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HEMORRHOIDS – A COMMON AILMENT AMONG ADULTS, CAUSES & TREATMENT: A REVIEW
Review Article
BHARAT GAMI
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology lab, Ipcowala Santram Institute of Biotechnology & Emerging Sciences, Dharmaj 388430, Gujarat India.
Email: bharat11_gami@yahoo.com
Received: 12 Feb 2011, Revised and Accepted: 18 May 2011
ABSTRACT
Hemorrhoid is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders seen by the general practitioners. Hemorrhoids have several treatment
modalities and diagnosis. In initial stages conservative treatments can be applied, but over a period when the hemorrhoids get worst, the disease
should be treated by several non-operative treatments like, Sclerotherapy, rubber bend ligation, infrared photocoagulation, cryotherapy, bipolar
diathermy, and direct-current electrotherapy. When hemorrhoids cannot be addressed by non-surgical treatment, normal or alternative method
like surgical methods is applied. There are several over the counter herbal medicine (oral & ointment base creams), available as botanicals for
hemorrhoids. It has been proved by scientific studies that botanicals improve microcirculation, capillary flow, vascular tone, and to strength the
connective tissue of the perivascular amorphous substrate.
Keywords: Hemorrhoids, Botanicals, Gastrointestinal disorder, Photocoagulation
INTRODUCTION
Hemorrhoids or piles are a common ailment among adults. More
than half of men and women aged 50 years and older will develop
hemorrhoid symptoms during their lifetime1. Hemorrhoids are rare
in children but now days several reports state the occurrence of
hemorrhoids in children2, and in elderly people3. In United States
three-quarter of individuals have hemorrhoids at some point in their
lives, and about half of them over age 50 required treatment4, and
much smaller percentage approximately 4% seek medical treatment
for the condition. Hospital based proctoscopy studies show
prevalence rates of hemorrhoids with a symptomatic state in 86% of
patient5. According to The Merck Manual definition hemorrhoids is
“Varicosities of the veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus, often
complicated by inflammation, thrombosis, and bleeding”6. But a
recent definition of hemorrhoids is “Vascular cushions, consisting of
thick submucosa containing both venous and arterial blood
vessels”7
Chronological inspection of Hemorrhoids
.
It has been estimated that hemorrhoids can affect both men and
women8. Hemorrhoids are mentioned in ancient medical writings of
every culture9. The word “hemorrhoids” is derived from the Greek
“haema”= blood, and “rhoos”= flowing, and was originally used by
Hippocrates to describe the flow of blood from the veins of the
anus10. Commonly in society it is known as piles, the word pile is
derived from Latin, meaning a ball or a mass, as this condition may
not always be accompanied by bleeding, the word piles is better
used for this condition11. John Andrene remarks that common
people call them piles and the aristocracy calls them hemorrhoids,
the French call them figs, means to clot12
Histology of hemorrhoids
.
Hemorrhoidal tissue, cushions of tissue within the anal canal that
contain blood vessels and supporting tissue made up of muscle and
elastic tissue, are present in all individuals4. Universally
hemorrhoids are classified according to anatomical origin as shown
in fig 1. Internal hemorrhoids are consisting of redundant mucus
membrane of the anal canal with the origin above the dentate (ano-
rectal) line, and external hemorrhoids have an epithelial component
and originate below the dental line13. Internal hemorrhoids or true
hemorrhoids are further graded based on the extent to which the
tissue descends in to the anal canal. First degree Hemorrhoids “The
mucosa barely prolapse, but with severe straining may be trapped
by the closing of the anal sphincter. Subsequently, venous
congestion occurs occasionally, resulting in discomfort and/or
bleeding”. Second degree Hemorrhoids “With further protrusion of
the mucosa, the patient complains of an obvious lump, but this
disappears spontaneously and rapidly after defecation unless
thrombosis occurs” Third degree Hemorrhoids “In chronic
hemorrhoidal disease, the persistent prolapsing produces dilatation
of the anal sphincter, and the hemorrhoids protrude with minimal
provocation and usually require manual replacement”. Fourth
degree Hemorrhoids “These are usually described as external
hemorrhoids and are protruding all the time unless the patient
replaces them, lies down, or elevates the foot of the bed. In these
fourth degree hemorrhoids, the dentate line also distends, and there
is a variable external component consisting of redundant,
permanent perianal skin”13. On basis of lithotomy position there are
usually three major hemorrhoidal cushions originated to the right
posterior, right anterior, and left lateral position known as 3,7, and
11 o’clock position of the anal14,15.
