Viral Hepatitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E virus, resulting in inflammation and damage to liver cells.

It can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or blood, and is often caused by poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene, or sharing needles. If left untreated, viral hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. Herbal remedies, such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and licorice root, may help alleviate symptoms and promote liver health.

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

This article explains in detail what are the causes of viral 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 viral hepatitis?

The main causes of viral hepatitis are various viral infections, including hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis D (HDV), and hepatitis E (HEV).

Hepatitis A, B, and E are primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, while HBV and HCV can be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. HBV and HDV are also transmitted vertically from mother to child during birth. HCV is commonly spread through injection drug use, blood transfusions, and needle-stick injuries.

In rare cases, HCV can be transmitted through sexual contact.

• HBV: Hepatitis B virus is a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide due to its high prevalence in populations with limited access to healthcare, as well as its ability to be transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, semen, and other bodily secretions, making it a significant public health concern.
• HCV: Hepatitis C virus is another leading cause of viral hepatitis, primarily due to its high prevalence among individuals who have injected illicit drugs, received a blood transfusion prior to 1992, or have undergone medical procedures using unsterilized equipment, highlighting the importance of proper infection control measures.
• HDAV: Hepatitis D virus is a cause of viral hepatitis that occurs only in individuals infected with hepatitis B virus, as it requires the presence of HBV to replicate and cause disease, typically resulting in more severe liver damage and a higher risk of liver cancer compared to HBV infection alone.
• HDV: Hepatitis delta virus is another cause of viral hepatitis that is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, particularly among individuals who inject drugs or engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, although its prevalence is generally lower than HBV and HCV.
• HAV: Hepatitis A virus is a common cause of viral hepatitis, primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically via contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an infected person, often resulting in mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
• HEV: Hepatitis E virus is a cause of viral hepatitis that is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically via contaminated food or water, often resulting in mild symptoms, although it can be severe in pregnant women and individuals with underlying liver disease.
• HEV2: Hepatitis E virus genotype 2 is a cause of viral hepatitis that is less common than genotype 1 and is often transmitted through the fecal-oral route, similar to HEV, although its prevalence and geographic distribution are less well understood.
• GBV-C: GB virus C is a cause of viral hepatitis that is transmitted through blood transfusions or injection drug use, although it is generally considered to be a low-risk agent for causing liver disease, and its primary significance lies in its potential to interfere with the replication of other viruses, such as HIV.
• TTV: TT virus is a cause of viral hepatitis that is transmitted through blood transfusions, although it is generally considered to be a low-risk agent for causing liver disease, and its primary significance lies in its potential to interfere with the replication of other viruses, such as HIV.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for viral hepatitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for viral hepatitis are Silybum marianum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus niruri, Taraxacum officinale, Astragalus membranaceus, Cinchona officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba.

Silybum marianum contains silymarin which reduces liver inflammation and promotes liver cell regeneration. Glycyrrhiza glabra's active compound glycyrrhizin reduces liver inflammation and inhibits viral replication. Curcuma longa contains curcumin which suppresses viral replication, reduces liver inflammation and improves liver function.

Other herbs such as Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus niruri, Taraxacum officinale, Astragalus membranaceus, Cinchona officinalis, Zingiber officinale, and Ginkgo biloba have been shown to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-modulating properties that help alleviate viral hepatitis symptoms and promote liver health.

• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as Milk Thistle, helps with viral hepatitis by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus reducing liver inflammation and promoting liver regeneration.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Licorice Root, aids in the treatment of viral hepatitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, and its antiviral properties may help to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis virus.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as Turmeric, helps to alleviate the symptoms of viral hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress through the action of its active compound, curcumin, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Andrographis paniculata: Andrographis paniculata, also known as Andrographis, has been found to possess antiviral properties that may help to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis virus, and its immunomodulatory effects may aid in the enhancement of the immune system's response to the infection.
• Phyllanthus niruri: Phyllanthus niruri, also known as Chanca Piedra, has been traditionally used to treat viral hepatitis and its related liver problems, and its active compounds have been found to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects that may help to reduce liver inflammation and promote liver regeneration.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale, also known as Dandelion, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress, and its diuretic effects may aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Astragalus, has been traditionally used to enhance the immune system's response to viral hepatitis, and its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects may help to reduce liver inflammation and promote liver regeneration.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as Cinchona, contains quinine, which has been found to have antiviral properties that may help to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis virus, and its anti-inflammatory effects may aid in the reduction of liver inflammation.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as Ginger, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress, and its immunomodulatory effects may aid in the enhancement of the immune system's response to the infection.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, also known as Ginkgo, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress, and its antiviral effects may aid in the inhibition of the replication of the hepatitis virus.

What are the main herbal preparations used for viral hepatitis?

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

Decoction is prepared from herbs like Licorice root, Milk thistle, and Turmeric root, which exhibit hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Tincture of herbs like Dandelion root, Artichoke leaves, and Goldenseal root are used to stimulate liver function and enhance detoxification. Capsules, Gels, and Creams of herbs like Milk thistle, Schisandra chinensis, and Licorice root are used to support liver health and reduce inflammation.

Suppositories of herbs like Licorice root and Turmeric root are used to deliver the active compounds directly to the liver, while Salves, Ointments, and Poultices of herbs like Turmeric root and Ginger are used topically to reduce liver inflammation and promote healing.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Andrographis paniculata helps with viral hepatitis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Artemisia absinthium may help with viral hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the standardized extract of the herb Phyllanthus niruri may help with viral hepatitis by reducing liver damage and improving liver function due to its antiviral and antioxidant properties.
• Gel: A gel of the herb Silybum marianum may help with viral hepatitis by protecting the liver from oxidative damage and improving liver function due to its antioxidant properties.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Echinacea purpurea may help with viral hepatitis by reducing inflammation and improving immune function in the body.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Glycyrrhiza glabra may help with viral hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Commiphora mukul may help with viral hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of the leaves of Taraxacum officinale may help with viral hepatitis by reducing inflammation and improving liver function due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Panax ginseng may help with viral hepatitis by reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Extract: An extract of the herb Curcuma longa may help with viral hepatitis by reducing liver damage and improving liver function due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.