EVIDENCE-BASED AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF FATTY LIVER DISEASE (YAKRIT VIKAR): A CASE REPORT

The reason for a major global public health concern is rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease (FLD). FLD is caused by increasing the level of lipids, especially triglycerides, within hepatocytes. If not treated this condition can develop into cirrhosis fibrosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and in extreme cases, hepatocellular cancer. Initially it does not show any symptoms, but patients may feel systemic metabolic abnormalities, mild dyspepsia, weariness, and heaviness in the right hypochondrium. Instead than treating the metabolic and intestinal abnormalities, modern care generally relies on pharmacological interventions, dietary restrictions, exercise, and lifestyle changes. In Ayurveda, FLD can be correlated with Yakrit Vikar or Medo Yakrit Vriddhi, a condition arising due to Kapha-Pitta predominance, Meda Dhatu vitiation, impaired Agni (digestive fire), and accumulation of Ama (metabolic toxins). Blockage in yakrit and medovaha srotas causes Fatty infiltration along with systemic metabolic dysfunction. In this case report describes a 45 year old man who has diagnosed with Grade 2 fatty liver based on liver function tests and ultrasound and then taken Ayurvedic therapy regimen for 60 days. Shamana therapy using hepatoprotective herbs, Virechana for purgation, Snehapana for internal oleation, and Deepana-Pachana to enhance Agni. The patient's reports have improved after the treatment, lipid profile improved, hepatic fat decreased, liver enzyme levels returned to normal, and clinical symptoms significantly improved. This study demonstrates the potential of Ayurveda as an effective supplementary medicine.