Fig. 1: Schematic presentation of types of Hemorrhoids
Diagnosis of hemorrhoids
Patient with rectal discomfort, swelling, pain, discharge, and
bleeding at the time of defecation, it is prudent not to assume it is a
result of hemorrhoids, a full evaluation is necessary, including a
rectal examination, a proctoscopic examination, and in some cases a
sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy13, 16. The doctor will examine the anus
and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate
hemorrhoids and will also perform a close rectal exam with gloved,
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lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities, with an anoscope a
hollow lighted tube useful for view of internal hemorrhoids17
Pain is absent unless complications supervene, for this reason, any
patient complaining of ‘painful hemorrhoids’ must be suspected of
having another condition, and examine accordingly
.
15. Several other
diseases like rectal or anal carcinoma, colon cancer, and other
digestive problem produce same symptoms like hemorrhoids, so it is
advisable to see a doctor if patient have any rectal bleeding18,19
Causes of hemorrhoids
.
The actual cause of hemorrhoids is not known5. Few of the earliest
proposed cause include temperament, body habits, customs,
passions, sedentary life, tight-laced clothes, climate, and seasons13.
Hemorrhoids are common in patients with spinal-cord injuries,
constipation, chronic diarrhea, poor bathroom habits, postponing
bowel movements, and a poor-fiber diet are also considered to be
contributing causes20. By recent studies implicate gravity intrinsic
weakness of the blood vessel wall, heredity, genetic predisposition,
increased intra-abdominal pressure from many causes, including
prolonged forceful valsalva defecation, obstruction of venous
outflow secondary to pregnancy, and constipated stool in the rectal
ampulla21, 22. Alcoholic cirrhosis or other causes of portal obstruction
can cause severe hemorrhoids. More rarely but much more
importantly, haemorrhoids may reflect collateral anastomotic
channels that develop as a result of portal hypertension23
Treatment of hemorrhoids
.
The natural evolution of hemorrhoids is benign but hemorrhoids
tend to get worse over time, and it should be treated as soon as it
occurs24. The best treatment is always prevention25. Despite
thousands of years and millions of patients with pain, discomfort
and perceived embarrassment of hemorrhoids, exact natural cause
of hemorrhoids is yet not clear so slandered treatment are, at best,
imperfect9
Non-operative Treatment
, but several surgical and non-surgical techniques are
used to treat hemorrhoids.
Numbers of methods that do not involve surgical excision are
available to treat patients with hemorrhoids. These procedures are
usually performed in the office setting and do not require
anesthesia.
Sclerotherapy
Morgan in Dublin first described it in 1869, and it is reserved for
first and second-degree hemorrhoids. A submucosal injection of 5 ml
of 5 % phenol in oil, 5 % quinine and urea, or hyper tonic (23.4 %)
salt solution at the base of the hemorrhoidal complex causes
thrombosis of vessels, sclerosis of connective tissue, and shrinkage
and fixation of overlying mucosa. It takes only minutes to perform
though an anoscope26. Khoury et.al., performed trial and found 89.9
% of the patient’s quared, who had initially been treated with
medical therapy27. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive it cause some
complications, like pain variably reported in 12 % - 70 % of
patients26,28,29, Impotence30, urinary retention & abscess31 ,
anaphylactic shock32
Cryotherapy
.
