell, or light, mood changes, increased appetite, Polydipsia, Polyuria, excessive yawning, etc.
Sumatriptan and Migraine
Sumatriptan is considered to reduce blood vessel widening. It helps to relieve headaches and other symptoms associated with a migraine attack. Sumatriptan shows its action when a migraine attack has begun. It will not stop the further migraine attacks. So, Sumatriptan is not a drug that permanently prevents a migraine attack (4) and its use also causes many side effects.
Side effects of Sumatriptan
This can lead to adverse central nervous system issues outside of migraine attacks. It can produce moderate sedative effects such as sleepiness or fatigue (1).
The most common and serious side effects of Sumatriptan (3) are the following:
1. Common Side Effects
- Tingling or Numbness in Fingers or Toes
- Dizziness
- Warm, Hot, Burning Sensation to Face (Flushing)
- Weakness,
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
2. Serious Side Effects
- Raynaud's Syndrome: Changes in Color or Sensation in Fingers and Toes
- Stomach And Intestinal Problems. Symptoms Include
- Sudden or Severe Stomach Pain
- Weight Loss
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Bloody Diarrhea
- Fever
3. Difficulties With Blood Circulation to Legs And Feet Known As Peripheral Vascular Ischemia. The Symptoms Includes
- Cramping and Pain in Your Legs or Hips
- Feeling of Heaviness or Tightness In Leg Muscles
- Aching and Burning in Your Feet or Toes on Resting
- Numbness and Tingling in Legs
4. Breathlessness
5. Allergies Like a Rash, Hives, Swollen Eyelids, Face or Lips
Ayurvedic aspect for Migraine
(Reference: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 2: Uttara-tantra// Chapter- 25// shloka no. - 15)
This shloka Explains: that when aggravated tridosha gets localized in the head it causes vitiates Mansik Dosha and develops severe pain, delirium in the period of 10 to 15 days without any reason. Then these episodes of headache called Migraine.
The Best Alternative To Sumatriptan In Ayurveda
Ayurveda from ancient times provides the best treatment for any disease without causing any side effects. Various effective natural herbs treat the disease and manage the symptoms. The herbs like Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi, especially Brahmi are the best alternative substitute for Sumatriptan in migraine. These can be used by both children and adults safely. These herbs individually and together give a synergetic effect in Migraine.So, Ayurvedic treatment of migraine and the use of herbal formulations are the best options for the treatment.
To get rid of this serious disease, Planet Ayurveda offers you a 'Migraine Care Pack'. All herbal formulations included in this pack contain pure herbs and are prepared under the guidance of MD-Ayurveda. They are effective, safe to use and do not produce any side effects such as sumatriptan.
The herbal formulations of Planet Ayurveda included in 'Migraine Care Pack'
- Brahmi Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Pitta Balance Capsules
- Arogayavardhini Vati
- Medhya Churna
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. BRAHMI CAPSULES
The best and standardized extract of Brahmi ( Bacopa Monnieri) is included in Brahmi capsules which improves the functioning of the brain and maintains a healthy brain. These capsules are pure and natural, producing no side effects like sumatriptan, although it also provides other beneficial effects on a person's health. These capsules help to balance the tri dosha in the body and improve the immunity. They also strengthen the neurons and enhance their ability to retain for a longer period.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with plain water, after meals.
Reference: Shloka No. 280-281, Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga
This Shloka Explains: Brahmi is bitter, astringent, and light in nature, has cold potency and becomes sweet after digestion. It also explains that Brahmi supports vocal cords, enhances concentration, increases brain strength, helps in the skin and blood-related disorders, eases the motions and also helps in the treatment of various conditions such as Jaundice, Diabetes, Cough, and Fever. Brahmi calms Vata and Kapha doshas.
2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
These capsules from Planet Ayurveda are prepared by adding the standardized extract of herb Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera). It acts as an adaptogenic and provides relief from stress. It is a very useful herb for improving the functions of the nervous system. Therefore, very effective in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals
3. PITTA BALANCE CAPSULES
These capsules are madeby the combination of different ingredient such Praval Pishti ( Coral Calcium), Mukta Pishti (Pearl Calcium), Akik Pishti ( Agate Calcium), Giloy Satva ( Tinospora Cardifolia), Jahar Mohra Pishti (also named as Naga Pashana in old Ayurvedic texts) and Kamdhudha Ras (An Ayurvedic Calcium Compound). These efficacious herbs help to balance the Pitta Dosha inside the body. As per Ayurveda, balanced Pitta is very important to secure the body from the diseases. Hence, it is a very useful formulation for a large number of diseases with wonderful positive effects.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water, after meals.
4. AROGYAVARDHINI VATI
Arogyavardhinivatiis a classical formulation from the experts of Planet Ayurveda. The combination of herbs is used to prepare these tablets are Bibhitaki ( Terminalia Bellirica), Haritaki ( Terminalia Chebula), Chitrak mool ( Plumbago Zeylanica), and Amlaki ( Emblica Officinalis). It helps to remove toxins from the body and improve the proper functioning of the digestive system. Arogyavardhini Vati strengthens the body and also helps to prevent and treat severe aches like Migraine Headaches.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day with plain water, after meals.
5. MEDHYA CHURNA
Medhya Churna is the combination of very wonderful herbs including Brahmi ( Bacopa Monnieri), Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera), Marich ( Piper Nigrum), Shankhpushpi ( Convolvulus Pluricaulis), Pippali ( Piper Longum), Vacha ( Acorus Calamus), ShwetJeerak ( Cuminum Cyminum), Patha ( Cissampelos Pareira), Ajmoda ( Carum Roxburghianum), Sonth ( Zingiber Officinale), etc. These herbs help to enhance the memory and concentration. This churna sharpens the brain and also helps to relax the mind and body. Therefore, it is considered as the best alternative to sumatriptan in migraine.
Dosage: 1 gram of powder two times a day with plain water, after half an hour of meals.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470206/
- https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00669
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020132s024s026lbl.pdf
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.524.pdf
