Biliary Atresia Treatment in Ayurveda with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Biliary atresia is a rare disease of infants which typically affects biliary ducts. Bile is a digestive fluid which is produced by the liver and is then stored in the gallbladder. It travels through bile ducts to the small intestine where it helps in metabolization of fats. Biliary atresia in infants is also called extra hepatic ductopenia and progressive obliterative cholangiopathy. In neonatal cases this condition generally rises due to bile duct obstruction. This condition is having a clinical presentation similar to that of neonatal hepatitis. In this article we will discuss biliary atresia and how it can be managed using Ayurvedic formulations.

Introduction 

Extrahepatic biliary atresia is the most common cause but intrahepatic biliary atresia and choledochal cyst rarely produce this syndrome or disorder. The pathological features on liver biopsy may also show some similarities particularly the presence of giant cells. Though the pathogenesis of extrahepatic biliary is controversial. It was once thought that it represented a congenital anomaly but some authorities now consider it to be acquired secondary to neonatal hepatitis with association to cholangitis and sclerosis of the large bile ducts in utero or early neonatal life. Intrahepatic atresia in which there is paucity or complete absence of intrahepatic bile ducts and  patent extrahepatic biliary tree is also of uncertain etiology.

Etiology/ Causes for Biliary Atresia

The exact cause for biliary atresia is not known. But some theories also claim that there are number of factors which may play an important role in this condition:

• Due to defect in early bile duct development
• Some external factors like hepatotropic virus infection in prenatal period
• Autoimmune process
• Some genetic and environmental factors also play a great role in this condition

Clinical Features/ Sign and Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

1. Pale white stool
2. Dark colour urine
3. Abdominal swelling
4. Malabsorption
5. Yellowing of skin and eyes
6. Intense itching or nosebleed (usually after two months)
7. Can lead towards liver failure

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by assessment through history, physical examination along with some blood tests, a liver biopsy and ultrasound scans imaging. Ultrasound imaging is done to determine the prolonged and persistent jaundice.

Differential diagnosis

1. Alagille syndrome
2. Alpha 1- antitrypsin deficiency
3. Byler disease
4. Caroli disease
5. Congenital herpes simplex virus
6. Congenital cytomegalovirus disease
7. Lipid storage disorder
8. Neonatal hemochromatosis

Treatment

The only treatment of choice in allopathic medication is surgery. The operative procedure called as kasai or hepatoportoenterostomy should be done to relieve jaundice. If this procedure is not suitable then it’s better to opt for liver transplant and both of the above procedures do not have any side effects.

Herbal Remedies for Biliary Atresia  by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading herbal manufacturing unit and is GMP certified. Our organisation deals with the manufacturing and production of several herbal products which are formulated under the guidance of expert doctors. The whole manufacturing unit works under the guidance of Ayurvedic doctors so as to avoid any kind of compromise with the quality of medication. For the management of Biliary atresia Planet Ayurveda also offers some of its herbal medications. These medications are as follows:

1. Livo Plan Syrup
2. Arvindasava
3. Yakritplihantak Churna
4. Acido Plan Syrup

Products Description

1. Livo Plan Syrup

Livo plan is manufactured using potent herbs like bhringraj (Eclipta alba), kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), patol (Trichosanthes dioica) and many others. These all herbs are potent to show effective liver protective effect, enhance bile metabolism and secretion. They also are very much capable of detoxifying the liver and also improves liver enzyme levels. Livo plan syrup also has ingredients that can be very helpful in reducing the obstruction or widening the bile duct.

Dosage: Two teaspoon twice a day after meals.

2. Arvindasava

Arvindasava is a very useful formulation in children which is manufactured using  Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Neelkamal (Nymphaea stellata), Arvinda (Nelumbo nucifera)  and many others. The formulation is in syrup form and is very effectively used as an antiviral, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, anti obesity and also bears antipyretic properties. Arvindasava is an ultimate formulation for improving digestion, body weight and strength. It can also be used as the general tonic in children to avoid childhood problems.

Dosage: One fourth teaspoon twice daily.

3. Acido Plan Syrup

Acido plan syrup is an ultimate formulation which is manufactured using patola (Trichosanthes dioica), sajjikshara (Soda-bi-carb), Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), triphala (Haritaki-Terminalia chebula, Bibhitaki-Terminalia bellirica, Amalaki – Emblica officinalis), kokum (Garcinia indica), Pitta Papada (Fumaria indica) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). These all herbs help in enhancing digestion, reduces acidity, enhances bile secretion to the small intestine and also plays a role in removal of obstruction in bile duct.

Dosage: One teaspoon twice daily.

4. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Yakrit plihantak churna is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which has many beneficial herbs like Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) Makoy (Solanum indicum) Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) Kaasni (Cichorium intybus) Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). These herbs are potent in enhancing liver functioning, removing accumulated fat in the liver and also are effective in showing liver protecting effects. This churna is having very brilliant results not only in enhancement of liver functioning and also is effective in getting rid of the obstruction in the bile duct which is the main reason of biliary atresia.

Dosage: One fourth tablespoon with acido plan syrup.

Conclusion

Lastly, Ayurveda is having solutions to many medical ailments which are to an extent considered as non treatable by modern medical science. The biliary atresia is a life threatening condition and generally the child is recommended with liver transplant and sometimes this surgical procedure has its own drastic effects. It is way better to adapt for ayurvedic treatment because this ancient medical science is having potential to manage such ailments all you have to do is search, ask and apply. The herbal products mentioned above are totally useful in the management of this condition. In case of any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com