Cryotherapy used for internal hemorrhoids, and in which enlarged
internal hemorrhoids destroyed, initial report related efficacy of
techniques were enthusiastic33. It is a time consuming techniques as
compare the techniques and subsequent reports have shown
disappointing results34. Complications with cryotherapy are
prolonged pain, foul-smelling discharge, and greater need for
addition therapy35. It is cumbersome to perform and is associated
with severe rectal pain and discharge36. So now days cryotherapy is
rarely used for treatment of hemorrhoids patients 37
Rubber Band Ligation (RBL)
.
Rubber Band Ligation is most commonly used for first-second or
third degree hemorrhoids. Some authorities also recommended RBL
for fourth degree hemorrhoids after operative reduction of the
incarcerated prolapse38. RBL relies on tight encirclement of
redundant mucosa connective tissue and blood vessels in the
hemorrhoidal complex. Internal hemorrhoids ligation can be
performed in the office setting with one of several commercially
available advance instruments so procedure becomes a one-person
effort 39. Endoscopic variceal ligators have also been shown to be
effective tools for hemorrhoid ligation40. In one session RBL can be
performed up to 3 hemorrhoids41- 43. About 80 % of success rate was
found by Wroblesski et al with five years of follow-up after
treatment44 -47
The most common complication of RBL is pain, reported in 5 %-60%
of treated patients
.
26, 43, 48, 49.. Other complication with RBL is abscess,
urinary retention, band slippage, prolapse and thrombosis of
adjacent hemorrhoids, and bleeding from ulcer occur in < 5 % of
patients, Necrotizing pelvic sepsis (rare complication)50, 51, prolapse
and bleeding were the most frequent reoccurrent symptoms46
Bipolar Diathermy
.
Bipolar diathermy is applied one-second pulse of 20 W until the
underlying tissue coagulates. Several complications like pain,
bleeding, fissure or spasm of the internal spincter was observed in
about 12% of the patients52,53. For second and third degree
hemorrhoids multiple application of bipolar diathermy to the same
site are required54. Successes rate in bipolar diathermy was ranging
from 88% to 100%36, 52-55. Prolapsing tissue dose not eliminate by
bipolar diathermy and up to 20 % patients will required excisional
hemorrhoidectomy54,55
Direct-Current electrotherapy
.
Direct current electro coagulation was utilized in 1876, and
explained by Wilbur E. Keesey, MD in 1934, but doctors today oddly
considered it as one of the new generation of modalities56. Direct-
current electrotherapy required the prolonged up to 14 minutes
application of 110-V direct current to the base of hemorrhoidal
complex well above the transition zone36, 53, 42, 55, 57-59. Multiple
treatments to same site are required in up to 30 % of patients57, and
time of electric treatment depends upon the degree of hemorrhoids.
A direct-current electrotherapy technique has not been widely
accepted because of the lengthy treatment time and the limited
control of prolapse in higher-grade hemorrhoids 59. Complication
observed after direct-current therapy was pain (33%), ulcer
formation (4%), and bleeding (10 %)36, 58
Infrared photocoagulation (IRC)
.
IRC was introduced in late seventies by Nath60. In IRC coagulation of
the tissue is done by focuses of infrared radiation from a tungsten-
halogen lamp via a polymer probe tip13,21. During the IRC treatment
mechanical presser and radiation energy are applied simultaneously
in a manner that can eliminate the disadvantage occur in electro
coagulation like grounding the patients & charring of the tissue61. At
one time 2-6 hemorrhoids can be treated by IRC treatments26
As such IRC is free from any hazards and has proved to be an
effective and safe method for treatment of early grade bleeding
internal hemorrhoids
.
62, while in electro coagulation an obvious risk
of electric current passing through the body, which may cause pain
full muscular spasms63. By the randomized studies with IRC, 67%-
96% of success rets of patients with first or second degree bleeding
hemorrhoids has been reported13,26
Surgical or operative Treatment
.
