Ayurvedic Management of Drug-induced Liver Injury

Abstract Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an adverse toxic reaction to drugs and remains an uncommon clinical condition, with an estimated incidence of 14–19 cases per 100,000 population and accounting for less than 1% of acute liver injury. A 36-year-old married male presented with weakness, yellowish discoloration of the body, fatigue, mild shortness of breath, decreased appetite, irritability, and reddish-yellow urine and stools. He was diagnosed with DILI, with markedly elevated laboratory values including total bilirubin of 9.7 mg/dL, AST of 161 IU/mL, and ALT of 713 IU/mL. The patient was treated with Ayurvedic Shamana medicines possessing Pittahara, Rasaprasadana , and Raktaprasadana properties, with ingredients known for hepatoprotective activity. Significant improvement was observed after treatment, with total bilirubin reducing to 0.7 mg/dL, AST to 34 U/L, and ALT to 48 U/L, along with marked symptomatic relief. Amidst concerns regarding Ayurvedic medicines and liver injury, this case highlights the successful management of acute DILI with ascites through Ayurveda. Further large-scale studies with standardized protocols are needed to validate this therapeutic approach scientifically.