Conceptual study of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and its management in Ayurveda

Abstract

Non-alcoholic Fatty liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition with excessive fat deposition in liver on refers to a broad spectrum of disorders characterized by fatty infiltration of the liver steatosis, steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. It is a growing cause of liver injury globally and is present in developed and developing countries. NAFLD is a broad term which describes the build up of excessive fat in the liver cells (hepatocytes) in the absence of excessive alcohol intake. It is a growing worldwide, due to obesity and insulin resistance leading to liver accumulation of triglycerides and free fatty acids. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of liver Pathology with different clinical prognoses, from the simple accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes to more progressive steatosis with associated hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and in some cases hepatocellular Carcinoma. It is a global epidemic that ranges from isolated hepatic steatosis (NAFL) to Steatosis Plus inflammation (NASH) with or without fibrosis. Ayurveda described different types of Non-Communicable diseases, and NAFLD is one among them. In Ayurveda NAFLD can be interpreted as a Santarpanotha Vikara caused by Kapha Medo Dushti, getting Sthanasamshraya in Yakrit, which is Raktavaha Srotasmula and Pittasthana. In the initial stage of NAFLD, Kapha Meda Dushti occurs when Pitta gets involved in the pathogenesis, inflammatory changes occur which leads to the next stage of disease i.e., Non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), When Vata comes involved fibrosis occurs which may end up in cirrhosis. So, the management should be the breakdown of pathological factors like Agnivaigunya, Srotorodha and Kaphamedo Dushti. This review will give a better knowledge of etiopathogenesis.