In normal cases hemorrhoidal diseases can be treated by the dietary
modifications tropical medications. But in certain cases surgical
procedure are necessary to provide satisfactory long-term relief in
cases involving a greater degree prolepses, a variety of operative
techniques are employed to address the problem64. Hemorrhoidal
surgery is known as hemorrhoidectomy, in hemorrhoidectomy
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techniques include excising internal & external components in 1-3
quadrants around the anal canal65, 66 banding of internal
hemorrhoids and excising the external component 38 or performing
a circular excision of the internal hemorrhoids and Prolapsing rectal
mucosa proximal to the dentate line67 - 69. Reoccurrence following a
properly performed hemorrhoidectomy is uncommon70.
Surgical hemorrhoidectomy can be performed with either open or
closed techniques. Open hemorrhoidectomy known as Milligan-
Morgan hemorrhoidectomy in which the internal & external
components of each hemorrhoid are excised and the skin is left open
in a 3-leaf clover pattern that heals secondarily for 4-8 weeks65.
Techniques developed in 1937 at UK and widely performed there.
Closed hemorrhoidectomy developed in US in 1952, and it is known
as Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy, in which each hemorrhoid
component is excised and the wounds are closed primarily66.
The complication with varied frequency occurred in
hemorrhoidectomy such as urinary retention 2%-36%31,71, Bleeding
0.03 % - 6 %31,71-75, anal stenopsis 0%-6%67,68, infection 0.5%-5.5%31,
and in continence 2%-12%67, 68. Sphincter defect also noted up to
12% of patients76.
Alternative approach to conventional hemorrhoidectomy is stapled
hemorrhoidectomy (SH), was introduced in 1993 and first described
by Longo in 1998, by modifying the circular stapling device
commonly used for low rectal anastomoses77. This techniques also
known as other name like stapled anoplasty, stapled circumferential
muccosectomy, longo’s hemorrhoidectomy, stapled anopexy, stapled
prolapsectomy, and stapled hemorrhoidopexy, PPH techniques78
Due to the several complications like severe pain and bleeding
.
79,
operation cost because of postpartum hemorrhages (PPH) device80,
length of stay81, rectal peroration 82, retroperitoneal sepsis83, pelvic
sepsis84 Smooth muscle fiber detected in stapled that some from
internal anal sphincter85 procedure has not been adopted widely in
United stets and Canada, only some reports coming from the North
America86.
Several randomized trials were done to compare PPH with open
hemorrhoidectomy, and found PPH is to be as effective’s
conventional surgery81, 86. For grade three and grade four
hemorrhoids PPH is the effective with the potential to involve less
pain and a shorter recovery time than conventional
hemorrhoidectomy87
Treatment of hemorrhoids with Botanicals
.
Medicinal plants are grouped for many commercial purposes in the
broader category 'medicinal and aromatic plants' (MAPs), covering
not only plants used medicinally, but also for neighboring and
overlapping purposes, for instance as foods, condiments and
cosmetics88. The term ‘botanicals’ is becoming commonly used for a
wide range of plant-based products. It is estimated that 70-80% of
people worldwide rely chiefly on traditional, largely herbal medicine
to meet their primary healthcare needs89. The global demand for
herbal medicine is not only large, but also growing90. The world
market for herbal remedies in 1999 was calculated to be worth US$
19.4 billion, with Europe in the lead (US$ 6.7 billion), followed by
Asia (US$ 5.1 billion), North America (US$ 4.0 billion), Japan (US$
2.2 billion), and then the rest of the world (US$ 1.4 billion)91. Based
on human studies ayurvedic medicinal plant uses were, classified as
following according to the treatment categories (Fig.2), and for
different gastrointestinal disease, 12 % of plants are used92, 92
.
