Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy individuals, but shows significant symptoms affecting almost any organ in the body in immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, an infected mother can transmit this infection to her unborn child, resulting in significant birth defects.
Ayurvedic treatment of CMV infection aims to control the symptoms and treat the basic viral infection. Medications that have antiviral activity and improve the body’s immune status are used to treat CMV infection. Medicines like Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) are used as antiviral drugs.
The choice of drugs is made according to the organ or system most affected by the infection. To improve the immune status of the body.
In addition, other medications are given to treat the symptoms of the affected organ or body system. Laxmi-Narayan-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras and Sutshekhar-Ras are used to treat fever of unknown origin. Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma and Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa) are used to treat pneumonia. Arogya-Vardhini, Shankh-Vati, Bhunimbadi-Qadha and Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) are used to treat hepatitis.
Panchamrut-Parpati, Kutaj-Ghan-Vati and Bilva-Avelaha are used to treat colitis. Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki, Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) are used to treat encephalitis and myelitis. Saptamrut-Loh, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Triphala (three fruits), Shatavari and Tulsi are used to treat uveitis and retinitis. Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras, and Kaishor-Guggulu are used to treat neuropathy. Post infection fatigue can be treated with medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma and Suvarna-Bhasma.
Like TORCH infections, CMV can cause birth defects in the newborn. To prevent this, expectant mothers can be given Ayurvedic herbal medicines like Bhumiamalaki, Yashtimadhuk, Manjishtha, Saariva, and Haridra. These drugs reduce the risk of frequent miscarriages and also prevent birth defects in the child.
The prognosis for patients with CMV infection generally depends on the underlying disease. Since most affected people are immunocompromised, they should be under the regular care and supervision of an infectious disease specialist.