Category: Alcoholic Liver Disease

June 6, 2023

What is progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis? – How can Ayurveda help?

ABSTRACT

Liver is one of the heaviest and your body’s second largest organ. It is placed right under your ribcage on the right side and is approximately the size of a football. It does a lot of things that keep a person healthy. Liver separates nutrients from toxins as they move through the digestive system. It carries out toxins out from your body and also helps in the process of digestion. So when your liver isn’t working well, it affects your entire body. In this article, we will take a look at PFIC or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and its safer treatment options in Ayurveda, a 5000 year old system of medicine.

INTRODUCTION- WHAT IS PFIC?

PFIC or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a disorder that eventually results in progressive liver disease. This most commonly leads to liver failure. Liver cells in this condition are unable to secrete digestive fluid called bile. This is a rare inherited condition which causes buildup of bile in liver cells which leads to jaundice, severe itching and malabsorption which worsens over time.

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis

CAUSES

PFIC or progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is an inherited disorder that occurs due to gene mutations. This condition occurs when an individual inherits a mutated gene from the parents. Most commonly affected genes in PFIC are ABCB11 or ABCB4.

SYMPTOMS

Most common symptoms for PIFC include

  • Severe itching
  • Poor weight gain
  • Poor growth
  • Jaundice
  • Bleeding
  • Poor bone growth and strength
  • Enlargement of liver
  • Malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins (Vitamin A,D,E,K)
  • Liver cirrhosis

TREATMENT

Most commonly treatment for PIFC is based on giving the symptomatic relief to the patient. Major complaints like itching can be treated symptomatically.

Various Treatment Pptions for PIFC are

  1. Vitamin supplements: For weakness and incomplete absorption, various supplemental vitamins are suggested.
  2. Liver transplant: If the medicines are not effective in giving relief, liver transplant is usually the only option left.

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT OF PIFC

Although Ayurveda does not directly mention PFIC, it does mention inherited disorders. Acharya Charka, the ancient Ayurveda scholar mentions that any kind of congenital and genetic deformities originated at the reproductive level. It states that any kind of deformity in sperm (Shukra) and ovum (Shonit) will lead to beej dosha (genetic deformity) because beej bhag (genes) are responsible for womb formation. When the genes are defective it leads to any kind of genetic deformity in the new born baby. Considering all the symptoms and causes of this disease, we can correlate this with Rakta Vaha Srotas Dushti. When the pregnant mother consumes Pitta aggravating diet, there is imbalance in the doshas and the Raktha Strotas of the fetus which then leads to the genetic disorders like PIFC.

AYURVEDA HERBS THAT HELP IN PIFC

Ayurveda, 5000 year old system of medicine does mention various ayurveda herbs that brilliantly help in managing the symptoms and treating the condition of PIFC are

1. BHUMYAMALAKI

Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) is an Ayurveda herb mentioned in classical text books of Ayurveda. It majorly affects the health of the liver. This herb has cleansing, soothing and cooling properties. It balances the pitta and kapha dosha and balances the excess agni/heat in the digestive tract. Not only liver, it also helps gallbladder in cleansing and detoxification.

2. TRIPHALA

Triphala, a combination of three ayurveda herbs namely amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Harad (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia billerica) is one of the most used ayurveda combinations has a unique ability to provide multiple benefits to the body. A combination of three herbs, it helps in constipation and digestion. Along With this, it helps to detox, replenish and nourish the liver with its qualities. It can be easily consumed in powder form, tablet form or in a decoction form.

3. KALMEGH

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is a well documented Ayurveda herb mentioned in Ayurveda textbooks. It is called Indian Echinacea; it is one of the most important and powerful ayurveda herbs against liver disorders. It has been proven to have hepatoprotective properties. It is antiviral, anti bacterial, immune boosting and anti infective which makes it the foremost choice of the herb against liver disorders.

4. AMLA (Embilica officinalis)

Amla or Indian gooseberry has antioxidants and helps prevent the body from the attack of free radicals. It is a great source of vitamin C and a huge immune booster. It has a combination of five tastes in Ayurveda and helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. It has cool potency and a sweet post digestive effect which helps in dealing with inflammation in liver disorders.

HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR PFIC BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is an authentic, GMP certified company that produces pure Ayurveda herbs and formulations under the expert supervision of Ayurveda doctors. All the formulations are vegetarian, 100% pure and are mentioned in 5000 year old Ayurveda texts. Some of the formulations by planet ayurveda for PIFC are

herbal remedies for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Herbal Remedies for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Product Description

1. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

Yakrit Plihantak Churna by planet ayurveda is a powder formulation prepared with the pure ayurveda herbs such as Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) and many other hepatoprotective herbs. These herbs have katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) ras (taste) and help in balancing out kapha and pitta dosha in the body. All these herbs work in sync and assist in sustaining the health of the hepatic system without any side effects.

