Cirrhosis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the scarring of liver tissue, preventing it from functioning properly.

This condition often results from years of excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis infections, or fatty liver disease. If left untreated, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, causing a buildup of toxins in the blood, resulting in symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and swelling in the abdomen. Herbal remedies like milk thistle, dandelion root, and turmeric have been used to alleviate cirrhosis symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting liver regeneration.

However, it is crucial 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 cirrhosis, 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 cirrhosis?

The main causes of cirrhosis are chronic liver inflammation and scarring, typically resulting from prolonged liver damage caused by hepatitis B and C viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption (more than 8 drinks per day for men and 5 drinks per day for women), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition characterized by liver inflammation and fat accumulation due to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Chronic alcohol abuse leads to an estimated 50% of cirrhosis cases worldwide, while hepatitis B and C account for another 20-30%. NAFLD is a leading cause of cirrhosis in developed countries, affecting an estimated 25% of the global population. Additionally, other risk factors contributing to cirrhosis include genetic disorders, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and exposure to certain toxins, including aflatoxins and arsenic.

Cirrhosis can also result from certain medical conditions, including biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis.

• Alcoholism: Chronic consumption of alcohol leads to liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis, ultimately resulting in cirrhosis due to the liver's inability to detoxify and metabolize alcohol.
• Viral Hepatitis: Infection with hepatitis B or C viruses causes liver inflammation and damage, leading to cirrhosis through chronic liver inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Accumulation of excess fat in liver cells due to insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome triggers inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to cirrhosis.
• Hepatitis C: Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus causes progressive liver damage, leading to cirrhosis through chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Immune system attacks liver cells, leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, which ultimately results in cirrhosis.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: Blockage of bile ducts causes liver inflammation and damage, leading to cirrhosis through chronic liver inflammation, fibrosis, and scarring.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Chronic inflammation and scarring of bile ducts in the liver cause progressive liver damage, leading to cirrhosis.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Genetic deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein causes liver damage and cirrhosis by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation in liver cells.
• Wilson Disease: Genetic disorder causing excessive accumulation of copper in the liver leads to liver damage and cirrhosis through oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Schistosomiasis: Infection with Schistosoma parasites causes chronic liver inflammation and fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis in endemic regions.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for cirrhosis?

The main medicinal herbs used for cirrhosis are Silybum marianum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Phyllanthus niruri, Curcuma longa, Cynara scolymus, Taraxacum officinale, Schisandra chinensis, Phyllanthus amarus, Zingiber officinale, Centella asiatica.

Silybum marianum contains silymarin which inhibits liver cell damage and promotes liver regeneration. Glycyrrhiza glabra exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis. Phyllanthus niruri and Phyllanthus amarus have been shown to prevent liver damage through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Curcuma longa, Cynara scolymus, Taraxacum officinale, Schisandra chinensis, Zingiber officinale, and Centella asiatica also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help mitigate liver damage and promote liver health.

• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum contains silymarin, which has been shown to reduce liver inflammation, improve liver function, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately helping to manage cirrhosis.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function, thereby aiding in the management of cirrhosis.
• Phyllanthus niruri: Phyllanthus niruri contains phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, which have been found to reduce liver inflammation, improve liver function, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately helping to manage cirrhosis.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce liver inflammation, improve liver function, and protect the liver from further damage, ultimately aiding in the management of cirrhosis.
• Cynara scolymus: Cynara scolymus contains cynarin, which has been found to improve liver function, reduce liver inflammation, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately helping to manage cirrhosis.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale contains inulin and taraxasterol, which have been found to improve liver function, reduce liver inflammation, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately aiding in the management of cirrhosis.
• Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra chinensis contains schisandrins, which have been found to improve liver function, reduce liver inflammation, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately helping to manage cirrhosis.
• Phyllanthus amarus: Phyllanthus amarus contains phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, which have been found to reduce liver inflammation, improve liver function, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately aiding in the management of cirrhosis.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function, thereby aiding in the management of cirrhosis.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica contains asiaticoside and madecassoside, which have been found to improve liver function, reduce liver inflammation, and increase the levels of certain liver enzymes, ultimately helping to manage cirrhosis.

What are the main herbal preparations used for cirrhosis?

The main herbal preparations used for cirrhosis are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Elixir, Suppository, Cream, Powder, Gel, Poultice.

Tincture of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is used to support liver health due to its silymarin content which improves antioxidant defenses and reduces liver inflammation. Decoction of dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is used to promote liver detoxification by stimulating bile production and reducing liver congestion. Capsules of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) are used to reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress due to their curcumin and gingerol content.

Herbal preparations like Salve of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), Elixir of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Suppository of triphala (Tribulus terrestris), Cream of comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Powder of chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri), Gel of calendula (Calendula officinalis), and Poultice of plantain (Plantago major) are also used to support liver health and alleviate symptoms of cirrhosis.

• Tincture: A tincture of Silybum marianum (milk thistle) helps with cirrhosis by supporting liver cell regeneration and reducing liver inflammation, as the flavonoids and silymarin in the plant protect liver cells from damage and promote liver health.
• Decoction: A decoction of Phyllanthus amarus (Phyllanthus) helps with cirrhosis by reducing liver inflammation and promoting liver regeneration, as the plant's flavonoids and phenolic acids have been shown to improve liver function and reduce oxidative stress in patients with liver disease.
• Capsule: A capsule of Berberis vulgaris (barberry) helps with cirrhosis by improving liver function and reducing inflammation, as the plant's berberine has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects and reduce oxidative stress in patients with liver disease.
• Salve: A salve of Calendula officinalis (marigold) helps with cirrhosis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, as the plant's flavonoids and terpenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help to reduce liver inflammation and promote liver regeneration.
• Elixir: An elixir of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root) helps with cirrhosis by reducing liver inflammation and promoting liver regeneration, as the plant's flavonoids and glycyrrhizin have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects and reduce oxidative stress in patients with liver disease.
• Suppository: A suppository of Commiphora mukul (guggul) helps with cirrhosis by reducing inflammation and improving liver function, as the plant's guggulsterones have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects and reduce oxidative stress in patients with liver disease.
• Cream: A cream of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) helps with cirrhosis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, as the plant's flavonoids and terpenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help to reduce liver inflammation and promote liver regeneration.
• Powder: A powder of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) helps with cirrhosis by improving liver function and reducing inflammation, as the plant's flavonoids and sesquiterpenes have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects and reduce oxidative stress in patients with liver disease.
• Gel: A gel of Cichorium intybus (chicory) helps with cirrhosis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, as the plant's flavonoids and sesquiterpenes have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help to reduce liver inflammation and promote liver regeneration.
• Poultice: A poultice of Petasites hybridus (butterbur) helps with cirrhosis by reducing inflammation and improving liver function, as the plant's sesquiterpenes and flavonoids have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects and reduce oxidative stress in patients with liver disease.