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Herbal anticoagulant therapy: A Review on anticoagulant property of plants

ABSTRACT Herbal medicines have been used for the various diseases and disorders since ancient era. The aim of this review is to focus on the herbal remedies for anticoagulant purpose. Now a days the use of allopathic medicines is exaggerated which leads to side effects and adverse reactions of drugs. To avoid such reactions use of herbal medicine is indicated. This review explored various plants like Thymus atlanticus, Selaginella, Terminalia belerica, Tulbaghia violacae, Tridax procumbens, Porana volubilis, Panax notoginseng, Petroselinum crispum, Green and Brown algae, Grape seed, Gracilaria debilis, Ferulago carduchoram, Erigeron canadensis, Fagonia arabica, Codium fragile, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Bauhinia forficate, Careya arborea, Artemisia dracunculus, Angelica shikokiana, Syzygium cumini, Melastoma malabathricum, Rhaponticum acaule, Cinnamomum cassia showing anticoagulant activity. The data for this review is collected mainly from sciencediret and pubmed. KEYWORDS: Coagulation, Herbal anticoagulant therapy, Anticoagulant plants

INTRODUCTION Thrombotic disorders such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, ischemic stroke, hypercoagulable states, strokes and heart attacks are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries (1).Therefore, anticoagulants play an important role for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders (2, 3). Anticoagulant drugs consisting of warfarin heparins, vitamin K antagonists, and their derivatives have been used for the treatment. Although their efficacy remains undisputed, the deleterious life-threatening side effects of these drugs have also been well documented (4, 5).

Herbal anticoagulant therapy can be used as the alternative sources for the development of new anticoagulant agents due to their biological activities (6). The use of herbal medicine provides an alternative to overcome the limitations of available anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin which have bleeding complication, as well as uncertainty of the newer anticoagulant drugs dosing in some patient populations such as patient with underlying chronic diseases (7). This review highlights on documented plants which are used as antithrombotic or anticoagulant as mentioned in folklore medicine

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Cyamopsis tetragonoloba belongs to family Fabaceae. It contains gum residues, saponins and polyphenols. Its pharmacological activity is anticoagulant and antimicrobial. Mestechkina et al reported the anticoagulant activity. Seeds contain galactomanna. It exhibited platelet aggregation ability in vitro. C. tetragonoloba must be avoided in patients on anticoagulant therapy because it can enhance anticoagulation potential of anticoagulant agents (8).

Pulmonaria officinalis Pulmonaria officinalis belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It contain flavonoids, vitamin C, B-complex; mineralsiron, copper, silver, manganese and nickel. Its pharmacological activity is astringent and anticoagulant. It is also used in cough, asthma, colds, bronchial and catarrhal afflictions, inflammation, wounds, swellings, infected sores, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Byshevskii et al. reported the anti-coagulant activity of this plant. Anti-coagulant glycopeptides is found in the ammonia extract. Anticoagulant activity was at the stage of fibrinogen conversions (9).

Cinnamomum cassia Cinnamomum cassia belongs to the family Lauraceae. It contain coumarin, cinnamyl acetate, hydroxycinnamaldehyd, cinnamaldehyde and N-acetyl-l-cysteine. It is used as aromatic, anti-coagulant, in depression, rheumatism and muscle pains. Kim et al. reported the anti-coagulant activity. Extract has found effective in inhibition of platelet coagulation (10).

Petroselinum crispum Petroselinum crispum belongs to the family Apiaceae. It contain flavonoids, dihydroxycoumarin, apiin, and apigenin. It is used as carminative, antioxidant, immunomodulant, antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, antirheumatic, antimicrobial and laxative, in flatulence, dyspepsia, colic, dysuria, bronchitis, dysmenorrhoea, functional amenorrhea and myalgia. Gadi et al. reported that aqueous extract inhibits in vitro and ex vivo platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time in rats. Inhibition of platelet aggregation may be due to phenolic compounds present in the extract (11).

Tridax procumbens Tridax procumbens L. belongs to the family Asteraceae. It contain bis-bithiophene, oleonic acids, lupeol, betaamyrenone and taraxasteryl acetate. It is used as insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, hair tonic, antiviral, anti-oxidant and antibiotic, in wounds and inflammation. A study was conducted to investigate the anticoagulant activity. Anticoagulant activity was comparable to heparin and chondroitin sulphate (12).