Fig. 2: Utilization of botanicals for treatment of diseases of different discipline
Prevention is the best treatment for hemorrhoids25
Botanical treatments and nutritional therapy are safe & effective
therapy for hemorrhoids and also varicose veins
, but
treatments with certain botanicals is also useful in the hemorrhoid
discomfort. Botanicals used internally or topically, can treat early
stages of hemorrhoids effectively and can be used as adjuncts in
higher stages of hemorrhoids, where surgical treatment is
necessary.
9, although
botanical treatments for hemorrhoids have been poorly
researched. Several botanical extracts have been shown to
improve microcirculation, capillary flow, vascular tone, and
strengthen connective tissue of the perivascular amorphous
substrate9. One recent finding showed effects of botanical taken
orally for treatment of hemorrhoids, is due to the contribution of
free radical scavenging properties, to the pathogenesis of
hemorrhoids and varicose veins 93
Plants have several properties which is make them effective for the
treatment of hemorrhoids, like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-
oedema and hepatoprotective. Several polyherbal products are
available in the markets for the treatments of hemorrhoids; hear we
discuss some of the plants, which were scientifically studied for their
antihemorrhoidal properties.
.
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher’s Broom)
Plant has long history of clinical use as a treatment of hemorrhoids
and it is approved by German Commission E94. Butcher’s broom is
typically administered in capsule form and frequently paired with
trimethyl hesperidin chalcone a flavonoid complex and ascorbic acids,
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alcoholic extracts, and in the form of tea. The active biochemical
constitutes is proposed to be the saponin glycoside ruscogenin95.
Plants is well known for its pharmacological properties like anti-
inflammatory and astringent, which is responsible for increasing
venous tone, a positive step for hemorrhoid treatments96, 97. Bennani
et al carried out open-label multicentrer study with 124 patients and
69 % of efficacy of plant as antihemorrhoidal was found98. Patients
treated with butcher’s broom were show statistically significant
improvement in a variety of symptoms like pain, local signs, and
overall severity, after seven days94. Plant well studied in chronic
vascular insufficiency (CVI), and scientific research and clinical
evidence in favor to support that this traditional folk medicines
uses99. Plant extract reported for its in vivo inhibition of elastase- a
part of the enzyme system involved in degrading perivascular
structural component96. In one study plant extract given orally was
reduced capillary filtration rate and decrease ten percent venous
capacity, within two hours of administration100.
Hemorrhoids is common among pregnant women and surgery
treatment is very difficult, in such condition butcher’s broom
showed a improvement in maternal symptoms without any negative
effects on the fetus, and with high degree of safety101.
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
Plant is the most widely prescribed oral remedy for venous edema in
Germany, some twenty clinical trials studies for the CVI and found
positive effects, and so German Commission E has approved the use
of plant extract for CVI treatment102, other reports support the use of
plants for the treatment of CVI103. The active component of the horse
chestnut seed extracts (HCSE), is thought to complex mixture of
saponin, collective referred as aescins 96, 102, 103, it also contain
falvonoids and tannins104- 106. Recent studies showed
pharmacodynamic actions like anti-oedematous, anti-inflammatory,
venotonic and free-radical scavenging properties of horse chestnut
is attributed to the aescins 8, 96. In vitro studies showed HCSE inhibit
activity of elastase & hyaluronidase enzymes, responsible for
degradation of proteoglycan degradation of the capillary
endothelium and extra vascular matrix 96
A randomized partially blinded placebo-controlled study showed
HCSE reduce abnormally increased capillary permeability and
associated edema
.
106. An HCSE study using rats showed 200mg/kg
body weight of aescin effectively reduced increased vascular
permeability, induced by both acetic acid and histamine, and
inhibited hind paw edema induced by carrageenin107. In-depth
systematic review of double blind, placebo-controlled trials of oral
HCSE on 1,083 patients with CVI were done and conclude HCSE is
safe and effective in the symptomatic short-term treatment of CVI. In
one double blinded placebo-controlled study, with acute
symptomatic hemorrhoids patients, showed that 40 mg aescin
administered three times per day for up to two months reduced
symptoms, reduction in bleeding, and swelling108, 109
Collinsonia canadensis (Stone root)
.
