Healing The Liver: An Ayurvedic Case Study on Alcoholic Cirrhosis Management

Abstract

Cirrhosis is an advanced stage of liver fibrosis, which is characterized by development of regenerative nodules due to abnormal fibrogenesis caused by liver injuries. Its features include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, weight loss, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and upper abdominal discomfort which are similar to the features of Yakritdaludara, as per Ayurveda. A 55 year old male patient visited the Kayachikitsa OPD with the chief complaints of indigestion, gaseous abdomen, heaviness in abdomen and pain in epigastric region. Patient was prescribed a combination of Ayurvedic herbomineral formulations including Arogyavardhini vati, Punarnavadi mandoor, Capsule Cytozen, Capsule Amlycure DS and Punarnava Ark for duration of 2 months. These ayurvedic medications prescribed to the patient showed significant improvement in USG findings. The features of liver suggestive of Liver cirrhosis like coarsened echotexture and nodular surface got significantly reduced to diffused parenchymal echotexture suggestive of Grade 1 fatty liver. The highly raised values of SGOT and SGPT also came down to normal within 2 months of treatment. Symptomatic treatment was also observed after the completion of treatment. This case study thereby highlights the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medications in the management of chronic liver disorders like liver cirrhosis. It clearly signifies the potency of Ayurvedic medications in the improvement of both clinical parameters as well as disease related symptoms.