Tag: liver failure

March 31, 2025

Factors Responsible For Liver Failure How Does Ayurveda Deals With It

Abstract

Problems like liver failure has immerse to a great height nowadays. The main reason if it is modernization. People at a very young age of their life start drinking alcohol it could be due to peer pressure or due to any other reason. But this is not the only one factor contributing to liver failure there are so many. Such as in developing countries infections like hepatitis, viruses are the main reason of chronic liver disease & hepatobillary (liver + gall bladder) carcinoma that ultimately leads to hepatic failure.

Ayurveda is the ancient most science that focuses on examining the disease first then going toward the management part. This is beautifully explained in the below mentioned verse.

It states that a physician should try to diagnose the disease first then proceed towards the application of medicine. He should always need to have a detailed knowledge of the ailment.

In this article let put some rays on the factors responsible for liver failure & how ayurveda deals with it does.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Introduction

Firstly let’s discuss about the liver: Liver- It is an organ situated at the right hypochondrium quadrant of abdomen. It plays major role in maintaining metabolism of the body & in detoxifying the blood. It weighs about 1-1.8 kg in humans.

According to ayurveda we call it “Yakrit” (liver) the main place of ‘Agni’ (digestive fire). It releases various useful enzymes and hormones in the circulation.

How does it originate in humans?

This verse explains that – yakrit (liver) & paliha (pancreas) develops from the blood during the embryonic stage of life.

This yakrit (liver) & paliha (pancreas) are the main seat of Raktavah Srotas (blood containing channels) in the body.

Functions Of Liver

  • It produce albumin (a protein found in blood serum)
  • Helps in synthesis of angiotensinogen (hormone) important for raising the blood pressure.
  • Gall bladder a small pouch that’s present below the liver, produces Bile (contain cholesterol & bile acids) that helps in breakdown of fat.

Definition Of Liver Failure

It means inability of the liver to perform its functions properly there is formation of necrosis (death) in hepatocytes (liver cells).

This is of two types

  • Acute liver failure: There is rapid development of hepatic failure in this due to any underlying pathology or hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. NSAIDS non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, anti depressants)
  • Chronic liver failure: When a person suffering from liver disease from a longer duration of time such as due to cirrhosis, cholestatic jaundice.
  • In regards to our classical text: In rakatavah srotas dushti, vitiation of pitta dosha is usually seen that leads to rakat (blood) toxification.

Causes

As per ayurveda the main reason of raktavah srotas dushti are as follows:

  • Consume vidhai anna (acidity causing food)
  • Over intake of snigdh (soft), ushan (hot), drav (liquid) diet.
  • Excessive exposure to sunlight and fire.

Other causes

  • Halimak vyadhi (chronic obstructive jaundice) – in this there is formation of greenish yellow discoloration in the skin.
  • Kumbh kamla (chronic jaundice with edema) – presence of edema along with the dark yellow coloured urine & stool.
  • Panaki (chronic jaundice complicated with diarrhea).

In modern science

  • Acute viral hepatitis is the most common cause worldwide.
  • Drug toxicity example paracetamol toxicity.
  • Mushroom (Amanita phalloides) poisoning during pregnancy.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol.
  • Iron and copper overload.
  • Due to underlying autoimmune diseases.
  • Certain carcinoma.
  • Over intake of fat rich diet leads to fatty liver disease.
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation of gall bladder).
  • Cholelithiasis (gall stones).
  • Non alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  • Herditary
  • Obstructive jaundice.

Clinical Features: It means the complaints, patient present in front of physician. They are as follows:-

  • General body weakness.
  • Nausea & vomiting.
  • Clubbing of fingers (abnormal shape of nail bed)
  • Bruising (bluish discoloration of skin) over the body.
  • Jaundice (presence of yellow coloration of skin & sclera of eye).
  • Dilated abdominal veins.
  • Edema (fluid accumulation)
  • Profuse sweating.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity).
  • Fatigue.
  • Bodyache
  • Anorexia (loss of hunger)
  • Drowsiness (lethargic)
  • Indigestion
  • Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

DIAGNOSIS

It means how we can identify the disease. There are various methods:

  • Physical examination of the patient: by analyzing the physical signs seen in patient body.
  • History taking: A proper history taking play a role of asset in diagnosing the disease.
  • Laboratory findings: it includes:
    1. Complete blood count.
    2. Liver function test – It includes serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT etc.
    3. Toxicology screening of urine.
    4. Prothrombin time becomes prolonged as liver plays a major role in the synthesis of coagulation factors that got hampered in this.
    5. Percutaneous Liver biopsy
  • Past history: Generally there is presence of family history.