The eclectic physicians found stone root is useful in-patient with
sings of congestion110. Kathyl A & Eric Y found stone root will often
rapidly resolve hemorrhoids symptoms and they favor its use in
these types of individuals. Phytochemical research on stone root
showing that it contains falvonoids and saponin111, and isolated
falvonoids have been shown to be of benefit for hemorrhoids
patients9
Centella asiatica (Gotu kolu)
.
Centella asiatica topical medicinal plant with active constitute
asiaticoside, first isolated and purified in 1940, and first systematic
clinical studies were carried out in 1945112, other active metabolites
used in pharmaceutical preparations are titrated for the pentacyclic
tri terpenes derivatives like asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and
asiaticoside113, 114. Rigorous clinical investigation of Centella asiatica
has been conducted on CIV and varicose veins115. Centella has the
potential to enhance connective tissue integrity, elevated
antioxidant level in wound healing, and improve capillary
permeability116, 117. A randomized multicentrer, placebo-controlled
double-blind study with Centella extract in the treatment of venous
insufficiency, resulted in significant improvement in symptoms of
heaviness in the lower limbs, venous distensability118.
The Centella extract was shown to reduce serum level of lysosomal
enzyme involved in the degradation of mucopolysaccharides – one
of the main component of the amorphous cellur matrix tht maintain
vascular integrity, which is a positive effect of Centella extract on
pathogenesis of varicose veins119. In one double- blind, placebo –
controlled study the effect of TTFCA (total triterpenoid fraction of
Centella asiatica) extract was administrated orally and after for
week significant results were found, reduced capillary filtration rate,
and improvement in microcirculation and other clinical
symptoms117, and locally applied TTFCA extract three times daily
can help to patients with varicose venous disorder including
hemorrhoids and varicose vein120
Plant is native to North America, and plant has a long history for
treatment of hemorrhoids. Witch hazel extract contain volatile oil,
falvonoids and tannins
.
Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
104. Witch hazel has a long therapeutic
tradition used primarily for its astringent, anti-inflammatory and
local haemostatic effects121. Bark of plants topically used in
hemorrhoids and varicose vein, minor injuries of the skin, and local
inflammation of the skin122
.
Table 1: Plants reported for antihemorrhoidal properties.
S No Plant name Chemical constitute Family Part use Reference
1
Centella asiatica
Triterpen, saponin
Apiaceae
Whole plant
113- 121
2
Aesculus Hippocastanum
L.
triterpen saponin,
Hippocastanaceae
Seeds
102
3
Ruscus Aculeatus
Saponin glycoside ruscogenin.
Liliaceae
Rhizomes
96 - 99
4
Hamamelis Virginiana
Tannins and volatile oils
Hamamelidaceae
Bark
123
5
Gingko biloba
Bioflavenoid, Hesperidin
Ginkgoaceae.
Leaves
124
6
Rosa canina
Vitamin C
Rosaceae
Fruits
125
7
Silybum marianum
Flavonolignans silydisnin, silychristine,
and Silymarin
Asteraceae
Fruits , Seeds
126
8
Commiphora mukul
Diterpenoids
Burseraceae
Gum-resin
127
9
Azadirachta indica
Sulphur containing bitter principle
Meliaceae
Seeds
128
10
Emblica officinalis
Vitamin C Tannin
Euphorbiaceae
Fruits
128
11
Terminalia chebula
Tannin
Combretaceae
Fruits
129
12
Cassia fistula
Tannin
Caesalpinaceae
pod
130
13
Calendula officinalis
L.
Salicyclic acid
Asteraceae
Essential oil
131
14
Mimosa pudica
L.
