Clinically Tested Ayurvedic Products for Fatty Liver: Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Fatty Liver disease is a very common liver disease that is affecting a large number of the population. It occurs due to excess fat accumulation in the liver cells. It is also medically known as hepatic steatosis. It is also known as a silent epidemic as it develops silently and the symptoms are either very few or no symptoms are presented in its initial stages. It is closely associated with obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and metabolic dysfunction. However these changes are reversible in the early stages. So, let’s discuss this in detail and the role of ayurveda in its management.

Introduction

The liver is the largest gland of the body and is the main seat for the metabolic changes in the body. It plays a central role in the metabolism of the fat thus is the common site for the accumulation of fat. Fatty Liver is caused due to disturbance in the fat metabolism due to various reasons. When more than 5% of the liver’s weight is made up of fat or when more than 30% of hepatic cells have fat accumulation then it is known as Fatty Liver.

It is of two types:

1. Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease

Alcohol is one of the main causes of liver diseases. Alcoholic Fatty Liver occurs due to chronic excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol disrupts the lipid metabolism, leading to fat accumulation in liver cells and if alcohol consumption continues it may progress to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

2. Non – Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

It is now known as MASLD that is Metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease. It is closely linked to metabolic syndromes like central obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and sedentary behaviour. In case if fat accumulation is associated with inflammation and cell injury, it increases the risk of fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Causes And Risk Factors

• Alcohol
• Overeating
• Metabolic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc.
• Hyperlipidemia

Symptoms

In early stages there may be a few or no symptoms at all. In later stages symptoms include-

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Dull pain or discomfort in abdomen
• Loss of appetite and indigestion
• Swelling in legs
• Jaundice

Complication

• Liver Cirrhosis
• Hepatic carcinoma
• Portal hypertension
• Ascitis

Diagnosis

• Liver Function tests
• Ultrasonography
• Liver biopsy
• MRI
• Fibroscan

Treatment

• The first line of treatment includes lifestyle changes like weight loss, dietary changes, alcohol abstinence, regular physical activity, etc.
• Further medications are advised as per underlying conditions like medications to control diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.
• Drugs like Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) and semaglutide are being used these days but they should be taken under medical supervision.
• Liver Transplantation in severe cases.

Ayurvedic Overview

Liver is one of the main organs of the body and is known as ‘Yakrit’ in Ayurveda which executes the metabolic actions in the body. It is the main seat of Pitta Dosha so when due to various nidanas (causes) like Vidahi (food that causes irritation), guru (heavy), divasvapana (daytime sleeping), vega dharana (suppressing the natural urges), chinta (overthinking), etc. the Pitta Dosha gets vitiated it leads to the vitiation of agni that is agni mandhya (low digestive fire). This further vitiates the Kapha Dosha and the Rakta (blood). This disturbs the fat metabolism in the body and the Kapha and Meda (fat) get accumulated in the hepatic cells that ultimately results in the Yakritodara (liver disease/hepatomegaly).

Its treatment includes correcting the agni (Digestive Fire), balancing the vitiated Dosha and removing the srotorodha (obstruction in the channels). The herbs which help in this are:

1. Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri)

It has Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) taste, Sheeta (cooling) potency and works primarily on Pitta and Kapha dosha which are involved in liver fat accumulation. It contains phyllanthin which exhibits antiviral properties.

2. Kalmegh (Androghraphis Paniculata)

It exhibits lekhana karma (scrapping action) helps to reduce the buildup of fat (lipids) in the liver by improving lipid metabolism and promoting the breakdown of fats.

3. Katuki (Picrorhiza Kurroa)

It is a pitta virechaka (purgative) herb which helps to eliminate the vitiated Pitta Dosha from the body and helps to regulate liver functioning.

4. Kaasni (Cichorium Intybus)

Its active constituents such as chicoric acid, inulin, flavonoids help to protect hepatocytes, reduce fat accumulation and improve bile flow.

5. Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba)

It pacifies excess Pitta Dosha, reduces Ama (toxins) and improves digestion also. It protects liver cells from free radical damage and helps to lower cholesterol levels.

Some Of The Commonly Used Formulations In Fatty Liver

• Arogyavardhini Vati
• Kumaryasava
• Sanjivani Vati
• Pippalyasava
• Rohitakarishta
• Patolkaturohiniyadi Kashaya, etc.

Pathya (Wholesome Diet And Regimen)

• Eat small, frequent meals to support agni (low digestive fire)
• Whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal
• Practice yoga and pranayama
• Non starchy vegetables
• Reduce anxiety, anger, and sorrow
• Ensure proper, comfortable sleep and avoid daytime sleeping

Apathya (Unwholesome Diet And Regimen)

• Avoid heavy, greasy, and fried foods
• Restrict sour and salty foods
• Avoid dairy products
• Avoid citrus fruits
• Avoid fast and processed foods
• Avoid red meat and processed meats

Planet Ayurveda’s Approach In Fatty Liver

Planet Ayurveda is a reputed global Ayurvedic brand committed to promoting holistic health through pure, natural and research backed herbal formulations. Rooted in classical Ayurvedic wisdom and supported by modern manufacturing standards, the company produces high quality supplements, disease specific herbal packs and clinically relevant wellness formulations. In the management of fatty liver Planet Ayurveda plays a significant role by offering safe, plant based solutions that help reduce liver inflammation, improve hepatic metabolism, enhance bile secretion and support detoxification. We have clinically tested products that helps to manage Fatty Liver that are-

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
2. Liver Detox Formula

Product Description

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It is a churna (powder) formulation of Planet Ayurveda which is clinically tested for its use in Fatty Liver. It consists 8 Ayurvedic herbs like Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), etc. It helps in rejuvenation and detoxification of the liver. It has lekhana (scrapping) actions which helps to remove excess fat from the hepatic cells. The active compounds like phyllanthin, Kutkoside, Andrographolide helps to reduce inflammation, enhance bile flow and eliminate ama (accumulated toxins).

Dosage: 1 spoon twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Liver Detox Formula

It is a capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda which consists of Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Bhranjsipha (Achillea millefolium-Yarrow), Himsra (Capparis spinosa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), etc. It contains active ingredients like picrosides and andrographolide which help reduce bilirubin levels. It is bitter and cooling in nature, and helps to eliminate excess Pitta from the colon and supports the restoration of liver functions by reversing fatty liver changes.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

Fatty liver disease is rapidly increasing due to poor diet, sedentary habits, metabolic stress, lack of physical activity. Modern management focuses on lifestyle modification, controlling obesity, insulin resistance, and associated metabolic disorders. While these measures slow progression, they often do not fully reverse fat deposition or restore optimal liver function. Ayurveda however offers a deeper root cause based management by addressing Ama (toxins) accumulation, impaired Agni (Digestive Fire) and Medo Dhatu (Fat tissue) imbalance. Herbs like Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), etc. possess clinically proven hepatoprotective, anti inflammatory, antioxidant properties. Along with dietary regulation, yoga and lifestyle correction Ayurveda not only improves liver enzymes but also repairs hepatocytes and reverses early fatty changes.