Fatty Liver
Overview
This is the effect of the accumulation of different types of fats in the liver. There should be balance between the fatty acids that enter the liver with the amount that is excreted out, but this cycle is not followed when there is fatty liver. The most common cause of fatty liver is excessive alcohol intake. However, people who do not drink alcohol may also be at risk, especially people with diabetes or obesity. Symptoms may include fatigue, excessive weight loss, headache, and difficulty concentrating or making sound judgement.
Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking
Turmeric [1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]
Note: Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that turmeric can help in the treatment of liver disease. More research is needed.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) [1, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Note: Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Licorice has potentially harmful side effects in people with high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that licorice helps treat some symptoms of fatty liver. More research is needed.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Indian Snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) [1, 4, 5]
Note: Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Indian Snakeroot helps to treat fatty liver in any way.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium majus) [1, 2, 3]
Note: Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against. There is insufficient evidence that Celandine helps to cure or treat liver fibrosis. In addition, the plant is mildly poisonous to humans. It may cause hepatitis as well as symptoms of pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
Neural Therapy
Note: Please note, this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to show that Neural Therapy helps in treating fatty liver in any way.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence
* GRADE Working Group: www.gradeworkinggroup.org
Summary References
Treatments
- Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P. Complete Guide to Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies. American Cancer Society; 2009.
- ABC Homeopathy: Chelidonium majus.
- Natural Standard: Greater celandine.
- American Cancer Society: Indian snakeroot.
- Merck Source / Dorland’s entry.
- Winston D, Maimes S. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press; 2007.
- PubMed PMID: 15190039.
- NCCAM: Licorice root.
- MedlinePlus: Licorice.
- American Cancer Society: Turmeric.
- MedlinePlus: Turmeric.
- NCCAM: Turmeric.
- BBC News: Turmeric health article.
- Mirror: Curry / turmeric health article.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Turmeric search results.
