Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy Through Ayurveda

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy involves both the brain and the liver. In this condition, due to deterioration in brain function, the liver does not properly flush out the toxins from the blood and the toxins begin to accumulate in the bloodstream, resulting in brain damage. So, this disease needs a proper treatment which firstly improves the functions of the brain and also helps in the detoxification of the liver to prevent further damage to the brain. Normally antibiotics are given to treat this disease but it only relieves the symptoms and causes many side effects. On the other hand, Ayurveda provides the proper treatment for the Hepatic encephalopathy by improving the brain and liver function naturally. Here we focused on the Ayurvedic treatment by Planet Ayurveda which naturally treats the Hepatic encephalopathy without causing any side effects.

Introduction

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is also known as portal-systemic encephalopathy. This condition occurs due to the delay in brain function which interferes in the liver function and further results in brain damage due to buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. It is characterized by intellectual impairment, personality changes, and low level of consciousness. In the more advanced stage, it results in Coma. Hepatic encephalopathy can be acute or chronic. Studies have shown that hepatic encephalopathy affects about 30 to 45% of cirrhosis patients and a high percentage may be affected by the minimal grade of encephalopathy. (1)

Causes of Hepatic Encephalopathy

The specific cause of hepatic encephalopathy is not known. However, it usually arises from the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream which occurs when the liver becomes unable to remove toxins properly. In some of the cases, encephalopathy is directly caused by liver failure. It is more likely to develop in people with acute liver failure. More commonly, in people with chronic liver disease, liver encephalopathy is triggered by some additional causes.

Some Additional Causes that Triggered the Hepatic Encephalopathy

1. Infections such as pneumonia
2. Kidney disorder
3. Dehydration
4. Hypoxia
5. Recent surgery or trauma
6. Taking medicines that suppress the nervous system and the immune system
7. Intake of excess protein
8. Imbalance of electrolyte

Symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy can occur in people having acute or chronic liver disease. Thus the symptoms also vary depending on the cause of liver damage. If the condition is not treated in its mild state it can turn into severe condition and may lead to a coma.

Symptoms of Mild Hepatic Encephalopathy

1. Trouble thinking
2. Confusion
3. Change in personality
4. Forgetfulness
5. Poor concentration
6. Loss of hand movements like handwriting
7. Poor judgment

Symptoms Occur in Severe Hepatic Encephalopathy

1. Confusion
2. Lethargy and Fatigue
3. Severe changes in personality
4. Anxiety
5. Seizures
6. Shaky hands or hand tremor
7. Garbled speech
8. Lack of movements

Stages of Hepatic Encephalopathy

The stages of hepatic encephalopathy are divided based on the severity of its symptoms. There are five stages of hepatic encephalopathy.

• Stage 0: When symptoms are minimal.
• Stage 1: When symptoms are mild such as Poor concentration, Forgetfulness, etc.
• Stage 2: When symptoms are moderate such as Lethargy, personality change, improper behavior, etc.
• Stage 3: When symptoms are severe such as confusion, severe personality changes, and strange behavior, etc.
• Stage 4: This stage is identified by Coma.

Diagnosis of Hepatic Encephalopathy

For diagnosis, the doctor asks you about medical history if you have any kidney or liver disease and also ask about the symptoms that you have experienced. Several tests also recommended for the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy.

1. Blood tests
2. Imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI
3. Liver function tests

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy (علاج الايورفيدا لالتهاب الكبد)

Ayurveda believes in treating the disease not only by reducing symptoms but also from the roots. The Ayurvedic treatment includes the herbs, herbal remedies and some dietary and lifestyle changes which help to treat the hepatic encephalopathy.

Herbs for Hepatic Encephalopathy

1. Bhumi Amla
2. Ashwagandha
3. Brahmi
4. Kalmegh
5. Bhringraj
6. Punarnava

Herbal Remedies for Hepatic Encephalopathy by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers effective and safe herbal remedies that improve the functioning of the brain and liver. The products it provides are Ashwagandha capsule, Brahmi Capsules, Liver detox capsule, Yakrit Plihantak Churna, Phyllanthus niruri, and Indian Echinacea capsule. These are 100% natural and free from chemicals and additives.

Product Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are very beneficial in Hepatic Encephalopathy because it has effective results on the brain. These capsules are prepared by using a standardized herbal extract of Ashwagandha herb (Withania somnifera). This herb is a nervine tonic and has adaptogenic property. Thus, improves the functioning of the brain and provides relief from the symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy such as confusion, anxiety, seizure, severe personality changes, fatigue, etc. It also boosts immunity.

Dosage: One capsule two times daily with water, after meals.

2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

This herbal remedy is very effective to maintain the health of the liver. It contains Bhumi amla, Kalmegh, Bhringraj, Sharpunkha, Kaasni, Katuki, Makoy, and Purnanava. Bhumi amla helps to regenerate liver cells and also in detoxification of the liver. Kalmegh supports liver metabolism. Bhringraj and Sharpunkha also help to regenerate the liver cells and support their functioning. Punarnava acts as a liver tonic and has hepatoprotective property. Make also has potent hepatoprotective property. Therefore, Yakrit Plihantak churna is a useful remedy for Hepatic Encephalopathy because it prevents brain damage by improving the functions of the liver.

Dosage: 1/2 teaspoonful twice daily, with plain water or fruit juice, after meals.

3. Liver Detox Capsules

This herbal formulation contains Katuki, Punaranava, Kalmegh, Makoy, Kasni, Biranjasipha, Jhavuka, Himsra, and Haritaki. These herbs have beneficial effects on the liver. As its name indicate it helps to detoxify the liver. This formulation also helps to strengthen and regenerate the liver cells. It also improves the liver functions and removes the toxins from the body and prevent further complications like brain damage. Thus liver detox capsules work efficiently in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with water, after meals.

4. Phyllanthus Niruri

These capsules contain pure herbal extract of Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumi amla). This herb is known as a liver tonic. It possesses hepatoprotective property and prevents the liver from damage. It also has mild diuretic properties and helps in the treatment of kidney stones. Thus these capsules are also effective in Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Brahmi Capsules

Brahmi capsules are prepared by using a standardized herbal extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is known for a strong natural brain tonic and supports the healthy functioning of the nervous system. It helps to reduce the symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy such as confusion, forgetfulness, fatigue, confused speech, etc. It also helps support the liver to function properly. Thus, effective in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Indian Echinacea Capsules

These capsules are prepared by using the pure extract of Echinacea (Andrographis paniculata). It helps to regulate the secretion of liver enzymes and helps in the treatment of various liver-related problems. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties and also helps to boost the immune functions.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

Complete information has concluded that hepatic encephalopathy can be dangerous and Ayurveda provides the most reliable treatment for it. Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda are safe and effective as they are prepared by combining the best quality of herbs and do not contain any external sugar, preservatives, etc.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500018/