According to ayurveda we diagnose the disease

Trividh pariksha (Set of 3 examination)

  • Darshan (diagnosis is made by visual examination of the symptoms)
  • Sparshan (physician use tactile examination to evaluate whether skin is cold/hot)
  • Prashan (physician ask direct question form the patient)

Asthavidh pariksha (Set of 8 examination procedure)

  • Nadi pariksha – by palpating the pulse rate of the patient.
  • Mutra pariksha – by examining the urine of the patient.
  • Mal pariksha – by stool examination.
  • Jivha pariksha – by examining the tongue whether coated or not.
  • Shabad pariksha – by observing the natural sounds within the body like intestinal sound (peristalsis)
  • Sparsh pariksha – by observing the patient skin texture whether it is cool, wet or dry.in psoriasis it is usually dry, rough in texture.
  • Drik pariksha – when physician inspect patient symptoms through his/her eyes. In liver disease patient yellowish discoloration of skin (jaundice) is the prime finding.
  • Akriti pariksha – observing the patient body posture whether lean or obese.

Management

  • Condition like liver failure is usually a non recoverable ailment. If we diagnose it in its early phase then the recovery rate is good. But once it reaches the chronic phase then only management is the final solution we cannot completely cure this.
  • In modern science they recommend you to go for a liver transplant procedure, every individual cannot afford this as it an expensive procedure & you need to find the right donor for this.

But with ayurveda we can manage its growth with certain herbal drugs such as Bhumiamlaki, kalmegh, daru haridra. Etc.

Line of treatment according to ayurveda: as it is pita elevated “tridoshaj vyadhi”

A. Sanshodhan Chikitsa (Detoxification procedure) –

  • Virechan (Purgation) is the best technique to release out the pita dosha from the body by anal route.
  • Raktamokshan (Bloodletting) It is considered as “ardh chikitsa” (As a whole treatment) by acharya shushruta because it helps in purifying the blood by removing harmful toxins from it.

B. SAMSHMAN CHIKITSA (By medication) – in this we control the disease by subsiding dosha with in the body itself

  1. Drink gomutra(Cowurine) – 15 to 20 ml early in the morning
  2. Triphala sawaras early in the morning.
  3. Cowmilk with cowurine (15 to 20 ml) drink it empty stomach after waking up.

Planet Ayurveda offers various formulations that aid in managing the further advancement of this:

Liver Care Pack

Product Description

1. Liver Detox Formula

  • Ingredients: Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurrao), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kasni (Cichorium intybus) etc.
  • Above mentioned herbs are natural supplement works as hepatoprotective agents (Good for liver), help in lowering the blood pressure, so prove as best medication in liver disease.
  • Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals.

2. Indian Echinacea

  • Ingredients: kalmegha/bhunimab (Andrographis paniculata)
  • It is mentioned as the best herb to enhance the liver function in the body. It has properties like pita sarak (releases pita dosha from the body), krimighan (kill worms)
  • Help in maintaining the immune system and supporting overall health it will provide strength to the patient body in hepatic failure.
  • Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals.

3. Yakritplihantak Churna

  • Ingredients: Is a herbal powder formulation containing herbs like Phyllanthus niruri, Eclipta Alba, Picorrhiza kurro, Andrographis panniculata etc.
  • All these herbs works as natural analgesics (pain killer), appetizer (enhance hunger) & hypotensive (lower blood pressure) thus help in managing further growth of hepatic failure.
  • Dosage: You can boil the powder 1 teaspoonful in 400 ml water, keep it boiling until it remains 50 ml. Strain it and drink the water. Leave the residue. Do it twice daily. Make fresh every time.

