Chronic Hepatitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Chronic hepatitis is a long-term inflammation of the liver, characterized by a persistent infection with hepatitis viruses, such as hepatitis B and C, or non-viral causes like autoimmune hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

This condition can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. The causes of chronic hepatitis include viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.

If left untreated, chronic hepatitis can result in liver damage, fatigue, and an increased risk of liver cancer. Herbal remedies like milk thistle, turmeric, and licorice root have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms, while preparations like silymarin and curcumin have shown promise in reducing liver inflammation.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of chronic hepatitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of chronic hepatitis?

The main causes of chronic hepatitis are primarily viral infections, with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) being the most common.

HBV is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood and semen, while HCV is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact. Other causes include autoimmune hepatitis, where the body's immune system attacks liver cells, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Alcoholic liver disease and certain medications, like anabolic steroids and certain antibiotics, can also lead to chronic hepatitis.

Additionally, rare genetic disorders, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can cause chronic hepatitis, highlighting the multifactorial nature of this condition.

• HCV: Hepatitis C virus infection causes chronic inflammation and scarring of the liver due to the persistence of the virus in the liver cells.
• HBV: Hepatitis B virus infection leads to chronic hepatitis due to the virus's ability to integrate into the host's genome, resulting in a persistent infection.
• NASH: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, causes chronic inflammation and scarring of the liver due to the accumulation of fat in liver cells.
• Autoimmune: Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver caused by the immune system's attack on liver cells, leading to liver damage and scarring.
• Alcohol: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to liver damage and scarring due to the toxic effects of alcohol on liver cells and the formation of scar tissue.
• HA: Hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder, causes chronic hepatitis due to the accumulation of iron in the liver, leading to liver damage and scarring.
• Alpha-1: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder, causes chronic hepatitis due to the accumulation of abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in the liver, leading to liver damage and scarring.
• Wilson's: Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder, causes chronic hepatitis due to the accumulation of copper in the liver, leading to liver damage and scarring.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, causes chronic hepatitis due to the inflammation and scarring of bile ducts in the liver, leading to liver damage and scarring.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for chronic hepatitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for chronic hepatitis are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Silybum marianum, Curcuma longa, Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus amarus, Zingiber officinale, Astragalus membranaceus, Cynara scolymus, Taraxacum officinale, Panax ginseng.

Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties, reducing liver fibrosis and oxidative stress. Silybum marianum contains silymarin which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improving liver function and reducing liver enzymes. Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress.

Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus amarus, Astragalus membranaceus, Cynara scolymus, Taraxacum officinale and Panax ginseng have immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects, improving liver function and reducing liver damage.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with chronic hepatitis by inhibiting the replication of the hepatitis B virus and reducing liver inflammation through its flavonoid and triterpenoid compounds.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, helps with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver damage and promoting liver regeneration through its silymarin compound, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress through its curcumin compound, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Andrographis paniculata: Andrographis paniculata, also known as king of bitters, helps with chronic hepatitis by inhibiting the replication of the hepatitis B virus and reducing liver inflammation through its andrographolide compound, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Phyllanthus amarus: Phyllanthus amarus, also known as airy leaf, helps with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver damage and promoting liver regeneration through its phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with chronic hepatitis by reducing nausea and vomiting associated with liver disease through its gingerols and shogaols compounds, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus, also known as astragalus, helps with chronic hepatitis by enhancing immune function and reducing liver inflammation through its astragalosides compounds, which have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cynara scolymus: Cynara scolymus, also known as cardoon, helps with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver damage and promoting liver regeneration through its cynarin compound, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, helps with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and promoting liver detoxification through its taraxasterol and taraxinic acid compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as ginseng, helps with chronic hepatitis by enhancing immune function and reducing liver inflammation through its ginsenosides compounds, which have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for chronic hepatitis?

The main herbal preparations used for chronic hepatitis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Cream, Gel, Extract, Poultice, Powder.

Decoction, a liquid extract, is used for herbs like licorice root and milk thistle, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the liver. Tincture, a concentrated liquid, is often used for herbs like turmeric and ginger, which contain potent antioxidants that reduce liver inflammation. Capsules, containing powdered herbs like dandelion root and milk thistle, are used to support liver function and promote bile production, helping to reduce liver damage.

Various topical preparations like Salve, Suppository, Cream, Gel, and Poultice, as well as oral preparations like Powder and Extract, may also be used to target liver inflammation and promote liver repair.

• Decoction: A decoction of Silybum marianum seeds may help with chronic hepatitis due to its ability to stimulate liver function and increase the production of liver enzymes, which can aid in the liver's natural detoxification processes.
• Tincture: A tincture of Phytolacca dodecandra may help with chronic hepatitis due to its potential to stimulate liver cell regeneration and promote the elimination of toxins, thereby reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of Picrorhiza kurroa may help with chronic hepatitis due to its ability to reduce liver inflammation, promote liver cell regeneration, and enhance the liver's natural detoxification processes.
• Salve: Although not typically used for internal conditions, a salve made from the root of Andrographis paniculata may help with chronic hepatitis when applied topically to the abdomen, as it may reduce inflammation and improve liver function through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the root of Cynara scolymus may help with chronic hepatitis by providing localized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can reduce liver inflammation and promote liver cell regeneration, thereby improving liver function.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of Taraxacum officinale may help with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and promoting liver cell regeneration through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial for improving liver function.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Cichorium intybus may help with chronic hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and promoting liver cell regeneration through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial for improving liver function.
• Extract: An extract of the plant Berberis vulgaris may help with chronic hepatitis due to its potential to reduce liver inflammation, promote liver cell regeneration, and enhance the liver's natural detoxification processes, thereby improving liver function.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra may help with chronic hepatitis when applied topically to the abdomen, as it may reduce liver inflammation and promote liver cell regeneration through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thereby improving liver function.
• Powder: A powder containing the extract of the plant Schisandra chinensis may help with chronic hepatitis due to its potential to reduce liver inflammation, promote liver cell regeneration, and enhance the liver's natural detoxification processes, thereby improving liver function.