Filipendula ulmaria Filipendula ulmaria belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is used as aromatic and anti-inflammatory, in inflammation, arthritis, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, diphtheria and pneumonia. It contains flavonoids, vitamins, tannins, polyphenols, ellagitannins, phenolic acids, methyl gallate 3-O-beta-glucoside and rugosins. It contains heparin like compounds which bounds to the protein in complex form. This complex has anticoagulant and anti-fibrinolytic activity (13).

Paeonia anomala Paeonia anomala belongs to the family Paeoniaceae. It contains acetophenone, ellagic acid, tert-butylhydroperoxide, methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, fischeroside B and quercetin derivatives. It is used as antithrombotic, thrombolytic and anticoagulant, in hepatoma and thrombosis. A study reported the anticoagulant activity of this plant. Anti-coagulant activity may be due to presence of heparin like fragments present in P. anomala (14).

Ferula communis Ferula communis L. belongs to the family Apiaceae. It consists of ferulenol, fertdin, anisate, oxajaeskeanadioyl and costic acid. It is used as antioxidant and anti-hemolytic, in cardiovascular disorders. A study reported the  anticoagulant activity of F. communis. Author reported that hemorrhage increases as a consequence of blood coagulation disturbance after administration of 4-hydroxycoumarins compound isolated from F. communis (15).

Panax notoginseng Panax notoginseng belongs to the family Araliaceae. It consist of ginsenoside Rh4, ginsenoside Rh1, notoginsenoside S, notoginsenoside T ginsenoside Re, notoginsenoside R1 and ginsenoside Rd. It is used in bleeding, angina pectoris and memory loss. It is used as anti-hemorrhagic, antihypertensive and antihypercholestrolemic. Activity of P. notoginseng on platelet aggregation and plasma coagulation was studied. Bleeding time in rat model was found to be increased (16).

Ocimum sanctum Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as holy basil, tulsi belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It have varities of medicinal properties such as hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activity, immunomodulatory activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-ulcer activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-stress activity chemopreventive and radioprotective activity, anticoagulant activity, etc. Other uses may include common cold, headache, cough, influenza, earache, fever, colic pain, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, hepatic diseases, malarial fever, as an antidote for snake bite and scorpion sting, flatulence, migraine headaches, fatigue, skin diseases, wound, insomnia, arthritis, digestive disorders, night blindness and diarrhoea (17).It consists of glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, tannins, etc. It also contains cirsilineol, circimaritin, apigenin, isothymusin, eugeno, eugenol, methyl eugenol, rosameric acid, carvacrol and sesquiterpine hydrocarbon caryophyllene. Two flavonoids orientin and andvicenin from aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum are also present (18).

Zingiber officinale Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, adrakh comes under the family Zingibaraceae. It is widely used as stomachic, aromatic, carminative, stimulant and flovouring agent, in mouth washes, ginger beverage and liquors. It works against nausea and vomiting (antiemetic) during motion sickness and seasickness. Apparently, this effect is not mediated through the central nervous system (CNS), but rather, ginger’s active principles act directly on the gastrointestinal tract. It is also found that it has efficacy in motion sickness and control parasitic infection. It also has anticoagulant effect (19). 

It consists of carbohydrates, lipids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, amino acids, protein, phytosterols, vitamins and minerals. Terpene components of ginger include β-bisabolene, zingiberene, α-farnesene, β-sesquiphellandrene, and α-curcumene, and phenolic compounds include gingerol, paradols, and shogaol so it is also used: • To reduce vomiting in patients treated with cytotoxic compounds. • To promote digestion and as anti-flatulent or carminative to reduce gas and bloating. • To improve blood circulation. • To lower blood glucose in the treatment of diabetes. • To treat migraine headache. • As a sialagogue, to promote salivation (20).

Careya arborea Careya arborea Roxb. belongs to the family Lecythidaceae is known as “Kumbhi” in Ayurveda. It contains alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins mainly (21).It has pharmacological activities such as analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, hepto-protective, CNS activities of the methanolic extract, antitumor, antileishmanial, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of stem bark. The bark is used in treatment of tumors, bronchitis, astringents,  antidote to snake- venom and skin diseases (22).

The methanolic bark extract shows anticoagulant activities when compared with the standard warfarin. Methanolic bark extract prolonged the time taken for blood clotting and there was a significant (*p<0.05) increase in the activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Prothrombin Time and Thrombin Time (23).