4. Phyllanthus Niruri

  • Ingredient: Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
  • It posses sheeta virya (cold potency) best suited for lowering the vitiated pitta dosha, also is a hepatoprotective & hypotensive herb, thus help in maintenance of Liver function so effective in liver failure.
  • DOSAGE: 2 capsules twice daily after meals.

In our ancient text it is also mentioned that:

  • If a physician have a good knowledge of curable and non curable disease after that when he precede the treatment in time, he will surely succeeds. But if he try to treat incurable disease even after knowing that it is a non treatable ailment, he will certainly suffers from the loss of arth (wealth), vidya (his/her study), yash (reputation) in the society.
  • The main conclusion of above verse is- it is very important for a doctor to tell his patient that your disease is a non curable one, we cannot treat it completely but we can stop its advancement with herbal medication.

Conclusion

Now we can conclude that liver failure is a condition where disease progress to the advanced stage the only treatment modality for it is liver transplant as per modern science but with ayurveda we can manage its progression by using proper herbal medicine, dietary changes & lifestyle changes.

Planet ayurveda the leading herbal manufacturing unit offers you best herbs and diet charts made under the supervision of ayurveda experts. Products are 100% organic & preservative free. So there is no need to worry when we have planet ayurveda with us. You can contact us through our website www.planetayurveda.com

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July 23, 2022

Most Important Facts About Ursodiol

Abstract

Liver is body’s second largest organ, it just sit under rib cage on the right side and size of liver is just same as size of football. Liver is essential for digesting food and removing the toxins out of the body. This disease is a genetic condition caused by many factors such as alcohol and obesity. With time it damages the liver which turns into scar (cirrhosis) and leads to liver failure. Yellowing of the skin is one of the signs of jaundice. As the liver turns food into energy and filters out the poison. Ursodiol is a class of medications known as gallstone dissolution as it slows down the production of cholesterol and dissolves the bile to prevent bile stones and decreases the toxic level and reduces the chance of liver transplantation. In this topic we are going to study in detail about its side effects, causes and mechanism further in this topic.

INTRODUCTION

Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic acid)  is used to dissolve gallstones when a patient doesn’t want surgery, used to treat people with primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary biliary cirrhosis is autoimmune disorder. Is a secondary bile acid which is produced in humans and many other species by intestinal bacteria. Ursodiol reduces the cholesterol saturation of bile and dissolves the cholesterol-rich stones. It suppresses the immune response such as immune cells phagocytosis. It has an anti-inflammatory property and protective effect in epithelial cells linked with an immunomodulatory response by regulating cytokines, sometimes bile acids are known to be colon tumor protectors so hence is chemoprotective. It helps to reduce the preterms delivery (as it reduces itching in the mother). It is suggested in the treatment of bile reflux and gastritis. It is very effective in non alcoholic fatty liver but is contraindicated in obstruction of biliary tract such as biliary atresia. Ursodiol is associated with risk of mortality and morbidity in neonatal hepatitis and neonatal cholestasis. It is usually present in tablets and capsules.

Liver Disease

In other liver diseases

In Acute liver disease there is the loss of liver function which occurs rapidly and commonly caused by hepatitis, virus, certain drugs hence develops slowly. It is known as fulminant hepatic failure which causes excessive bleeding and increased pressure in the brain.

SYMPTOMS OF LIVER FAILURE

  1. Jaundice
  2. Nausea
  3. Vomiting
  4. Sleepiness
  5. Tremors
  6. Confusion
  7. Malaise
  8. Ascites
  9. Pain in the upper abdomen.

CAUSES

  1. Acetaminophen overdose- It is a common cause of acute liver failure.
  2. Hepatitis and other viruses- These viruses can cause acute liver failure.
  3. Autoimmune disease- Liver failure can cause autoimmune hepatitis which attacks the immune system which further attacks liver cells.
  4. Cancer- Cancer that begins in the liver and further spread causes the liver to fail.
  5. Metabolic cause- Wilson’s disease and acute fatty liver causes acute liver failure.
  6. Vascular disease – Such as budd- chiari syndrome causes blockage in the veins of the liver which leads to liver failure.
  7. Shock- Infection can cause impairing of blood vessels which causes liver failure.  

