Alternative Treatment for Noncirrhotic Portal Fibrosis (NCPF)

Abstract

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is a chronic, but benign, liver disease which affects the portal vein — the blood vessel that carries blood to the liver from the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, gallbladder, and the spleen (the organ below the rib cage and above the stomach).NCPF has an overall good prognosis for the patients because the potential mortality risk from severe variceal bleeding in NCPF is comparatively much lower than that for patients suffering from liver cirrhosis.

Introduction

NCPF is one of the liver diseases comprising a category of disorders grouped under ‘Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH).’ The key characteristic of NCPF is an increase in pressure in the portal venous system – either because of intrahepatic lesions or prehepatic lesions – in the absence of cirrhosis of the liver. Due to the increased pressure in the portal vein, large, swollen veins (varices) develop within the esophagus, stomach, umbilical area, or rectum. The liver and function of the liver, however, remains unaffected.

NCPF is known by some other names also, such as Idiopathic portal hypertension, Idiopathic non cirrhotic portal hypertension, Obliterative portal venopathy of the liver, Hepatoportal sclerosis,Incomplete septal cirrhosis, and Nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

NCPF is typically marked by ‘thrombosis’ of branches of portal vein, because the high portal pressure and resistance to prograde splanchnic flow leads to congestive splenomegaly. Thrombosis is a medical term used for the formation of blood clots within a blood vessel, due to which the normal flow of blood through the circulatory system is hampered or obstructed. The condition, in most cases, causes recurring episodes of variceal bleeding. In fact, according to the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), NCPF accounts for nearly 10%-30% variceal bleeding cases worldwide.

NCPF generally affects young men in the 30s and 40s age group. The disease is reported from all parts of the world, though the number of cases in developing countries – especially among the socioeconomically disadvantaged population – is significantly higher than that in developed countries.

Noncirrhotic Portal Fibrosis (NCPF) Causes

There is presently no medical clarity about the exact cause behind the occurrence of Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). Nonetheless, it is assumed that some of the apparent factors which can lead to the disease are:

• Genetic disorders
• Immunological disorders
• Chronic or recurrent intestinal/abdominal infections
• Malnutrition
• Exposure to toxins or chemicals
• Exposure to certain medications
• Thrombophilia.

Noncirrhotic Portal Fibrosis (NCPF) Symptoms

People suffering from NCPF are usually young and healthy, and have a normally functioning liver despite the disease. However, some of the signs and symptoms of NCPF are:

• Well-controlled episodes of variceal bleeding
• One or more episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Lump or pain in the abdomen’s left upper quadrant (because of enlarged spleen)
• Conditions like Slenomegaly and Hypoxia
• Jaundice
• Gum bleeds
• Increased susceptibility to bruising
• Repeated infections.

NCPF patients do not usually have any significant liver enlargement. In some rare cases, NCPF patients mayexhibit signs of transient liver failure, particularly after an episode of hematemasis.

Noncirrhotic Portal Fibrosis (NCPF) Treatment

NCPF can cause the swollen portal veins (varices) to rupture and bleed, in around 90% cases; thereby increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening health complications for the affected patients. Hence, the treatment of the disease is largely focused on the use of medical and surgical methods for controlling excessivevariceal bleeding. In particular, the treatment of NCPF involves the management of the disease with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST).

The effective management of NCPF is also possible with the help of some beneficial herbal/Ayurvedic products offered by renowned herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda. These products, prepared under the supervision of experienced Ayurveda practitioners, are:

1. Liver Detox Capsules

Several well-known herbs with proven liver-detoxification actions are combined for the preparation of these capsules. The herbs include Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kalmegh(Andrographispaniculata), Punarnava (Boerhaaviadiffusa),Kasni (Cichoriumintybus), Himsra (Capparisspinosa), Biranjasipha (Achilleamillefolium), Jhavuka(Tamarixgallica) Katuki (Picrorhizakurroa), and Makoy (Solanum nigrum).

People suffering from NCPF can benefit from the use of these capsules because of the ability of the herbal components to detoxify the liver, support healthy functioning of the liver, assist the digestive process, lower the elevated cholesterol levels, and provide ample nutrients to the body.

Dosage-1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

2. Indian Echinacea Capsules

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of standardized extract of ‘Indian Echinacea’ herb (KalmeghorAndrographispaniculata). The herb is known for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, and immunity-enhancing properties.

The use of Indian Echinacea capsules is beneficial for NCPF patients because the capsules can improve liver function, manage liver disorders, cure gastric disorders, treat bowel problems, support blood purification, manage HIV and Hepatitis B, and eliminate toxins from the body.

Dosage-1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

3. Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules

Pure and standardized extract of ‘Bhumi amla’ herb (Phyllanthus niruri) is used for preparing these capsules. The herb is widely known for its acrid, alexipharmic,cooling, and diuretic properties, along with its ability to strengthen the immune system.

Patients affected by NCPF can benefit from these capsules because of the ability of the capsules to support healthy liver function, treat anaemia, cleanse the blood, and treat a number of common gastrointestinal conditions, like hyperacidity and constipation.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

4. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

This herbal powder is prepared from a combination of several potent herbs which have proven abilities to enhance liver function. The herbal components of this powder include Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Kalmegh(Andrographispaniculata), Bhringraj (Ecliptaalba), Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), and Makoy (Solanum nigrum).

The use of this churna is recommended for NCPF patients because the herbs combined for preparing the churna have the ability to reduce liver inflammation, boost liver metabolism, promote regeneration of liver cells, prevent liver failure, increase bile production, and treat liver diseases like liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, and jaundice.

Dosage– ½ to 1 teaspoonful two times a day with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

The use of the above-mentioned herbal products available from Planet Ayurveda can be extremely beneficial for people affected by Noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) and other liver disorders. The products are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs which have immense medicinal significance with regard to promoting healthy functioning of the liver. These herbal products can safely be used by NCPF patients because the preparation of the products does not involve the use of chemicals, artificial colors, binders, fillers, preservatives, or additives. However, it is advisable to use these herbal products under the guidance of an Ayurveda expert in order to ensure maximum liver-health benefits.