World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

ANATOMICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CLINICAL RESPONSE OF SHARPUNKHA KWATH IN ALCOHOL-INDUCED LIVER CIRRHOSIS: A CASE STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO YAKRIT (LIVER)

*. Rajeev Agnihotri, Dr. O. P. Dwivedi, Dr. Vikas Khare, Dr. Pallavi Dwivedi

ABSTRACT

Alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis is a progressive hepatic disorder characterized by hepatocellular injury, fibrosis, and distortion of hepatic architecture due to chronic alcohol consumption. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Yakrit Vikara associated with Raktavaha Srotas Dushti, where excessive intake of Ushna, Tikshna, and Vidahi Madya leads to Pitta Prakopa and impairment of Ranjaka Pitta. A 41-year-old male patient with a history of chronic alcohol intake for 7 years presented with generalized weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, distension, nausea, icterus, and moderate ascites with a previous history of jaundice and abdominal tapping. Clinical features such as Agnimandya, Balakshaya, Karshya, Panduta, Peetanetrata, Peetamutrata, and Udarashoola were observed. Investigations revealed deranged liver function parameters, while ultrasonography showed hepatomegaly, altered hepatic echotexture, fatty changes, cirrhotic features, and ascites. The patient was administered Sharpunkha Kwath (Tephrosia purpurea) 25 ml twice daily before food for 30 days. Assessment was performed through clinical symptoms, liver function tests, and ultrasonographic findings. Improvement was observed in appetite, weakness, abdominal discomfort, icterus, and overall wellbeing, along with reduction in SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels. The case highlights the anatomical and functional correlation between Yakrit and modern hepatic concepts and suggests the potential hepatoprotective role of Sharpunkha Kwath in alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. Further clinical studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish its therapeutic efficacy.

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