Melastoma malabathricum Melastoma malabathricum Linn. belongs to family Melastomataceae. It contains alkaloids, amides, triterpenoids, flavonoids and tannins (24).

It has antidiarrhoeal (25), antibacterial, wound healing activities (26), the aqueous extract of leaves used as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (27), gastroprotective effects (28), antioxidant activity (29).

The aqueous leaf extract shows potent anticoagulant property. In vitro the results showed that activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) of plasma samples with different concentrations of the leaf extract (100-1000 µg/ml) was markedly prolonged in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.001), but was otherwise for Prothrombin Time (PT) and Thrombin Time (TT). The anticoagulant activity of aqueous leaf extract affects the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade by causing clotting factor(s) deficiency (30).

Gloriosa superba Gloriosa superba Linn. commonly known as “Glory lily” belongs to family- Lilaceae. Gloriosine and colchicines are phytochemicals used for treatment of gout and rheumatism. It is used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, in treatment of snake bite and also used in skin diseases, respiratory disorders and in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) (31). Extracts are used as antimicrobial (32) and anthelmintic activity (33). The leaves extracts shows anticoagulant properties by inhibiting thrombin induced clotting, with IC50 value of 2.97 mg/ml (34).

Bauhinia forficata Bauhinia forficata belongs to family Leguminosae. It contains flavonoids, flavonols, glycosides, kaempferitrin, astragalin, β-sitosterol, organic acids, quercitrosides, rhmanose, saponins and etc. Leaves can be used for treatment of diabetes, as a diuretic for kidney and urinary disorders (including polyuria, cystitis and kidney stones), as a blood cleanser and to build blood cells, for high cholesterol. It has hypoglycemic activity (35) and antioxidant activity (236). Aqueous extract shows anticoagulant, antifibrinogenolytic properties (37).

Eichhornia crassipes Eichhornia crassipes belongs to family Pontederiaceae. It consist of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, phenolic contents, anthraquinones, quinone & cardiac glycosides (38). The plant possesses anticoagulant activity due to presence of polysaccharides from the methanol extract of leaf (39). Jatropha curcas Jatropha curcas L. belongs to family Euphorbiaceae is commonly grown in rural areas in India. It is used for the treatment of paralysis, sciatica, dropsy, rheumatism, dysentery, diarrhoea, and certain skin diseases (40). Coagulant activity showed that whole latex significantly (P<0.01) reduced the clotting time of human blood. Diluted latex, prolonged the clotting time. At high dilutions, the blood did not clot at all (41).

Porana volubilis Porana volubilis belongs to family Convolvulaceae. The plant have polysaccharide which showed the highest anticoagulant activity. The polysaccharide contains mainly galactose, galacturonic acid, and mannose (42). Erigeron canadensis Erigeron canadensis belongs to family Asteraceae. It consists of volatile oil (including limonene, terpineol, and linalool), flavonoids, terpenes, plant acids, and tannins. Traditionally, it is used in diarrhoea, dysentery, astringent to stop bleeding, diuretic and etc. The polyphenolic polysaccharide preparation from Erigeron canadensis may potentially useful in anticoagulant therapy (43). 

CONCLUSION The present review highlights anticoagulant agents which can be obtained from plants. The phytochemicals from herbal plants are found to have biological activities such as anticoagulant properties. Therefore, the use of herbal medicine provides an alternative to overcome the limitations of available anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin which have bleeding complication, as well as uncertainty of the newer anticoagulant drugs dosing in some patient populations such as patient with underlying chronic diseases. Beside their wide spread usage traditional medicines have not been evaluated scientifically with regard to their safety and efficacy. The review explored various herbal medicines that require more exploitation up to desired level, and these report could be a better target for the development of alternatives to synthetic anticoagulant drugs.

