Therapeutic Role of Ayurveda in Chronic Liver Disease: Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes from a Single Case Study

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a progressive condition characterized by long-term deterioration of liver structure and function, often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Conventional management primarily focuses on symptom control and slowing disease progression, but interest in complementary approaches such as Ayurveda is growing. This case study reports the Ayurvedic management of a 51-year-old male patient diagnosed with CLD, with a history of jaundice and mild esophagitis, treated at Jeena Sikho Lifecare Limited Hospital, Safdarjung, India. The patient presented with complaints of itching over abdomen, reduced appetite, poor digestion, weakness, difficulty in walking, disturbed sleep, vomiting, and nausea, with pale skin and eyes on examination. Ayurvedic diagnosis correlated the condition with Yakrit Vikara and Kumbhakamala, involving predominant Pitta Dushti along with Kapha and Vata in the chronic stage. The therapeutic approach included Pitta Shamana, Agni Deepana, Ama Pachana, Rakta Shodhana, and Yakrit Poshana, supported by a Pitta-pacifying diet, lifestyle modifications, and gentle Yoga. Following treatment, the patient experienced marked improvement in subjective and objective symptoms. Itching resolved completely, appetite and digestion normalized, weakness subsided, sleep improved from a reduced score of 3/10 to 8/10, and nausea subsided. Biochemical parameters showed substantial hepatic recovery, total bilirubin decreased from 25.30 mg/dL to 1.64 mg/dL, direct bilirubin from 23 mg/dL to 1.58 mg/dL, and indirect bilirubin from 2.3 mg/dL to 0.06 mg/dL. Liver enzymes improved, with SGOT dropping from 141 IU/L to 45.80 IU/L and SGPT from 91.60 IU/L to 27.90 IU/L. Total protein rose from 5.19 g/dL to 6.02 g/dL. This case underscores Ayurveda’s potential to provide symptomatic relief and enhance liver function in CLD, warranting further research through controlled clinical studies.