Category: Ascites

August 22, 2023

Hepatic Sarcoidosis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Before moving on to hepatic sarcoidosis, it is useful to look at sarcoidosis in general. Sarcoidosis is a disease that occurs when groups of cells in the immune system form red, swollen (swollen) lumps called granulomas in various organs of the body. Most are lungs and lymph nodes. But it can also affect the eyes, skin, cardiovascular system (heart), and other organs. However, hepatic (Liver) involvement is also common in sarcoidosis. Most patients with hepatic involvement are asymptomatic. So most of the time to find the problem is to find the high enzymes most of the time. Right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, itching and jaundice may be associated with liver involvement. Portal hypertension and cirrhosis are complications associated with chronic hepatic sarcoidosis. In this article, we cover what is Hepatic Sarcoidosis, its aetiology, symptoms, Diagnosis, and Ayurvedic overview of Hepatic (Liver) Sarcoidosis.

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by the presence of disease-free granulomas that can affect many organs in the absence of disease, other autoimmune diseases, and exposure to foreign agents. The incidence of sarcoidosis is more in young adulthood and early 60s. Liver cirrhosis and liver nodules are some of the lung manifestations associated with Sarcoidosis.

Hepatic Sarcoidosis

LIVER INJURY IN HEPATIC SARCOIDOSIS

  1. Jaundice
  2. Liver Cirrhosis
  3. Portal hypertension
  4. Ascites

ETIOLOGY

The reason is unknown, but can be caused by many things:

  1. Environmental Factors
  2. Genetic Factors
  3. Immune Interactions

SYMPTOMS

The effects of sarcoidosis vary according to its severity and the organs it affects. Whether you have chronic sarcoidosis or the sudden or gradual onset of symptoms prevents the body from functioning properly. Symptoms may include:

  1. Hepatomegaly
  2. skin rash
  3. swelling of the face, armpits, or groin
  4. tiredness and exhaustion
  5. Headache

Rarely, if the disease progresses, liver damage (cirrhosis) or liver failure may occur with the following symptoms:

  1. Abdominal pain
  2. Yellow skin and eyes (Jaundice)
  3. Ascites (Abdominal edema)
  4. Dark urine
  5. Itchy skin

RISK FACTORS

Several risk factors can increase your risk of developing sarcoidosis, such as:

  1. Infection or poisoning if you have genetics
  2. Females are at high risk than males
  3. 20-40 years old
  4. Black, Japanese or Northern European

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Blood Tests: In most cases, your liver enzyme tests will likely be normal. However, the most common blood test abnormality in liver sarcoidosis is an elevated alkaline phosphatase.
  2. MRI
  3. Ultrasonography
  4. CT scan- Hepatomegaly

Liver biopsy

  • Liver biopsy reveals multiple noncaseating granulomas.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF HEPATIC SARCOIDOSIS

Ayurveda is a science of life aimed at improving the quality of life and treating the root causes of diseases. In Ayurveda, we can correlate liver sarcoidosis with the dhatugata vikara and the Ama (toxins). Indigestion, and staying awake, intake of dry or too-light food leads to vitiation of Vata dosha. Vitiation of Vata dosha along with Kapha and Pitta disturbs the normal cycle of the body and results in the formation of Ama. The presence of Ama can cause several health issues and if it starts spreading in your body then it starts destroying everything that comes in its way. Uncontrolled Ama in your body blocks the healthy flow of prana (life), and nutrients in the body. Ayurveda helps in the pachan of Ama (Removal of toxins from the body).

