NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD/MASLD) AND MEDOVAHA SROTODUSHTI: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which encompasses much of the population previously described as having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a common manifestation of metabolic dysfunction. Its spectrum includes hepatic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Ayurveda describes Medovaha Srotodushti as disturbance of the channels and processes associated with Meda Dhatu. This conceptual review examines possible relationships between these frameworks through dietary excess, reduced physical activity, adiposity, and disordered metabolic function. Selected classical texts, contemporary clinical guidance, and relevant clinical studies were reviewed narratively. The comparison identifies shared preventive themes but does not establish equivalence between Ayurvedic categories and biomedical mechanisms. MASLD requires objective diagnosis, assessment of fibrosis risk, and management of cardiometabolic disease. Ayurvedic concepts may inform culturally meaningful health education and research hypotheses, while the efficacy and safety of specific medicines or procedures require independent evaluation. A responsible integrative approach combines sustainable lifestyle support with appropriate clinical monitoring and evidence-based treatment.