Fragile X syndrome, also known as Martin-Bell syndrome or X-marker syndrome, is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation and is present at birth. A family history of mental retardation is often present in relatives. Delayed milestones; speech and language impairment; low IQ; autistic-like behavior including lack of eye contact, biting, or hand flapping; aggressive tendency and attention deficit; seizures; musculoskeletal abnormalities; feeding difficulties; growth retardation; depression; and anxiety, are common features of this condition.
Ayurvedic treatment of Fragile X Syndrome aims to treat the medical problems that people affected by this condition usually encounter. Cognitive deficits are treated with medications such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Delayed milestones can be treated with medications such as Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Naagbala (Grewia hirsuta), Laghu-Malini-Vasant, Madhu-Malini-Vasant, and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant.
Aggressive tendencies and autistic-type behavior can be treated with medications such as Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Jayphal (Myristica fragrans), Khurasani ova (Hyoscyamus niger), and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi). Musculoskeletal problems and deformities can be treated with medications such as Laxadi-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Maha-Rasnadi-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, and Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras.
Feeding difficulties and lack of weight gain can be treated with medicines such as Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Chitrakadi-Vati, Shankh-Vati, Agnitundi-Vati, Sutshekhar-Ras , Praval-Panchamrut-Ras, Panchamrut-Parpati and Suvarna-Parpati. Patients with recurrent respiratory infections can be treated with medicines like Tribhuvan-Kirti, Sitopaladi-Churna, Talisadi-Churna, Gojhivhadi-Qadha, Ras-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Pippali, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka) and Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa).
Because of the associated multisystem and multifaceted abnormalities, fragile X syndrome must be treated by a multispecialty team of physicians. Family counseling and genetic counseling are important aspects of treating this condition. For most children affected by this condition, life expectancy is normal and no activity limitations are indicated.