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ISSN: 2320-2882 IJCRT2006373 International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT) www.ijcrt.org 2715 34. Frost CL, Kee NLA, Mnonopi N, Davids H, Nande RJ, Antithrombotic/anticoagulant and anticancer activities of selected medicinal plants from South Africa, African Journal of Biotechnology, 7, 2008, 217-223. 35. Cunha AM, Menon S, Menon R, Couto AG, Burger C, Biavatti MW, Hypoglycemic activity of dried extracts of Bauhinia forficata Link., Phytomedicine, 17, 2010, 37-41. 36. Souza CRF, Georetti SR, Salvador MJ, Fonseca MJV, Oliveira WP, Antioxidant activity and physical- chemical properties of spray and spouted bed dried extracts of Bauhinia forficata, Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 45, 2009; 209-218. 37. Oliveira CZ, Maiorano VA, Marcussi S, Januario AH, Lourenco MV, Sampaio SV et al., Anticoagulant and antifibrinogenolytic properties of the aqueous extract from Bauhinia forficata against snake venoms, Journal of Ethanopharmacology, 98, 2005, 213-216. 38. Lata N, Dubey V, Preliminary phytochemical screening of Eichhornia crassipes: the world’s worst aquatic weed, Journal of Pharmacy Research, 3, 2010, 1240-1242. 39. Gomes DL, Silva JMC, Santos dos ND, Rocha HAO, Leite EL, Eichhornia crassipes is a source of anticoagulant compounds, Public, 5, 2009, 42-50. 40. Mujumdar AM, Misar AV, Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas roots in mice and rats, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 90, 2004, 11-15. 41. Osoniyi O, Onajobi F, Coagulant and anticoagulant activities in Jatropha curcas latex, J Ethnopharmacol, 89, 2003, 101-105. 42. Yoon SJ, Pereira MS, Pavão MS, Hwang JK, Pyun YR, Mourão PA, The medicinal plant Porana volubilis contains polysaccharides with anticoagulant activity mediated by heparin cofactor II, Thrombosis Research, 106, 2002, 5158. 43. Pawlaczyk I, Czerchawski L, Kuliczkowski W, Karolko B, Pilecki W, Witkiewicz W et al., Anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity of polyphenolic-polysaccharide preparation isolated from the medicinal plant Erigeron canadensis L., Thromb Res, 2010

Reference: International Journal Of Creative Research Thoughts: Shweta Mishraa *, Prevesh Kumara , Dikshaa , Varsha Raj, Navneet Vermaa Faculty of Pharmacy, IFTM University, Moradabad (U.P.) India

Moth Bean/MATKI: Health Benefits, Nutrition

Moth beans or Matki is a staple legume in various cuisines across India, often consumed either as a sprout or in the cooked form. Quite popular in the Maharashtrian cuisine, Moth beans are also known as mat bean, dew bean or Turkish gram. These tiny beans oblong in shape, available in brown, reddish brown and green colours are rich in protein and go with the botanical name Vigna aconitifolia.

Native to India, Moth bean is an annual herbaceous creeper plant that grows approximately up to 40 cm in height, sporting yellow flowers which later develop into yellow-brown pods around 2 to 3 inches in length. A drought resistant crop, moth beans are cultivated extensively in those areas with a scanty rainfall, as it effectively combats soil erosion. Though it is cultivated largely in India, moth beans are also highly popular in Africa, Australia, United States, Thailand and other parts of the world both for human consumption and as a forage. In India, moth beans that usually grow on its own or intercropped with various other cereals or a rotation with cotton crop carries, several vernacular names. In Tamil, it is known as Payaru, Telugu Kunkumapesalu, Vanmug in Bengali, Madaki in Kannada and Mot in Hindi. 

Thanks to its highly nutritional content, moth bean or matki became quite popular in the recent years. This tiny legume in raw form contains 343 calories with 23 grams of protein, 62 grams of carbohydrate and 1.6 grams of fat. Since it also contains certain antinutritional components, it is advisable to soak these pulses first for at least 6 hours and cook completely to make protein more digestible.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 1436 kJ (343 kcal)- Carbohydrates 61.5 g - Fat 1.6 g - Protein 22.9 g -Vitamins  - Thiamine (B1) 0.6 mg - Riboflavin (B2)    0.1 mg - 

Niacin (B3) 2.8 mg - Pantothenic acid (B5)  0.5 mg - Vitamin B6 0.4 mg - Calcium150 mg - Iron 10.8 mg - Folate (B9) 649 μg - Magnesium 381 mg - Manganese 1.8 mg - Phosphorus 489 mg

Potassium  1191 mg - Sodium  30 mg - Zinc  1.9 mg - (Source: Wikipedia)

Matki In Ayurveda:

Though matki is being highly recommended by the nutritionist community in the recent years moth beans are in fact a traditional legume and the uses, benefits are mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts. Known as Makushta, Vanamudga, Makushtaka, Mukushtaka, these pulses are described as sweet to taste, absorbent, easy to digest, dry but can cause constipation. It increases vaata dosha and balances kapha and pitha doshas.