--
Fabaceae
Whole plant
132
15
Vitex negundo
Tannin
Verbenaceae
Whole plant
133
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Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 3, Suppl 5, 5-12
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16
Eclipta alba
Alkaloids
Asteraceae
Whole plant
134
17
Plantago ovate
Mucilage
Plantaginaceae
Seeds
16
18
Collinsonia canadensis
L
.
Flavonoids Saponins.
Lamiaceae
--
112
19
Matricaria recutita
L.
Astreaceae
Dried flower
135
20
Lupinus albus
Vitamin C, vitamin E
Fabaceae
--
136, 137
21
Vateria indica
Bitter resin
Dipterocarpacaea
--
136, 137
22
Mentha piperita
Pungent oil
Labiatae
Leaves
136, 137
23
Aloe vera
Anthraquinone glycoside
Liliaceae
Dried juice of leaves
136, 137
24
Cupressus sempervirens
--
Cupressaceae
Needles and twigs of
young branches
138
25
Pelargonium graveolens
--
Geraniaceae
Leaves and stem
138
26
Juniperus communis
L.
--
Cupressaceae
Essential oil
139, 140
In European countries and America herbalists typically use witch
hazel both as internal and topical remedy for hemorrhoids, and thus
both the European Scientific Cooperative on phytotherapy and
France have approved the herb’s combined used for treatments of
hemorrhoids 104
In vitro study of witch hazel extract show plant extract inhibit α-
glucosidase and human leukocyte elastase enzyme which contribute
to the degradation of connective tissue, extract also exhibited a
strong antiphlogistic effect in the croton oil ear edema test in the
mouse
.
122
Apart form these plants several other plants are use in various form
for the treatment of hemorrhoids, and they are component of
polyherbal formulation. In table -1 plant are described with their
scientific name, useful part, family, and reference, which are
reported antihemorrhoidal properties alone or in combined with
other herbs.
.
Topical treatments
In tropical treatment of hemorrhoids to assist locally in claming
inflammation and for stopping bleeding and swelling are highly
useful. The late Rudolf Fritz Weiss a German physiotherapist,
favored the best treatment of acute hemorrhoids with wet compress,
he also recommended arnica compresses using 1-2 teaspoons of
arnica tincture per half-liter of water for compress. Alternatively he
suggested the use of an oak decoction or a chamomile infusion for
acute hemorrhoids137
Hamamelis Virginiana alone will often suffice to sooth minor
symptoms of acute inflammation; effect of these plants is attribute to
presence of tannin in the plant
.
137. Several cream based ointments,
essential oils are available in markets over the counter drugs for the
topical treatment of hemorrhoids, like Neo Healer s Piles Treatment
Cream® 138, Hemorrhoids No More® 137, and Pilex ointment ® 141
Flavonoids and Tocotrienols for hemorrhoids treatment
.
A number of flavonoids have been reported to have anti-
inflammatory effects and to strengthen blood vessels, so many
preparations made for treatment of hemorrhoids, from purified or
crude extracts of flavonoids. Several scientific studies favored
treatment of hemorrhoids with flavonoids142. But scientific study
showed that all flavonoids couldn’t provide the effective treatment
for acute hemorrhoids143. Recent study regarding the flavonoids and
symptomatic hemorrhoids was carried out by Alonso et al and they
reported, reduction in the risk of bleeding, persistent pain, itching,
and reoccurrence, but yet more in-depth study with effective
methodological quality needed for the apparent beneficial effects of
flavonoids for the treatments of hemorrhoids144
Flavonoids particularly diosmin, oligomeric proantho cyaniding
complexes (OPCs) and hesperidin, have demonstrated efficacy in the
treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. These flavonoids
exhibit phlebotonic activity, vasculoprotective effects and
antagonism of the biochemical mediators of inflammation
.
145
Animal studies have shown flavonoids reduce neutrophil activation,
mediate inflammation, and decrease soluble endothelial adhesion
molecules
.