DOSAGE: 1 tsf of Churna twice daily.

2. KALMEGH GHAN VATI

Kalmegh Ghan vati by planet ayurveda is prepared by 500 mg standardized extract of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) as the main ingredient. This herb has a bitter taste and is known as the king of bitter in ayurveda texts. According to ayurveda, this is yakrit utejak; pittasark and rechak which means these capsules support healthy hepatoprotective activity and sustain good liver health. These capsules work brilliantly well in all cases of liver diseases.

DOSAGE: 2 tablets twice daily.

3. BHUMI AMLA SWARAS

Bhumi amla Swaras by planet ayurveda is liquid formulation that contains Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) as the main ingredient. This herb has cold potency, bitter and sweet in taste. This herb has anti viral, antihelminthic and laxative properties. It balances out aggravated Vata and pitta dosha and hence manages thirst, cough and cold. This formulation is known to remove all the mala (waste) from the body and is known to retain health while reversing the liver disorders.

DOSAGE: 2 tbsp twice daily.

4. LIVER DETOX CAPSULES

Planet Ayurveda’s liver detox capsules are pure vegetarian capsule formulations with no side effects. The Prime ingredients capsule are katuki (picrorhiza kurroa), punarnava (boerhavia diffusa), kalmegh (andrographis paniculata), makoy (solanum indicum) and many other ayurveda herbs. Extracts of all these potent herbs are present in Liver care capsules. These protect against fatty liver and flush out the body toxins and improve digestion.
DOSAGE: 1 capsule twice daily.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

Liver is the most important detox organ of the body. It is very important for the liver to function properly to be able to maintain overall body health. Liver disorders cannot be fully treated by the modern medicine system. Liver transplant remains the last option in modern treatment. However, with Ayurveda one gets complete relief from the symptoms in a safer way. It is difficult to cure the genetic disorders completely but with ayurveda we can naturally manage the symptoms better and avoid the side effects and liver transplant in the longer run.

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May 13, 2023

Treatment of Chylous Ascites with Herbal Remedies and Diet

Abstract

CHYLOUS ASCITES occur when chyle collects in the belly. Chyle is a milky fluid which is made in the intestines. It is an uncommon and a rare type of condition arising from obstruction of lymphatic drainage or trauma. It was first reported in 1912. It has an incidence of approximately 1 per 20,000 people. The present ascitic fluid  can turn into chylous fluid as a secondary event. It can occur in children, although most are infants and toddlers and adults.

INTRODUCTION

Chylous ascites is defined as the milky appearance that results from leakage of lipid rich lymph into the peritoneal cavity. This usually occurs due to trauma and increased peritoneal lymphatic pressure or rupture of the lymphatics. Presence of the ascitic fluid with high fat (triglyceride), usually more than 200 mg/dL is defined as true chylous ascites.

Chylous ascites

SYMPTOMS

Chylous ascites are usually asymptomatic, but the following symptoms can be seen.

  1. Weight gain
  2. Shortness of breath
  3. Increased abdominal pressure
  4. Enlarged lymph nodes
  5. Malaise
  6. Anorexia
  7. Vomiting or Diarrhea
  8. Abdominal pain due to sudden leakage of chyle into the peritoneum.
  9. Bulge or swelling

CAUSES

  1. Injuries due to Trauma or surgery
  2. Rupture of lymphatics
  3. Increased peritoneal pressure
  4. Obstruction
  5. Malignancy
  6. Congenital lymphatic malformations
  7. Systemic infections such as tuberculosis, It can also occur from Cirrhosis,  pericarditis etc
  8. Inflammatory causes such as peritonitis .
  9. Mediastinal tumors

Diagnosis of chylous ascites

  1. Paracentesis – sample of the fluid is taken from the belly with the help of the needle and examined under the microscope.
  2. Ultrasound
  3. Lymphoscintigraphy
  4. Magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography
  5. Blood culture – triglyceride test
  6. CT ( computed tomography )

MANAGEMENT

As per modern : The management will be in two types : Conservative and Surgical.

