Liver Health Restoration: An Ayurvedic Approach in the management of Hepatocellular Jaundice (Koshtashakhashrita Kamala): A Case Report

Abstract

Hepatocellular jaundice is due to significant disruption of liver function, leading to hepatic cell necrosis and impaired bilirubin transport across hepatocytes. Males are commonly affected by hepatocellular jaundice than females. Chronic and heavy alcohol use is responsible for more than half of the cases of hepatocellular jaundice. Kamala is a Raktapradoshaja Vyadhi involving Rakta and Pitta. In Ayurveda kamala roga is divided into two types and Hepatocellular jaundice is very similar to koshtashakhashrita kamala (Bahu Pittakamala). In this case report, a 40-year-old male patient, was admitted in the Kayachikitsa IPD with primary complaints of dark yellowish discolouration of urine, stool sclera, palms along with nausea, vomiting, generalised weakness, and low-grade fever for 5 days. He also had epigastric pain (VAS-04). Based on the clinical examination, USG and Blood investigations, he was diagnosed with hepatocellular jaundice. The patient was effectively treated with Sadhyo Virechana wih Trivrit Avleha (60-70 gm) and Abhyadi Modaka (2 tab) along with Shaman Chikitsa with Tikta Pachan dravyas for 38 days. Within 7-8 days, there was a moderate improvement in abdominal pain, frequency of vomiting, anorexia and nausea. After 38 days of Ayurvedic treatment, all symptoms, LFT (liver function Tests), USG (Ultra sonography) and Urine analysis showed highly significant results. The treatment was given by considering the vitiation of Pitta and Rakta. Virechana is said to be the treatment of choice to eliminate the vitiated Pitta Dosha. It can be concluded that by implementing Ayurvedic treatment principles, liver function can be improved in cases of jaundice without causing any adverse effects.