How Do You Eat Matki?

Moth beans are a little hard to cook, so it is strongly recommended to soak them for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Parboiled Method:

Many recipes require parboiled moth beans as it makes the dish tastier and easy to cook.

Fully Boiled Method:

Pressure cook soaked matki for up to 5 whistles. Drain all the water and blend it in a mixer grinder into a coarse paste for using it in various recipes.

Matki Flour:

Roasted matki flour is easily available in market or can be made at home by pulsing it in mixer.

Benefits of Moth Beans:

Matki is a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals and it should be a part of your daily diet plan. Including moth beans into your food offers a plethora of health benefits.

Strengthens Bones:

If you are suffering from osteoporosis or worried about weakening of bones, all you need is matki in your regular diet. Loaded with calcium and phosphorous, this tasty legume not only prevents bone related disorders but also strengthens them.

Bolsters Immunity:

With entire world fighting deadly coronavirus, robust immunity is need of the hour. Ensure adding moth beans to your diet plan at least thrice a week for building a body mechanism that fights against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Zinc in these pulses boosts the immune system and prevents various health problems.

Aids in Weight Loss:

Who said vegetarians do not have many choices when it comes to protein-based food? Plant based proteins are getting increasingly popular and moth beans certainly top the list in this category. Moth beans are an amazing source of protein that not only repair muscles but also aid in losing weight without compromising on the health and stamina.

Regulates Bowel Movements:

Just like moong dal, matki is also a good source of digestive fibre which plays a major role in regulating bowel movement. Moth beans not only prevent constipation but also help in flushing out toxins.

Reduces Stress:

Research studies suggest that daily intake of moth beans helps in reducing stress and sudden bout of anxiety. Zinc, one of the main components in this legume plays a crucial role in bringing down the levels of anxiety and stress.

Powerhouse of Vitamin B:

Vitamin B is responsible for the proper functioning of human body. It is a well-known fact that a majority of vegetarians cannot meet their vitamin B requirements through diet. However, moth beans being the powerhouse of various B complex vitamins improve cognitive function, up the energy levels and improve cell metabolism.

Also Read: Vitamin B6: Functions, Food Sources, Deficiencies and Toxicity

Protects Heart:

Heart a vital organ and our diet plays an imperative role in its optimum functioning. High blood pressure, elevated levels of cholesterol can cause numerous cardiovascular problems that need immediate attention in the form of medication, lifestyle changes and food. Doctors suggest consuming fibre rich diet to heart patients and make it a habit to include moth beans in your diet for bringing down the levels of cholesterol and regulating blood pressure naturally.

Also Read: Yogasanas For Heart: 5 Incredible Yoga Poses To Keep Cardiac Anomalies At Check

Moth Beans for Skin:

And if you thought if this versatile pulse is only good for your inner wellbeing, think again. Moth bean or Vigna aconitifolia extract is the next big thing in the beauty market, all thanks to its retinol mimicking properties.

What Is Vigna aconitifolia Extract?

Being promoted as an all-natural retinol alternative, the extract of the moth beans according to the beauty experts has the ability to penetrate into the skin, preventing the signs of aging. It triggers the production of collagen, revamps the cells, shields the skin from free radicals even while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

This extract is also loaded with other phenolic components like caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid and kaempferol with strong antioxidant properties for preventing sudden outbreak of acne, blisters and rash. Dermatologists suggest gently massaging the skin with this extract for exfoliating the dead skin cells, clear pores making soft and smooth.

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Also Read: Retinol: Discover The Benefits Of This Wonder Ingredient For Skin Care And Beauty

Is Moth and Moong The Same?

Well, these both varieties look very similar and are legumes. While moong dal is green in colour, moth beans are brown. These versatile pulses in oblong shape come with equal amounts of dietary fibre, protein, and a whole range of vitamins and minerals. While moong dal takes lesser time to get soften and cook after soaking in water, moth beans require longer hours. It is easy to sprout these legumes and can be added to a wide range of salads, curries and stews.

How Do You Sprout Matki?

