Anti-Hepatotoxic Effect of Vananimbuka (Glycosmis pentaphylla Retz.)

Abstract

Liver, one of the largest of organs and a chief site for intense metabolism and excretion. It has a surprising role in the maintenance, performance and regulating homeostasis of the body. The major functions of liver are carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, detoxification, secretion of bile and storage of vitamin. Maintaining a healthy liver is a crucial factor for overall health and well-being. But it is continuously and frequently exposed to environmental toxins, abused by poor food habits and alcohol. Prescribed and over-the-counter drugs can eventually lead to various liver ailments like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Thus liver diseases are some of the fatal health issues in the world today. According to Ayurveda, Yakrut is considered as one of the 15 koshtangas. It is also considered as sthana of ranjaka pitta and plays an important role in maintenance of agni. Hepatic disorders can be compared to yakrut vikaras and yakrutpleeha vikaras. In ayurveda Vananimbuka discribtion is available for yakrut vikara.