HEPATOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CHIRAYTA (SWERTIA CHIRAYITA) (ROXB. EX. FLEM. H. KARST) IN YAKRIT ROGA: AN INTEGRATED AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

Yakrit Roga represents an important area for interdisciplinary research because the liver performs essential functions in digestion, metabolism, transformation of substances, and maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Ayurveda approaches disorders affecting bodily metabolism through concepts such as Agni, Pitta, Dosha-Dushya Samurchana, Srotodushti, and the functional integrity of individual organs. Kiratatikta, botanically identified as Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) The present review examines its possible relevance to Yakrit Roga through an interpretation of its Rasa Panchaka, classical therapeutic associations, pharmacognostical characteristics, and available pharmacological evidence. Tikta Rasa, Laghu and Ruksha Guna, Sheeta Virya, and Katu Vipaka form the commonly reported pharmacodynamic profile of Kiratatikta. These attributes provide a traditional basis for discussing its possible influence on Pitta-Kapha disturbances, impaired digestive processes, and conditions involving metabolic imbalance. Modern investigations of S. chirayta have reported antioxidant activity and protective effects in experimental models of chemically induced liver injury. Proposed mechanisms include preservation of endogenous antioxidant defences, attenuation of lipid peroxidation, modulation of inflammatory responses, and possible effects on xenobiotic-metabolising enzymes. The relationship between Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics and these modern findings is interpretative and requires systematic validation.