CAUSES OF AMA

  1. Improper mixing of food
  2. Overeating and unhealthy diet (especially fatty, sugary or fried)
  3. Irregular eating
  4. Disturbance in sleep pattern
  5. Stressful life
  6. Inactive for prolonged hours

SYMPTOMS OF AMA

  1. Heaviness
  2. Fatigue
  3. Indigestion
  4. Abnormal flow of Vata
  5. Heartburn

The following herbs are used to manage this condition:

  1. Neem
  2. Haridra
  3. Guggul
  4. Vasa
  5. Ashwagandha
  6. Tulsi
  7. Kanchnaar
  8. Amalaki
  9. Punarnava

Following herbal formulations that can be given in Hepatic sarcoidosis include:

  1. Giloy ghan vati
  2. Arogyavardhini vati
  3. Lavangadi vati
  4. Yashtimadhu ghan vati
  5. Tulsi ghan vati
  6. Shitopladi churna
  7. Ashwagandha rasayan
  8. Amalaki rasayan
  9. Haridrakhanda
  10. Triphala guggul
  11. Yograj guggul
  12. Guduchi satva
  13. Guluchyadi kashaya
  14. Patolkaturohiniadi kwath
  15. Nimbadi kwath
  16. Dashmularishta

PANCHKARMA PROCEDURES

  1. Nasya- administration of drugs by nasal cavity
  2. Raktamokshana- blood purification therapy
  3. Swedana- sweating therapy
  4. Snehana- oleation or lubricating therapy
  5. Viechana- laxatives (substances used to induce purging)

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HEPATIC SARCOIDOSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a manufacturer of Ayurvedic medicines derived entirely from plants. This medicine does not contain chemicals, additives or preservatives. All products are GMP certified and 100% vegan. Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies for Liver Sarcoidosis:

  1. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL
  2. BOSWELLIA-CURCUMIN
  3. LIVER DETOX FORMULA
  4. PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI
  5. KALMEGH GHAN VATI
  6. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

Herbal Supplements for Hepatic Sarcoidosis

Herbal Supplements for Hepatic Sarcoidosis

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. KANCHNAAR GUGGUL

It is a herbal tablet that includes the bark of Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellica), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Trikatu (Zingiber officinale) and various other herbs. Kanchnaar has anti-inflammatory properties. It balances Prinicipal doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Amalaki has aphrodisiac properties (virshya) and helps to reduce the burning sensation. Amalaki is used for the detoxification of the body. It eliminates the excess ama dosha from the body. Haritaki prevents liver toxicity caused by some medications and balances the three doshas. Guggul is best for reducing the size of inflammatory cells. Trikatu is helpful in the regeneration of liver cells and it also improves the digestive fire and promotes the proper breakdown of food. Bibhitaki enhances the liver detoxification process.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily

2. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a polyherbal capsule. It is free of yeast, binders, fillers, starch, chemicals, etc. It contains shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (haridra). It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it reduces inflammation and swelling. Shallaki is used to inhibit lipid peroxidation in the liver. Shallaki is also acting as a painkiller. Curcumin can reduce liver damage and has a dual impact on alcoholic liver injury.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

3. LIVER DETOX FORMULA

There are various herbs in these capsules that include Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) etc. Katuki is used to treat liver problems such as jaundice, relapsing fever, and viral hepatitis. Punarnava is used to reduce the symptoms of ascites caused due to liver diseases. Kalmegh is beneficial for the fatty liver. Haritaki can help increase the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily

4. PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI

It is a single herbal capsule that includes Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri). It helps to manage liver diseases. Bhumi Amla has hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antiviral activities that help treat liver disease and reverse liver damage.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

5. KALMEGH GHAN VATI

It is a herbal medicine containing Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). It is widely used in liver diseases due to its hepatoprotective properties. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It removes toxins from the body and it also improves digestion. Protects liver cells from free radicals.

Dosage: 2 Tablets twice daily

6. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

It is a poly-herbal churna containing Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) etc. Bhringa is a powerful liver tonic, used for the treatment of hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. For the treatment of fatty liver, Kalmegh is used.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

CONCLUSION

As a fundamental part of the human body, changes in its structure or function can have a significant impact. Therefore, care must be taken to avoid liver disease. Even after treatment, patients should have a clear understanding of health and wellness and behaviour and relapse should be avoided. The herbs that can be used for liver disorders are Kumari (Aloe Vera), Pippali (Piper longum), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bhoonimba (Andrographis paniculata), and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Bhoomyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) etc.

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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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