NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE – AN AYURVEDIC VIEW

Abstract

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a distinct hepatic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumu- lation in liver cells and histologically it resembles alcohol-induced liver damage. The prevalence of NAFLD is up to 30% in developed countries and 10% in developing nations, making NAFLD the most common liver condition in the world. The liver can be compared with Yakrit (Liver) mentioned in Ayurvedic classics as an important Ko- shtanga (organ of the gastrointestinal system). But NAFLD as such could not be correlated to any of the Yakrit Rogas (Liver disorders) mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Understanding the Nidana (aetiology) and Samprapti (pathogenesis) of the disease, NAFLD can be considered as a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (disease due to over nour- ishment). Here initially Agnivikruti (deranged digestive fire) occurs which leads to the formation of Ama (Free radicals) which results from the vitiation of Kaphadosha and further results in unequal formation and deposition of Dushta Vasa (triglycerides) in Yakrit. Hence Agnideepana (stimulating digestive fire), Amapachana (antioxidation), Lekhana (scraping), Srotosodhana (clearing of channels of circulation), Kapha Medohara (antihyperlipidemic) and Vataanulomana (normalising the movement of Vata) is aimed primarily in the management of NAFLD Keywords: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Ultrasonography, Liver Function Test, Santarpanajanya Vyadhi