CONCEPT OF AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS IN AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE – A CONCEPTUAL STUDY

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inammatory disorder characterized by high levels of aminotransferase and auto antibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia and interface hepatitis. The etiology of AIH has not been completely elucidated, but immunogenetic background and environmental parameters may contribute to itsdevelopment. Autoimmune hepatitis does not have a pathgnomonic features, and its laboratory,serologic, andhistologic manifestations are found in acute and chronic liver disease of diverse causes.Autoimmune Hepatitis can be compared to mandya Bhutangni in Yakrit. According to Ayurveda,Yakrut is the main site of Bhutangni and one of the sub types of pitta namely Ranjakapitta. This Bhutangni helps in the digestion process as well as Ranjakapitta imparts colour to the blood. According to Charkathe digestion of food by jatharangi results in the breakdown of food in to ve distinct physiochemical groups. Jatharangi ignites the Agni fraction present in each of ve groups. This Bhutangni then converts the respective portion in to assimilable form. If the function of Bhutangni is not proper, at this stage Ama would be produced is called Bhutangni Manda janya Ama. If Agni improperly processed during digestion and metabolism of food it disturbs the process leading formation of Ama. Which is responsible for the manifestation of almost all disease especially autoimmune hepatitis compared with Bhutangni giving a detailed literature overview of Bhutangni, Immunopathogenesis (Ama production) and diagnostic criteria.