SIDE EFFECTS OF URSODIOL

  1. Stomach pain
  2. Nausea
  3. Tired feeling
  4. Hair loss
  5. Cough
  6. Fever
  7. Swelling in ankles and feet.
  8. Sign of infection
  9. Bleeding
  10. Signs of infection (sore throat, fever)
  11. Increased urination, thrist.   

MECHANISM OF ACTION OF URSODIOL

1. Choleretic Effect

Primary bile acids which are produced by the liver and are stored in the gallbladder, when this acid is secreted than bile acids can be metabolized by intestinal bacteria. These primary and secondary bile acids digest the fat and ursodiol regulate the cholesterol by reducing the rate of cholesterol absorption by breaking up the micelles containing cholesterol. These drugs reduce the cholesterol level in patients and are an alternative to surgery.

2. Immunomodulating effect

It reduces the immune response as phagocytosis, prolonged use of this drug has effect on whole systems throughout the body, so ursodeoxycholic acid can be toxic.

3. Anti-inflammatory effect

Ursodiol has some anti inflammatory and protective effects on gastrointestinal tract, so it is linked by immunoregulatory response of cytokines and takes active part in increased wound in colon. As bile acids are known to be tumor promoters so ursodiol has chemoprotective action.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

  1. In gastrointestinal disorder- Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia.
  2. General disorders- Malaise, pyrexia, peripheral edema.
  3. Hepatobiliary disorders- Jaundice
  4. In musculoskeletal and tissue disorders- Myalgia
  5. Abnormal laboratory test- ALT increased, liver function test abnormal, blood bilirubin increased.
  6. Immune system disorder- Facial edema, urticaria ( itchy welts on skin).
  7. Respiratory, mediastinal disorders- Cough
  8. Nervous system disorder- Headache, dizziness.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

In ayurveda liver disease is named as yakrit vikara. Yakrit means liver and vikara refers to disorder or any disease condition. Liver disease is a condition which causes inflammation of the hepatic cells and causes damage to the liver. Liver is responsible for fat metabolism, production of proteins for blood plasma, removing bacteria from blood stream, hence liver disease is broad where liver fails to perform its designated problems. According to Sushruta, the liver is formed from blood and considered as the main site of blood.

CAUSATIVE FACTORS

  1. Alcohol intake
  2. Injury
  3. Injury
  4. Intake of spicy and beverages
  5. Night awakening.

LIVER DISORDER CLASSIFICATION

They are classified into 2 main stages

1. Reduced liver functions-

  1. Constipation
  2. Debility
  3. Coated tongue
  4. Belching
  5. Excess thirst
  6. Turbidity of urine
  7. Anemia

2. Enlarged liver

  1. Pain in joints and bones
  2. Loss of interest
  3. Constipation
  4. Pricking sensation
  5. Burning sensation
  6. Discoloration of stool
  7. Yellow color of urine
  8. Bitterness in mouth
  9. Numbness in my right shoulder.

LINE OF TREATMENT

  1. Protein rich food is advised.
  2. Patients avoid doing heavy work.

In Ayurveda

  1. Deepana
  2. Pachana
  3. Laxatives

In panchakarma vamana and virechana are lines of treatment for liver disease. As they expel kapha and pitta dosha.

  • Pathya ahara- barley, green gram, wheat, bottle gourd, turnip, mushroom, sweet potatoes.
  • Apathya ahara – Canned frozen foods, spicy food, aerated drinks, alcohol, excess use of salt.
  • Apathya vihara– Excessive walking, excessive intake of food which contains pitta, excess anger, exposure to sun, fire.

HERBS USEFUL IN LIVER DISEASE

Neem – Neem (Azadirachta indica) has a bitter and astringent taste, cold veerya, and is easy to digest. As it has laghu guna so it is easy to digest, and helps in absorbing moisture from intestines and cleans up the wound. It relieves excessive thirst as it decreases pitta dosha, which is helpful in fever. Good herb for eye disorders and relieves infection. Neem is a natural detoxifier, it enhances the lipid and protein process in the liver. The bitter taste of neem is liver friendly food.

