AYURVEDIC INTERPRETATION AND INTEGRATIVE MANAGEMENT OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Abstract

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), recently redefined as Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), has become a major global health issue, affecting about 38.6% of adults in India. Closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles, its rising prevalence in Kerala reflects changing dietary patterns. Ayurveda correlates this condition with Yakrit Vikara (Liver disorders) under Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (Disorders due to overt nutrition), primarily caused by Agnimandya (digestive impairment) and Medodushti (abnormal fat metabolism). Aim and Objectives: To interpret NAFLD through Ayurvedic principles, review its pathogenesis, and evaluate integrative therapeutic approaches combining Ayurveda and modern medicine. Materials and Methods: This review analyzed data from classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and modern scientific sources including PubMed, Scopus, and AYUSH databases (2000–2024), focusing on Ayurvedic and integrative management of NAFLD. Results and Discussion: Ayurvedic interpretation reveals Kapha-Pitta vitiation causing Srotorodha (microchannel obstruction) and Meda Sanchaya (fat accumulation), leading to hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Management emphasizes Laghu Ahara (light diet) like Yava (Barley) and Takra (Butter milk), Tikta Rasa (Bitters) herbs such as Patola (Botanical name) and Karavellaka (Botanical name, and Panchakarma therapies mainly Virechana, Vasti for detoxification and metabolic correction. Integrating these with modern interventions like diet regulation and exercise enhances outcomes. Conclusion: An integrative approach grounded in Ayurvedic principles and modern science offers holistic management for NAFLD. Early intervention through personalized diet, lifestyle modification, and detoxification may prevent disease progression and promote liver health. Further research should validate these Ayurvedic interventions clinically.