Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

ABSTRACT

Liver Cirrhosis (Yakrit Shaithilya/Yakrit Vikara) is the condition in which our liver starts to decay or get damaged gradually.Nowadays, this disease is commonly seen in many people because today’s diet and lifestyle are quite unhealthy. That’s why most people have to face this problem in the present time. In this article we are going to discuss it in detail and also understand how ayurveda helps to manage this.

INTRODUCTION

Liver Cirrhosis (Yakrit Shaithilya/Yakrit Vikara) is one of the most severe chronic liver conditions, marked by progressive destruction of liver cells and their replacement with fibrous scar tissue. In modern medicine, cirrhosis commonly develops as a long-term consequence of chronic alcoholism, viral hepatitis (B and C), fatty liver disease, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndromes. The condition progresses silently, with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, anorexia, jaundice, and abdominal distension appearing in the later stages.

Advanced cases may present with portal hypertension, ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy.

CAUSES

• Chronic Alcohol Consumption
• Chronic Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C)
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Autoimmune Hepatitis
• Drug-Induced Liver Injury

SYMPTOMS

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal distention
• Jaundice
• Weakness and fatigue
• Swelling in feet and leg
• Burning sensation
• Itching

Diagnosis

1. Fibro Scan (Transient Elastography):- Non-invasive test that measures liver stiffness (fibrosis).

• Normal range: < 5.5 kPa
• Mild fibrosis (F1): 5.5–7 kPa
• Moderate (F2): 7–9.5 kPa
• Severe (F3): 9.5–12.5 kPa
• Cirrhosis (F4): > 12.5 kPa

2. Ultrasound Abdomen:- Test showing splenomegaly, ascites, and portal hypertension.

3. Liver Function Test (LFT):- Measures enzymes and proteins like ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), ALP, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time.

• Raised AST/ALT → Indicates hepatocellular injury
• Increased bilirubin → Suggests impaired liver detoxification
• Decreased albumin → Indicates reduced liver synthetic function

4. CT Scan or MRI:- Detailed imaging to evaluate liver size, nodularity, and presence of tumor.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC):- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and anemia are common in cirrhosis.

6. Ayurvedic Correlation:- In Ayurveda, Liver Cirrhosis correlates with Kumbha Kamala, Yakritodara, or Yakrit Vikara, where Pitta dosha vitiation and Rakta dushti lead to progressive liver damage.

Ayurvedic diagnosis involves

• Mutra and Mala Pariksha (Urine and stool analysis).
• Jihva (Tongue), Netra (Eyes), and Twak (Skin) Pariksha for discoloration and signs of Pitta aggravation.

Modern Treatment

• Corticosteroids and Azathioprine to suppress immune-mediated inflammation
• Insulin sensitizers and Vitamin E
• Hepatitis B or C Treated with Antiviral drugs
• Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) improves bile flow and liver enzyme levels

Symptomatic treatment

• Ascites:- Diuretics
• Portal Hypertension:- beta-blockers

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Dosha-Dushya Involvement (दोष-दुष्य संप्राप्ति)

Ayurvedic Pathogenesis (Samprapti)

When Pitta dosha becomes aggravated due to wrong diet and lifestyle, it vitiates the Rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and accumulates in the Yakrit (liver). This causes Dhatu Kshaya (tissue destruction) and fibrosis, leading to obstruction  in blood flow and fluid accumulation (Jalodara). If untreated, it transforms from Kamala → Kumbha Kamala → Yakritodara – the chronic irreversible stage comparable to Cirrhosis.

Ayurvedic Line of Treatment (Chikitsa Siddhant)

Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding Causative Factors)

Stop alcohol, spicy food, and other Pitta-aggravating habits

Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification Therapy)

1. Main treatment for Pitta dushti.
2. Mridu Shodhana (Mild Purification) using Trivrit, Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), or Aloe vera (Kumari).

Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative Therapy)

1. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
2. Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
3. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)
4. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
5. Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea)
6. Triphala, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
7. Arogyavardhini Vati

Pathya–Apathya (Diet & Lifestyle)

1. Light, easily digestible food
2. Avoid fried, spicy, fermented food.
3. Proper sleep, reduced stress, and regular mild exercise.

Liver Cirrhosis (Yakrit Vikara / Kumbha Kamala) represents a chronic and degenerative condition primarily arising from persistent Pitta and Rakta Dushti (vitiation of Pitta and blood tissues), resulting in progressive Yakrit Dhatu Kshaya (destruction of hepatic tissue). According to Ayurveda, the therapeutic approach focuses on Pitta Shamana (pacification of aggravated Pitta), Raktashodhana (purification of blood), and Rasayana Chikitsa (rejuvenation therapy) to restore hepatic equilibrium, enhance regeneration of liver cells, and prevent further pathological degeneration.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR LIVER CIRRHOSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a globally recognized Ayurvedic company dedicated to restoring health through pure, natural, and classical herbal formulations. Founded by Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – Ayurveda), it manufactures 100% authentic, vegetarian, and chemical-free products under strict GMP guidelines. The herbs used are organically grown, carefully processed, and standardized for maximum therapeutic efficacy. Planet Ayurveda follows the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda while ensuring scientific validation and global quality standards. Its formulations address the root cause of diseases, promoting holistic healing and long-term wellness.

PRODUCT NAME

• Yakrit Plihantak churna
• Liver Detox Formula   
• Livo Plan Syrup   

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

It is a herbal powder made from natural herbs. This powder contains herbs like Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurrao), Makoy (Solanum indicum) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). This formulation helps detoxify the liver and promotes regeneration of healthy liver cells. It is beneficial in liver disorders like fatty liver, hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis, and liver enlargement (hepatomegaly).

Dosage:- 1 teaspoonful twice a day before meals with warm water or decoction method.

2. LIVO PLAN SYRUP

This is a herbal syrup made from the extracts of herbs like Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Patol (Trichosanthes diocia), Kasni (Cichorium intybus)  Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata),Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) etc. This Helps improve liver enzyme activity and promotes healthy liver metabolism.Enhances the natural detoxification ability of the liver.

Dosage:- 2 tsp twice a day after meals.

3. LIVER DETOX FORMULA

Liver Detox Formula is a Polyherbal capsules prepared using Punarnava (Borehavia diffusa), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Makoy (Solanum indicum), Himsra (Capparis spinosa)etc.Helps flush out toxins (Ama) and harmful chemicals accumulated in the liver.

Dosage:- 1 capsule twice a day after meals with warm water.

CONCLUSION

Planet Ayurveda’s Fatty Liver Care Pack offers a holistic and natural solution for managing fatty liver (Yakrit Vriddhi / Medodushti Janya Yakrit Vikara). The formulations in this pack are enriched with liver-detoxifying, antioxidant, and rejuvenating herbs that help reduce fat accumulation, restore liver function, and balance aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas. Regular use of this pack under expert guidance helps in detoxification, improved metabolism, and regeneration of liver cells, thereby ensuring long-term hepatic wellness.

Planet Ayurveda remains committed to promoting authentic Ayurvedic healing, blending classical wisdom with modern expertise to support a healthy liver and overall vitality.