Abstract

AYURVEDIC INTERVENTION FOR SPLEENOMEGALY AND HEPATOMEGALY (PLEEHAVRUDDHI AND YAKRUTVRUDDHI)

Prof. Vd Channamma S Hiremath, *Vd Nainika S Chordiya, Vd Santosh I Swami

.

Abstract

Yakrut Vriddhi and Plihavruddhi, traditionally described in Ayurvedic texts as conditions involving the enlargement of the liver and spleen respectively, represent significant health concerns often correlating with modern medical diagnoses such as Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, including conditions like liver cirrhosis and Hypersplenism. In Ayurveda, the liver (Yakrut) and spleen (Pliha) are considered vital organs and are the Moolasthana (root) of the Raktavaha Srotas (channels carrying blood). Imbalances in Pitta Dosha, particularly Ranjaka Pitta (responsible for blood coloration and metabolism), alongside vitiation of Kapha and Rakta Dhatu, are central to their pathogenesis. The etiology of these conditions often involves improper dietary habits (vidahi and abhisyandi ahara – foods causing burning sensation and channel obstruction), irregular lifestyle, excessive physical or mental exertion, suppression of natural urges, and impaired agni (digestive fire). These factors lead to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) and vitiation of Doshas, obstructing the Srotas and causing swelling and dysfunction of Yakrut and Pliha. Symptomatology for Yakrut Vriddhi can include anorexia (aruci), indigestion (avipaka), weakness (daurbalya), abdominal pain (udarashoola), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and in advanced stages, jaundice (kamala) and ascites (jalodara). Plihavruddhi often presents with discomfort or pain in the left upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness even after small meals, frequent infections, anemia, and easy bleeding. Both conditions can manifest with a palpable, enlarged organ on examinati. In this case study, a 72 years old patient had complaints of unbearable Abdominal pain, giddiness, nausea Vomiting after food, weakness, anorexia, headache since 10 days only. Usg of Abdomen reveals moderate hepatomegaly with mildly raised echotexture, portal vein dilated, two non-obstructing canaliculi, gross splenomegaly in splenic hilar and peripancreatic region. The patient was managed with Deepan, Pachana, Shaman Chikitsa (~oral medication). After treatment, there was significant reduction.

Keywords: Yakrutvikar, hepatoprotective, splenomegaly.