The etiology of Indian childhood cirrhosis (ICC) is not clear and is considered difficult to treat. However, a formulation that combines Capparis spinosa, Cichorium intybus, Solanum nigrum, Terminalia arjuna, Cassia occidentalis, Achillea millefolium, Tamarix gallica has shown beneficial effects in the management of ICC. 

One such double blind study depicting the promising effects of the formulation enrolled 16 children with ICC. They were randomized to receive either the herbal formulation (9 children) or placebo (7 children). All children were further evaluated for liver functions tests, complete urine examination, especially for bile salts and pigments, liver biopsy for histopathological confirmation, and were followed-up for 5 consecutive weeks.

The results reported relief in symptoms, like distension of abdomen, fever, anorexia, weight loss in children who were administered with the herbal formulation, in comparison to children treated with placebo. In addition, improvement in biochemical abnormalities such as SGOT (Herbal group: 95 versus 70; Controls: 90 versus 100), SGPT (110.5 versus 75; 110 versus 130), albumin (Herbal group:3.2 versus 3.6; Controls:3.4 versus 3.0), globulin ratio (Herbal group:3.4 versus 3.1; Controls:3.4 versus 4.0) and alkaline phosphatase (Herbal group:11.4 versus 6.5; Controls: 12 versus 13) was observed in the herbal formulation group in contrast to control group.

Thus, based on the above results, it can be concluded that this herbal formulation can be a potent approach in relieving the symptoms and ameliorating biochemical abnormalities in children with ICC. Moreover, it can be postulated that this therapy could be more advantageous, if started at early stage in children suffering with ICC.

Source: Saxena S, Garg AK Jain A. Role of Liv.52 in management of Indian childhood cirrhosis. Current Medical Practice.1980;7(24):269.