CONSERVATIVE -Low fat diet

  • IV nutrition
  • Removing fluid from the belly ( Paracentesis)
  • Placing a drain in the belly to let fluid flow out.
  • Transjugular intra hepatic porto systemic shunt (TIPS)

AS PER AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Ayurveda is a holistic way of healing which heals on the basis of dosha , dhatu , mala through herbs with different diagnostic tools such as dashavidha pariksha. Ayurved helps in treating the disease from the roots without any harmful reaction to the body .It aims to restore the health of the healthy person and to treat the diseased person.

Chyle Ascites is due to either vata and kapha dosha , vata dosha helps in  the movements of the body and maintains the normal functions of the body whereas kapha provides stability to the body. It comes under udara roga as per ayurveda It happens  due to accumulation of the toxic fluid into the peritoneal cavity.

Diagnosis

  • Darshana ( Direct perception)
  • Sparshana (Touch Perception)
  • Prashan (Questioning)

Management

  1. Dietary management
  2. Lifestyle changes
  3. Shaman chikitsa  (Herbal formulations)
  4. Shodhana chikitsa (Purificatory measures)
  5. Shastra chikitsa (surgical or para surgical procedures)

Tips

  1. Diet –Take warm and liquid food such as soups and stews , Avoid salty, heavy ,oily, spicy food and carbonated drinks. Have fresh vegetables and fruits , a high fibre diet and low sodium diet.
  2. Lifestyle – Gentle exercise , Meditation and yoga to cope up with stress.
  3. Shodhana chikita – snehana , swedana, nitya virechana , asthapan and anuvasana basti.
  4. Shaman chikitsa – Using herbal drugs or formulations to manage the condition such as triphala , guggulu , punarnava , Kalmegh etcc..

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CHYLOUS ASCITES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

PLANET AYURVEDA is an ayurvedic clinic which provides holistic healing through herbs and diet. They also have a manufacturing unit which is GMP and ISO certified. They provide natural supplements such as herbal oils, tablets, capsules, powders ,syrups etc which are 100% pure and natural. They also provide classical medicines and serve the society for more than 20 years.

Product Lists

  1. Punarnava capsules
  2. Shothari mandoor
  3. Tribulus power
  4. Indian echinacea
  5. Yakrit plihantak churna

Herbal Remedies for Chylous ascites

Chylous ascites herbal supplements

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Punarnava capsules

It is one of the patent medicines of the planet ayurveda consisting of punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) available in capsule form.. Punarnava is a classical ayurvedic herb which is used to reduce inflammation, in liver disorders, increases digestive fire, useful in wounds , abdominal disorders.

DOSAGE: 2 Capsules twice a day after meal with plain water.

2. Shothari mandoor

It is one of the classical as well patent medicines by planet ayurveda available in tablet form . It consists of various herbs such as Triphala(Haritaki, amalaki, vibhitaki), Trikatu(Sunthi, maricha, pippali), madhu(honey) , nirgundi swarasa(vitex negundo), chavya(Piper chaba) , gomutra etc.. It is useful in treating edema, inflammation, in case of injury bleeding.

DOSAGE – 2 tablets twice a day after meal with plain water.

3. Tribulus Power

This is a patent medicine by planet Ayurveda available in capsule form. It is a single herb formulation consisting of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) .This is useful in balancing all the doshas, relieves from pain and it has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties

DOSAGE– 1 Capsule twice daily after meal with plain water.

4. Indian echinacea

Indian echinacea is a patent herbal formulation by planet ayurveda available in capsule form which includes indian echinacea (Andrographis paniculata) in sanskrit it is known as kalamegha. It pacifies kapha and pitta dosha and increases immunity.

DOSAGE: 1 capsule twice daily after meal with plain water.

5. Yakrit Plihantak churna

It is one of the planet ayurveda’s patent formulation in powder form which includes kalmegh  (Andrographis paniculata), bhringraj (eclipta alba) , bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) , sharpunkha(Tephrosia purpurea) etc.. It is useful in liver and spleen disorders. It relieves from disorders like liver cirrhosis, liver damage , infections etc.

DOSAGE: 1 Tablespoon twice daily after meal with plain water.

CONCLUSION

Chylous ascites have a milky appearance , which arises due to above mentioned causes . It results from leakage of lipid rich lymph into the cavity .Chylous ascites  have both conservative and surgical management which makes it curable. According to ayurveda it comes under udara rogas which can manifest due to no. of causes and can be treated by different methods such as diet, lifestyle , shodhana and shaman therapies as well as shalya karma( surgery). As this condition can be managed by conservative treatment herbal remedies play a major role. You can find the classical as well as patent medicines for this condition at www.planetayurved.com

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