Ayurvedic Aspect Of Liver And Management Of Liver Diseases

Abstract

Liver is one of the largest vital organs of the body and is of major importance. It has functions like maintenance of metabolic activity, detoxification of the body and synthesis of vitamins, enzymes etc. Hepatic disorders like hepatomegaly, fatty liver, ascites are very common in the population worldwide. Liver tumors and cirrhosis are often present in hepatomegaly. Causes include drinking and intake of unnecessary chemicals unknowingly through eating habits, Amoeba infections, hepatitis (A,B and C). Liver disease can also cause Splenomegaly.  Its enlargement can be due to lymphoproliferative diseases, cirrhosis etc. Patients experience distended abdomen, pain, nausea, vomiting etc. Ayurvedic herbs such as kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), bhringraj (Eclipta Alba), sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), kaasni (Cichorium intybus), makoy (Solanum nigrum), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) etc all these have hepatoprotective activity.

So for maintenance of liver health with these herbs a person should follow the proper diet and other lifestyle practices that will help in supporting liver health. As per ayurveda there is shaman and shodhan chikitsa by which vitiated doshas are expelled and balance is achieved in the body. Ayurveda uses herbs as a very good instrument for the treatment of diseases. Major liver problems in the world are arising due to consumption of harmful chemicals, contaminated water, alcohol consumption and over the counter excess use of medication in an uncontrolled manner. After covid 19 people are more interested in prevention of the disease and in ayurvedic interventions for both prevention and cure. It is mentioned that the incorrect usage, overindulgence and avoidance of sensory and intellect stimuli are the three main factors for the mental and physical ailments (Cha/Su-1/54).

Introduction

Liver is a very important and critical organ of the human body which is responsible for various functions that help in detoxification, helping metabolism, increasing immunity, improving digestion among a variety of functions. The flow and formation of bile, also addressed as pitta in regular terminology by laymen, is also dependent on the liver. In ayurveda the formation of the liver is said to be from rakta dhatu (blood) and in modern science it is said that it arises from a part of foregut formation. Its development is initiated in the 3rd week of gestation. Its formation is linked with the development of the gastrointestinal system. Nowadays a range of conditions are arising which are affecting the liver structure and its function, which pose a significant effect on overall health. For the treatment it is very important to understand the causes of liver disease. Its effective diagnosis and treatment at an early stage is important. In the preventative stages it is very important to address the signs and use the proper treatment guidelines. Factors which contribute to liver disease include various infections, conditions which affect the immune system, genetic factors that have an important role, cancerous growths, food and lifestyle related factors.

Complexities of liver health and understanding of liver disease and disorders

As the liver refers to the powerhouse of the body crucial functions like metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, hormones, regulation of blood sugar, clotting factors and in immunity it plays a very important role. Any condition which does inflammation to liver or damage to liver comes in the spectrum of liver disease. Liver failure is when the liver has lost some or all of its functions due to extended damage caused by liver disease particularly like liver cirrhosis. There is a wide spectrum of liver disorders common ones are viral infections, over consumption of alcohol, drug induced toxicity, fatty liver disease related to obesity and hereditary conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease. Cirrhosis is characterized by the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver commonly caused due to chronic liver damage and also increases risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Also rare liver disease like budd- chiari syndrome poses a very significant clinical challenge.

Ayurvedic Insights of Yakrit Vikaras (liver diseases)

Ayurveda approaches a disease with the principles of tridosha (Vata, pitta, kapha), sapta dhatus (rasa, rakta, mansa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra) and Tri mala (mutra, purish and sweda). Yakrit (liver) is considered as seat of ranjaka pitta (factors which responsible for haemoglobin formation, erythropoiesis and factors influencing iron and metabolism and detoxification) it transformers rasa dhatu into rakta dhatu i.e. in simple terms means conversion of nutrition into blood and other factors like bile etc. According to charak samhita and sushruta samhita liver disorders i.e. yakrit vridhi (hepatomegaly), yakrita kshaya (liver cirrhosis) are due to vridhi and kshya of dhatus (anatomical entities).

Various classics like bhavprakash provide description of yakrit roga that includes pittaja pandu, yakritudra, kamla, yakrit vridhi, rakta pitta, jalaodhar, pittaja jwara and madatya. The treatment always involves addressing the underlying root causes of the imbalance in dosha and dhatu balance throughout the improvisation of herbs. Dietary modifications and various lifestyle interventions. The modern interpretations align with the classics like pathogen (krimi),  adipocyte (meda* fat) and  madatiya (alcoholism).

Types of yakrit vridhi according to ayurveda

1. Raktaja yakrit vridhi – Its signs include jwara (fever), daha (burning sensation), vaivarnya (discolouration), moha (unconsciousness), raktodara (bleeding in abdomen), brahma (Giddiness).
2. Pittaja yakrit vriddhi –  Its signs are jwara (fever), daha (burning sensation), moha (unconsciousness), pita gatra (yellow color of the body)
3. Kapha yakrit vridhi – Gaurava (heaviness),  Aruchi (loss of appetite) is present.
4. Vataj yakrit vriddhi – There is presence of pain and stiffness in the abdominal region.

According to various samhitas the description of types may vary.

Understanding the ayurvedic pathophysiology i.e samprapti of Yakrit Roga

The main cause for yakrit vridhi is imbalance in doshas, toxin buildup (gara visha), alteration in dhatus. When intoxication substances like alcohol are consumed due to their excessive intake of intoxicating substances there is increase in pitta and which leads to reduction of mass of liver leading to liver shrinkage. The imbalance of pachaka pitta (digestive part of pitta dosha) in its stomach affects liver function.The elevated pitta levels cause degradation of kapha which leads to dryness and degeneration of liver. This dryness in the liver further vitiates the vata dosha potentially causing fibrosis. When there is manifestation of jalodara (water retention on abdomen) will lead to complications like portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites. Further symptomatic infections include fever, poor digestion, jaundice and uncontrolled use of modern medicines can also cause toxicity.