146. Human trials have shown the ability of flavonoids to
improve venous tone and vein elasticity assessed by
plethysmography, and significant improvement in CVI, venous leg
ulcers, and hemorrhoids147. Hemorrhoids treatment during the
pregnancy is bit difficult by injection, RBL, and surgery and these
techniques are contradicted, and flavonoid treatment is the best
option, clinical trials shows treatment did not affect pregnancy, fetal
development, birth weight, infant growth and feeding148
Prof. Jacques Nasquelir, France have first received patent for the
method of isolation of OPSc from pine bark, in 1951, and form grape
seeds in 1970
.
149. In vitro studies shows OPSc to inhibit the enzymes
hyaluronidase, elastase, and collagenase, also reported for their
antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties150, and OPSc have
demonstrated preferential binding to areas characterized by a high
content of glycosaminoglycans such as the capillary walls, these
properties make them effective in decreasing vascular function, and
peripheral circulation, which is the beneficial for the treatment of
hemorrhoids151
Tocotrienols are collectively known as vitamin E, and are identical in
structure to tocopherols except for the degree of saturation in their
side chain, having properties of antioxidant
.
152. Tocotrienols are
found in high concentration in palm oil and rice bran oil, and are
well investigated for their nutrient ional, antioxidant activity,
cholesterol lowering, anti-cancer effects and protection against
atherosclerosis153. In double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials
tocotrienols found to be improvement in overall symptoms of
hemorrhoids 8
Hydrotherapy and Dietary approaches to Hemorrhoids
.
Dietary habit is the key link for the number of diseases, and diet
therapy for hemorrhoids is a widely accepted modality. High fiber
diet with commercial fiber supplements and bhenough oral fluids to
produce soft, well-formed and regular bowel movements, high fiber
diet is an important component to the prevention and treatment of
both hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
One old myth regarding the diet and hemorrhoids is that “spicy food,
including red hot chili powder, produces hemorrhoid symptoms”.
Recently one randomized controlled double-blinded trial reported
no evidence to support this myth154
The warm sitz bath is the hydrotherapy recommended for the
conditions associated with increased pelvic congestion, it is non-
invasive therapy for uncomplicated hemorrhoids and varicose veins,
but requires a high degree of patient’s compliance
.
6, 155
Medical/Drug Treatment
.
Effective medical/drug therapy is useful to control the acute phase
(bleeding) so that definitive therapy like banding, injection
sclerotherapy, IRC, cryotherapy, and surgery can be scheduled at a
convenient time. Several modern and traditional drugs (oral/local)
are being increasingly used in all grades of symptomatic
hemorrhoids. Drugs like psyllium husk, corticosteroid creams 37
Nitroglycerin ointment156, calcium dobisilate, nifedipine157. Other
poly herbal drugs also well studied for the treatment of the
hemorrhoids such as Daflon 500® from Les, Laboratories, France158,
Preparation H® Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel from Wyeth, Madison,
New jersey156, Soft gel Capsules ® from Gelfipharma International,
Gami et al.
Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 3, Suppl 5, 5-12
10
Lodi, Italy8, and Pilex ® tablet and ointment from the Himalaya Drug
Company Banglore, India159
CONCLUSION
.
A haemorrhoid is a common discomfort, that is getting worse by
prolonging immediate treatment, in the adult, which directly affect
the economy. Apart form the prominent symptoms of bleeding and
pain; colonoscopy and proctoscopy give the correct state of
condition. Non-operative treatment methods are used for the
patients with the first second and third degree hemorrhoids; very
few patients with fourth degree haemorrhoids need surgery call
treatment. As in case of every disease prevention is the best
common treatment, haemorrhoids can also be reduced by changes in
life style, diet habit, and intake of appropriate dose of respective
botanicals, which can also intervene in the pathogenesis to decrease
vascular integrity.
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