Sprouted legumes come with numerous health benefits and are highly recommended by nutritionists for getting your daily dose of vitamins, minerals without compromising on the taste. One can include these sprouted nutritional wonders as a part of their breakfast to feel satiated for longer hours and kill those midday hunger pangs.

In states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan eating sprouted matki is a practice of sorts. And this is how you do it.

Ingredients:

100 grams moth beans

Water

Method:

• In a large bowl, wash matki under running water to clear all impurities and small stones
• Soak it in clean water overnight
• Next morning, drain out all water and let it dry a bit
• In a clean white cloth, place these soaked matki and tie it tight
• Place it in a dry, warm place for proper ventilation for the moth beans to sprout
• Store these sprouted moth beans in a dry, airtight container. You can consume it directly or add it to salads

What Are The Culinary Uses of Moth Beans?

• Matki can be used in various forms be it in salads, stews or curries. Matki dal is a common recipe served in the Indian households along with rice or rotis.
• Sprouted matki is a must-have in Maharashtrian cuisine, in the dishes like Misal Pav and Usal.
• In Europe and North America, moth bean soup is served by adding some natural herbs to it.

Matki Recipes:

Matki is a unique ingredient, and it can be cooked in innumerable ways. Try these easy, delicious recipes to enjoy the wholesome benefits of moth beans.

Matki Pulao:

Ingredients:

1 cup sprouted and boiled matki - 1 tsp oil - 1 cup cooked basmati rice - 1 tsp jeera or cumin - 2 cloves - 1 onion, finely chopped - 1 tsp ginger, garlic paste

½ cup green capsicum, finely chopped - ½ tsp turmeric powder - ½ tsp coriander powder - ½ tsp chilli powder - 1 tsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped finely

Salt to taste

Method:

In a pan, add oil. Let it heat and add cumin, cloves, onion, ginger garlic paste and capsicum.

Fry till veggies turn soft. Add turmeric, chilli and coriander powders.

Add sprouted matki to it and sauté it for 2 minutes.

Mix in rice and salt, stir gently.

Simmer it on low flame for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Nutritional Benefits:

Sprouted moth bean are a rich source of calcium and dietary fibre which play a prominent role in building stronger muscles and protecting the gut health. Jeera, ginger, coriander powder aid in digestive health, while rice loaded with carbohydrates provides instant energy. This healthy recipe keeps you satiated for longer hours without compromising on the taste.

Reference: NetMeds.com

What is EDS?

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. The conditions are caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Each type of EDS has its own set of features with distinct diagnostic criteria. Some features are seen across all types of EDS, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. 

What is joint hypermobility? 

Joint hypermobility means that a person’s joints have a greater range of motion than is expected or usual. Some people have joint hypermobility that does not cause them pain or other issues. However, some people with joint hypermobility also have joint instability. Joint instability occurs when the bones of a joint aren’t held in place securely. This can lead to joint subluxations, dislocations, sprains, and other injuries. Joint instability can cause both acute and chronic pain and interfere with daily life.   

Joint hypermobility is observed throughout the body in most types of EDS, but hypermobility may be limited to the hands and feet in some types. Although joint hypermobility is observed across all types of EDS, not everyone with a type of EDS has joint hypermobility. You can read more about joint hypermobility here.

What is skin hyperextensibility? 

Skin hyperextensibility means that the skin can be stretched beyond the normal range. Skin extensibility, or skin stretchiness, is measured by pinching and lifting the skin on the volar surface (same side as the palm of the hand) at the middle of the non-dominant forearm. Skin is hyperextensible if it stretches greater than 1.5 cm. Mild skin hyperextensibility may be observed in people with any type of EDS. More severe skin hyperextensibility, greater than 2 cm, is observed in certain types of EDS. 

People with a type of EDS may also have other skin characteristics and symptoms, such as unusual skin texture, skin fragility, very thin skin, delayed wound healing, and abnormal scarring. Not everyone with a type of EDS has skin hyperextensibility or unusual skin characteristics.  

What is tissue fragility? 

Tissue fragility means that the body’s organs and other structures are more vulnerable to damage. Tissue fragility can present as easy bruising and poor wound healing in many types of EDS. Some types of EDS can also cause severe fragility of the skin, blood vessels, abdominal organs, eyes, gums, and bones.  

What are the types of EDS? 

The current classification includes 13 types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Each type has its own genetic causes. This results in a unique set of features for each type of EDS.