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ISSN 2277-4289 | www.gjrmi.com | International, Peer reviewed, Open access, Monthly Online Journal
Review Article
ABSTRACT
Liver is considered to be one of the vital organs which help in maintaining the health of the
human body. Not many of the physicians relate the outer glow of complexion to the liver health.
After critical analysis it can be understood that there is a tremendous importance of liver function to
one’s appearance. Modern lifestyles can overstress the liver and make it malfunctioning. No
significant and safe hepato-protective drugs are available in existing contemporary therapeutics.
Liver is the metabolic factory of the body producing energy to sustain the thousands of functions
performed every minute by all body’s cells. Skin cells require energy to eliminate toxins, repair and
regenerate. Nature has bestowed some plants with the property to prevent, treat and cure hepatic
disturbances. The focus of this review is to elucidate the importance of liver in maintenance of Varna
and also the probable mode of action of Varnya mahakashaya gana dravyas on yakrit (liver) based
upon Ayurvedic aspects. As varnya gana helps in detoxification of blood in Raktapradoshaja vikaras
(disorders due to vitiated blood) and yakrit is the moola Sthana (root site) for raktavaha Srotas
(channels of blood circulation).
as skin diseases. If this indication is taken as a important herbs in varnya mahakashaya gana
working hypothesis, then the connections used to treat (vaivarnya) skin discolouration
between particular skin diseases and the four associated with liver disorders have been
protein-forming organs mentioned could be described.
studied (Alla Selawry, 2004–2009). Hence here
the focus is laid on liver system wherein if liver Varnya mahakashaya dravyas: (CS,
is not doing its function of breaking down Sutrasthana 4/10, pp.32) (Acharya Y.T., 2006)
toxins efficiently then they must be eliminated Varnya mahakashaya dravyas are the group
from the body by other means – in many cases of drugs which are used to treat and prevent the
they come out through the skin. When Vaivarnya (skin discoloration) related
excessive toxins build up in the deeper layers of conditions, to maintain and enhance the
the skin this causes inflammation to occur and complexion in healthy. These can be
this can manifest as: Dermatitis, Eczema, administered both internally and externally.
Premature aging and wrinkling of the skin etc. According to Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 4th
(Liver Doctor, 2015). chapter Varnya mahakashaya dravyas includes
– Acc to Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 4th
Treatment of dermatological conditions
chapter Varnya mahakashaya dravyas mainly
where liver is involved: Ayurvedic view
includes - Chandana (Santalum Album), Tunga
In dealing with problems of the liver, the (Calophyllum inophyllum), Padmaka (Prunus
primary goal is to enhance liver detoxification cerasoides), Ushira (Vetveria zizanoides),
processes and to protect against further liver Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Manjishta
damage. Significant and safe hepato-protective (Rubia cordifolia), Sariva (Hemidesmus
agents are unavailable in contemporary indicus), Payasya (Pureaeria tuberosa), Sita
therapeutics. Therefore, due importance has (Cynodon dactylon), Lata (Cynodon linearis).
been given globally to develop plant-based A brief drug review of Varnya Mahakashaya
hepato-protective drugs effective against a dravyas is show in table no.1.
variety of liver disorders. So in this review the
Table no.2 References of Varnya mahakashaya dravyas used in Yakrit vikaras mentioned in
classics.
Table no. 3 References of research and review articles on hepatoprotective action of each varnya gana
dravyas:
Intake of Aushadha
Rasa Dhatu
Rakta Dhatwagni and Ranjaka Pitta Yakrit is involved
Rakta Dhatu
Through vyana vayu
to pitta dosha, thereby purification of rakta intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species
dhatu takes place. by enhancing the level of both enzymatic and
non-enzymatic antioxidants. These drugs
According to pharmacology, the main protect liver tissues against oxidative damage
mechanism involved in the protection of liver and help in stimulating the repair mechanism of
could be associated with the strong capability liver (Giby Abraham et al., 2014).
of hepato-protective drugs to reduce the
Vidahi annapanam (food and drinking that cause burning sensation, Madhya sevana (alcohol
intake), Teekshna padartha (strong/ sharp substance)
▼
Pitta prakopa
(aggrevation of pitta)
▼
Dushita rakta dhatu
(Vitiated blood tissue)
▼
Rakta pradoshaja roga (disease caused by vitiated blood tissue)
▼
Yakrit rogas
Rakta alleviating property it pacifies the pitta Acharya Sushruta mentioned the
dosha and thereby purifies/detoxifies the rakta composition of rakta (blood) on the basis of
dhatu in twak rogas associated with yakrit Pancha- mahabhuta (five elements), in the
vikaras. Sheetavirya also act as diuretics and same way modern physiology illustrated.
antioxidant thus reduce the intracellular levels (Table. 5)
of reactive oxygen species (Giby Abraham et
al., 2014).
REFERENCES:
Acharya YT (Ed) (2006) Charaka Samhita with Liver Doctor, (2015) your skin reflects your
Chakrapanidatta and Ayurveda Dipika, liver, Retrieved on 8/11/2014, from
Commentary, Varanasi: Chaukhambha http://www.liverdoctor.com/your-skin-
Surabharati Prakashana. reflects-your-liver