Hep B is an infectious disease of the liver. It is a serious health problem with more than two billion sufferers worldwide, around 350 million of which are chronic carriers of the disease. Associated risks of hepatitis include cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer from which more than one million people die annually. Herbal medicine have been used to treat liver disease, including chronic hepatitis B successfully.
Herbal medicines reduces enzymatic leakage of SGPT(ALT) Alkaline phosphatase inhibiting glutamase depletion of anti oxidant effect of kalmegh(Andrographis paniculata). Mostly elevated serum alkaline phosphate generally reflect hepatobiliary diseases. Eg. Biliary tract obstruction hepatitis c, cirrhosis of liver. Punarnava increase bile flow suggest strong activity due to liver cell activation. Bhuimalaki reduce alkaline phosphate level and liver weight, increase during accumulation of fat along with other LFTs.
Bhuimla(Phyllanthus Niruri) has antiviral property of chronic Hep B virus. The reaction between HBsAg and antibody (Anti HBsAg) and by inhibiting endogenous DNA polymerase of HBV against drug paracetamol . An aqueous extract of the plant Phyllanthus niruri inhibits endogenous DNA polymerase of hepatitis B virus and binds to the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus in vitro.
Kutaki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) has anti HBsAg like activity noted in acute and chronic liver disease and healthy HBsAg carrier.
Haritaki (Termenelia chebula) is a potent antiviral effects against Hep B Virus
Glycyrrhiza Glabra( Yastimadhu) has been used for treating Hep B. Major component Glycyrrhizin. It improves liver functions with complete recovery of hepatitis. It is a supplement of interferon for treatment of patient with chronic hepatitis B and patient of non responders of interferon therapy.
Sharpunkhamool ( Tephrosia Purpurea) in case of intoxication subjects has significant protection against increase serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, and checked the central or sub massive necrosis in hepatocytes. It has restorative role in liver biochemical due to membrane stabilizing effect on hepatic cells.
Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) has hepatoprotective activity on hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes, indicates pre treatment show hepatoprotective effect by regulating the level of drug metabolizing enzymes.
Giloya ( T cordifolia) has shown effect to prevent fibrosis tissue deposition in post insult period. It has been proved that suppression of kupffers's cells deprives the hepatocytes from cyto protective effects.