Guduchi- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a famous ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of fever, jaundice and cardiac disorder. Ir balances tridosha, and has rejuvenating properties, improves strength, relieves the burning sensation and excessive thirst. Guduchi helps in the treatment of jaundice and many liver diseases. It improves eye disorders and helps in improving eye vision.

Amalaki- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) has guru (heavy) and sheetal (cold) gunas, has 5 rasas and sour ras is the dominant balance of all the 3 doshas. In rasayana chikitsa is used widely as an intelligence promoter. Amla is very beneficial in skin disorder and burning sensation of the body. It promotes the lifespan of the patient. It has a beneficial effect on the liver and it lessens the hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome effect.

Bhringraj- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) is very beneficial to the liver as it has various antioxidants which lower the toxic effect on the liver and improves the overall function. Widely used in hair fall treatment, skin diseases. Bhringraj has katu and tikta ras, and hot veerya. Balances vata and kapha doshas. Useful in indigestion and improves the eyesight, anaemia, and in liver diseases, in asthma and relieves pain and swelling. Bhringraj detoxifies the blood, improves fertility and life expectancy.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA IN LIVER DISEASES

Ayurveda medicines help to treat the disease from it root and help in maintaining proper health, Planet Ayurveda is a natural brand which has been serving humanity and all the medication are prepared are under the strict surveillance of experts and medication formulated are pure and free from any animal product, resins, colors etc. Planet ayurveda provides best medication and reduces the risk of recurrence of disease and causes no side effects and the treatment is pure and planet based. Planet Ayurveda described LIVER CARE PACK for healthy liver which contains yakrit plihantak churna, liver detox capsule and many more which we will discuss as below.

PRODUCT LIST

  1. Yakrit Plihantak churna
  2. Phyllanthus niruri
  3. Echinacea capsule
  4. Liver detox capsule

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

Herbal Remedies for URSODIOL

Herbal Supplements for URSODIOL

1. YAKRITPLIHANTAK CHURNA

Is herbal mixture used to improve liver function which is formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) , Kasani (Cichorium intybus),  Bhringraj (Eclipta alba),  Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), and many more. It helps to eliminate the toxins from the liver. Giloy used in this mixture helps to act as immunomodulator and rectify the metabolism of liver. It is beneficial in hormonal imbalance and pitta disorders. It helps in regeneration of damaged liver cells.

Dosage– 1 teaspoon twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Phyllanthus niruri

Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri ) is capsule formulation prepared by planet Ayurveda used in the treatment of liver, and acts as blood purifier in hepatosplenomegaly condition. It is good for treating diarrhea and dysentery. In women these capsules are beneficial in menorrhagia and leucorrhea. Bhumi amla acts as a digestant, liver stimulant, and has the property of a good appetite stimulant. Beneficial in cough, asthma, jaundice and in enlargement of liver

Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily after meals with warm water.

3. Echinacea capsules

These capsules are formulated by planet ayurveda used in liver and kidney diseases. It is a natural blood cleanser which removes toxins like urea, uric acid, creatinine from blood and improves the function of liver and kidney. It builds the resistance against cold and infections and increases the number of white blood cells which is helpful in fighting cancer cells. These capsules are advised in cases of vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infection and bronchitis.

Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals.

4. Liver Detox Capsule-

These capsules are formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and many more. These are beneficial in restoring and enhancing liver functions, This capsule acts as by converting and neutralizing the toxins which don’t harm liver cells. These capsules can be used on a regular basis for the proper functioning of the liver.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily after meals with warm water.    

CONCLUSION

In this article we studied in detail about the liver and its functioning. In ayurveda it is co-related by yakrit Vikara. Liver is responsible for fat metabolism, production of proteins for blood plasma, removing bacteria from blood stream, hence liver disease is broad where liver fails to perform its designated problems. Ursodiol is a class of medications known as gallstone dissolution as it slows down the production of cholesterol and dissolves the bile to prevent bile stones and decreases the toxic level and reduces the chance of liver transplantation. Later we discussed LIVER CARE PACK which is formulated by planet ayurveda which provided great relief to patients with no side effects.   

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