Herbal Remedies for Biliary Atresia Treatment in Ayurveda

Abstract

Ayurveda is a science of life, not life exactly but it’s beyond life. Our ancient acharyas elegantly explained the good diet and lifestyle which should be followed by a healthy individual in their daily routine. Along with these they also mentioned the home remedies and herbal formulations for the affected or diseased ones. In this article we are going to discuss one rare disease known as biliary atresia which affects the infants and its Ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Biliary atresia is a rare disease of infants which affects the bile ducts. Bile is a digestive juice that is produced by the liver. This bile juice helps in digestion. This disease is also called extra hepatic ductopenia and progressive obliterative cholangiopathy. One or more bile ducts are abnormally narrow, blocked or absent. In this disease, the bile duct became inflamed and blocked the passage of bile juice soon after birth. This will cause bile to remain in the liver and ultimately destroys the healthy liver cells and causes scarring of the liver. After this condition this liver cannot filter out the toxins from the body.

Etiology/Causes

The cause of biliary atresia is not known. But some of the theories said that there are likely number of factors play a role in this disease i.e.

• Due to defect in early bile duct development
• Due to external factors such as a hepatotropic virus infection in the prenatal period
• Autoimmunity
• Genetic and environmental factors also play a greater role in this disease

Clinical Features/Sign and Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease are:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Abdominal swelling
• Pale white stools
• Dark coloured urine
• Malabsorption
• Sometimes nosebleed or intense itching

Differential Diagnosis

• Alagille syndrome
• Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
• Byler disease
• Caroli disease
• Congenital cytomegalovirus disease
• Congenital herpes simplex virus infection
• Lipid storage disorder
• Neonatal hemochromatosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by thorough examination of infants. There is a proper assessment of history, physical examination and blood tests. Some other tests are:

• Liver biopsy should be done
• Ultrasound scans should be done to evaluate the prolonged or persistent jaundice

Treatment

The only treatment of choice in allopathic medicine is operation. Most of the cases of biliary atresia will undergo surgery for survival. The operative procedure which is known as Kasai or hepatoportoenterostomy should be done to relieve jaundice. If this procedure is not suitable then liver transplant should be done. These procedures have their own side effects.

But don’t worry; Ayurveda has the best scope for biliary atresia disease. Ayurveda can manage this condition and also does not need any surgical intervention.

Herbal Remedies for Biliary Atresia

Planet Ayurveda offers the best herbal products for the treatment of biliary atresia. This is a manufacturing company and this company manufactures various herbal products which are very effective in chronic as well as acute problems. These products are made by using standardized extracts of potential herbs and also made under expert supervision. Planet Ayurveda provides following herbal products for this disease:

• Livo Plan Syrup
• Arvindasava Syrup
• Yakritplihantak Churna
• Acido Plan Syrup

Product Description

1. Livo Plan Syrup

This is an Ayurvedic formulation in a syrup form. This is a very effective remedy for the longevity of Liver. This formulation contains the extracts of Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Trayamana (Gentiana kurroo), Patol (Trichosanthes dioica) etc. This syrup is best for all types of Hepatitis, Liver cirrhosis and other inflammatory liver conditions. This helps the baby to overcome this disease.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice a day daily

2. Arvindasava Syrup

This is a herbal formulation which is effective in most of the child disorders. This syrup has anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antipyretic properties. The main ingredient of Arvindasava is Arvinda (Nelumbo nucifera) which is also known as Lotus in English. This formulation also contains the extracts of Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Neelkamal (Nymphaea stellata) etc. It is helpful for indigestion, weakness, anorexia etc.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice a day daily

3. Acido Plan Syrup

This is a good herbal syrup for gut problems. This syrup is made from the standardized extracts of following herbs such as Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Sajjikshara (Soda-bi-carb), Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis), Triphala (Three Myrobalans) etc. This syrup improves the appetite and digestion. It balances the Pitta dosha and strengthens the liver.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily

4. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

This Herbal remedy is very helpful in improving liver function. It helps in maintaining the bile secretion from the liver. It contains effective herbs such as Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) etc. It helps the liver in clearing away the toxins, increasing the bile secretion and helps in regeneration of the damaged liver cells.

Dosage: ¼ teaspoon with above mentioned syrups

Conclusion

Thus at last we concluded that Ayurveda has the best scope in managing various life threatening conditions. This is a life threatening disease and there is no definite treatment in allopathic medicine except liver transplant. This surgical procedure has its own drastic side effects. So it is better to adapt Ayurvedic treatment which is mentioned above (Herbal products) for better survival of your baby.