Ayurveda approach for management of Yakrit disorders

Ayurvedic treatment revolves around the doshas, strotas and clinical experience. By lifestyle modifications, weight loss diets, cessation of alcohol, and addressing the underlying cause. Anti inflammatory and immunoregulatory herbs help in treating the underlying cause. Certain herbs for the symptoms like itching, pain and fatigue are also given. The hepatic protection by the action of ayurvedic herbs. Panchkarma procedures like snehana and swedana are beneficial to chronic liver diseases. Vamana and virechana are also beneficial in cirrhosis patients and wilson’s disease. As the stana of pitta dosha is affected.Diet is also very important in liver diseases management.A proper personalised diet chart should be advised according to the present condition of dosha state in the patient. Sour and excess of lavana (salt) is avoided.

Herbal remedies in chronic liver disease by Planet Ayurveda 

Planet Ayurveda is a distinguished and committed institute under the guidance of highly qualified and experienced Dr. Vikram Chauhan and Dr. Meenkshi Chauhan. The institute is firmly rooted in ayurveda, the traditional principles are the core for all the work done here. Planet Ayurveda offers uncompromising consultations and herbs globally along with 100% potent and pure herbs which are tested in modern laboratories which ensures it authenticity and effectiveness. With vast experience in managing chronic liver disease and linked conditions, Planet Ayurveda adopts a highly serious approach for liver diseases.

Product Description

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Yakrit plihantak churna is a remarkable combination of herbs by planet ayurvedic which has as Kalmegha, Bhumi amla, bhringraj. All these are very beneficial in chronic liver ailments. They remove harmful substances, such as toxins and excess bile from the liver. Punarnava and bhringraj play a crucial role in regeneration of liver cells. They promote liver cell repair and enhance liver function. It helps in reducing the inflammation. It can be used in Alcohol liver disease, enlarged liver disease, fatty liver disease, gallstones, diabetes, constipation etc. It can be routinely used to remove the accumulated toxins within the liver. It’s a natural alkalizer that decreases acidity and gas which are due to liver problems. It clears the excessive fat deposit in the liver. In alcohol liver diseases it aids in regeneration of liver cells quickly, removes excessive fluid in the body which may further cause ascites.

Dosage : 1-2 tsp twice a day after food with water.

2. Phyllanthus Niruri Capsule

Phyllanthus niruri is a capsule which contains standardized extract of bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) is a remarkable herb renowned for its hepatoprotective properties. They are highly recommended for supporting liver function due to their anti-hepatotoxic effects. It is effective in all conditions like jaundice, hepatitis etc. It has shown hepatoprotective and anti- hepatitis properties. It acts as a blood purifier. Removes the accumulated fluid due to liver disease from all over the body. It helps in managing all the five types of hepatitis and the major one i.e Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A. Its clinical efficacy has been very much proved in all these conditions. Overall helps in improving liver function.

Dosage :  1-2 capsules twice a day after food with water.

3. Indian Echinacea capsules

Indian echinacea capsules are a very potent planet ayurveda formulation which is made from standardised extract of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). It is also known as “king of bitter”. It is yakrit utejak i.e tonic for liver and also helps in conditions like fever, digestive aid. This is free from chemicals and additives.the hepatoprotective properties of kalmegh helps in managing all the liver diseases.its antioxidants properties play a crucial role in protecting the liver cells from the oxidative stress and damage caused by the free radicals. It contains bio active compounds that have anti inflammatory properties which refuses the inflammation in the liver which prevents liver damage. From a long history kalmegh is taken for liver tonic and its overall actions have a very positive impact on the liver.

Dosage :  1-2 capsules twice a day after food with water.

4. Liver detox capsules

Planet ayurveda liver detox formula capsules are enriched with standizared extract of 9 potent herbs including kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), makoy (Solanum nigrum) etc. It is designed in a way to cleanse and support liver health. It also helps in balancing cholesterol. Main focus of this herbal preparation Is to improve the live function. The herbs work together to eliminate the toxins. The hepatoprotective properties help manage the damage that is caused by these toxins. They maintain the optimal balance of the enzymes in the liver which is very important for proper liver function and metabolic processes. Antioxidant properties of liver detox capsule helps neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the liver. It is natural and safe without any additive chemicals and is suitable for long term usage.

Dosage :  1-2 capsules twice a day after food with water.

Conclusion

The liver stands as an Pivotal organ, it is very important for maintaining overall health through its various functions such as metabolism, synthesis and detoxification. Ayurveda provides profound insights for managing its complications. Ayurveda views a disease from the lens of three doshas and sapta dhatus balance Ayurvedic herbs like Kalmegha bhumi amla, bhringraj etc all play a very crucial role in maintaining liver health. These herbs help in detoxification, regeneration of liver cells and reducing the inflammation. Planet ayurveda, a renowned institute in ayurvedic health care emphasizes the use of potent herbal formulations like yakrit plihantak churna, phyllanthus niruri, indian echinacea and capsule liver detox. These formulations are designed to enhance liver function and mitigate liver related disease effectively.  Ayurveda provides a very good framework for managing liver disorders; the lifestyle and food habits are also to be managed properly. Ayurveda addresses the root cause for eliminating the disease and helps in managing liver health.