The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. Located in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity, this vital organ rests just below the diaphragm, to the right of the stomach, and overlies the gallbladder.

The liver, also known as 'The Chemical Factory' of the body,secretes chemicals that perform over 500 chemical functions in our body. These chemicals help perform functions like
- Producing proteins for blood plasma
- Converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage, which can later be converted to glucose for energy
- Producing cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fat through the body
- Converting poisonous ammonia to urea
- Purifying the blood from drugs and other poisonous substances.

While the liver’s main function is to support the digestive system to process the micronutrients absorbed from the small intestine, the list of vital functions performed by the liver runs long. Here are a few of the vital functions performed by the liver.

Vital functions of liver:

- Digestion - The liver produces bile which helps break down the fat in the small intestines during the process of digestion.
- Hormone regulation – It breaks down insulin and regularizes excessive hormones to balance the hormone level in our body.
- Metabolism- The liver is responsible for metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into useful substances.
- Detoxification- The liver plays an important role in detoxifying the body by removing toxic substances from the blood such as drugs and alcohol.
- Cholesterol synthesis – The liver produces cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body. 85% of total cholesterol is synthesized in the Liver.
- Storehouse - The liver acts as a storehouse for vital nutrients, vitamins (A, D, K, E & B-12), and Iron that act as building blocks for the body. It also stores sugar as glycogen and converts it into usable glucose when our blood sugar level falls.
- Secretion of Bile - The liver is also responsible for the processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content. Break down product of hemoglobin

 

 

Conditions that affect a healthy liver

An organ as complex as the liver can experience a range of problems. In fact, liver diseases account for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide, out of which 50% of the cases are caused due to complications of cirrhosis and the remaining 50% is caused by viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Moreover, liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer account for 3.5% of all deaths worldwide. The global prevalence of viral hepatitis remains high, while drug-induced liver injury continues to increase as a major cause of acute hepatitis. No wonder, liver transplantation is the second most common solid organ transplantation, yet, less than 10% of global transplantation needs are met at current rates.

Common liver diseases:
1. Jaundice
2. Hepatitis A, B, And C
3. Fatty Liver Diseases (Alcoholic & Non-alcoholic)
4. Cirrhosis
5. Drug-induced Hepatotoxicity
6. Liver cancer
7. Liver failure
8. Typhoid

Causes of liver toxicity:

1. Oxidative stress caused by toxic chemicals (antibiotics, chemotherapeutics, pre-oxidized oil, aflatoxins, CCl4, chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metals, etc.).
2. Excess consumption of alcohol.
3. Infections and autoimmune disorders.
4. Junk foods or foods that are basically sour, salty, bitter & pungent in taste. These foods are known to aggravate all three doshas but Pitta dosha gets affected the most which cause pitta dominant diseases.
5. Leading an unhealthy lifestyle such as late-night working, improper sleep pattern, no or less physical work, irregular, incomplete, non-nutritious food habits is also a major cause of slow or improper digestion.

Importance of the liver in ayurveda
The liver is one of the important organs of the body and has various synonyms in ancient literature; Yakridkanda, Yakritpinda, Jyotishthana, Kalakanda, Raktadhara & Raktashaya. The liver has also been one of the most focused entities for therapeutic purposes in the Ayurveda system of medicine.

According to Ayurveda, the liver develops from rakta dhatu and thus plays a vital role in the development of Raktadhatu. Learned Acharyas further believed that the main function of yakrita (liver) is to provide the red color to the Rasa Dhatu i.e. Ranjan of rasa dhatu.

The liver is also known as the seat of pitta dosha, therefore, in many circumstances, the problems related to the liver are also found linked with pitta dosha.

Liver or Yakrit is also the seat of Bhutagani which is 5 in number and helps in the Panchabhautic digestion or metabolism of Aahar(food) ras.

As per the ancient sacred texts, one of the most common diseases of the liver is Kamala. The literary meaning of Kamala is loss of Kama or desire i.e. loss of desire to eat. Ayurveda defines Kamala as the progression of Pandu (Anemia) or a type of Pandu. It is also said that a patient of Pandu uses excessive Pitta Vardhaka Aahar.

Kamala can be further divided into three types

1. Koshthagata (hepatocellular)
2. Shakhagata or Rudhapatha (obstructive )
3. Paratantra Kamala (hemolytic).

The management principle of the problems related to the Liver, especially those for Kamala, is the same as described in Ayurveda for Pitta i.e. Tikta Ras (Tikta Ras and Ruksha Gunas bear pittashamak property, hence it helps manage Liver related problems) and Rukha virechan (Virechan is a process of internal cleaning with pungent & dry herbs). In addition, it is better to avoid "Asava" and "Arista".

Conception of LIVOFLY SYRUP, a decoction based syrup for a healthy liver
LIVOFLY is a hepatoprotective decoction based syrup made from natural ingredients that have shown promising results in detoxifying the liver and kidneys. These ingredients promote gradual detoxification that is facilitated by comprehensive elimination of toxins from the body via cholagogue, choleretic, diuretic, laxative and carminative action. Livofly syrup also helps improves overall digestive health and provides relief from many digestive ailments i.e. bloating, burping, belching, regurgitation, heartburn, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), constipation, anorexia, IBS, loss of appetite, and other non specific problems of abdomen.

The R & D team at BA performed an extensive literary research and discovered a treasure trove of unique herbs from the bounty of Indian medicinal flora. These herbs have shown promising curative and supportive action to the liver. These herbs were also evaluated on analytical as well as clinical parameters for validation on current contemporary science parameters where these herbs have shown encouraging results. In fact, all the herbs that have been used in the formulation of Livofly are mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda and have a history of safe usage for thousands of years.

Sufficient research data and reference material is available in public domain stating the usefulness of the ingredients used in the formulation. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of Livofly syrup was also established through GLP certified animal testing labs.

How does Livofly work?
The syrup is made from potent natural medicinal herbs and have antioxidant properties that can block the bioactivation of several toxic substances such as CCl4, Paracetamol, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, etc. by inhibiting the CYP2E1 activity and/or its accelerated detoxification. These herbs also have the potential to minimize the deleterious effects of free radicals, hence protecting the liver from many harmful substances, including alcohol.

Some of the herbs used in livofly also exhibit metabolic effects by promoting bile production which in-turn improves digestion. This deconcoction also has carminative properties that helps in smooth defecation and provides immense relief from bloating and gastritis. Livofly is also found quite effective during acidity problems and some of Livofly’s ingredients have also shown a rejuvenating effect on hepatic cells in In-vitro studies.

Detail description of Livofly’s ingredients, phytoconstituents & their activities:

INGREDIENTS	ACTIVE PHYTOCONSTITUENTS	ACTIVITIES
1. AMLA	quecertin, gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid	- Beneficial in hepatotoxicity, metabolic syndrome, & hepatocellular carcinoma - Amla has been proven to offer protection against a wide variety of hepatotoxic agents, such as ethanol, paracetamol, carbon tetrachloride, heavy metals (Arsenic & Cadmium) and antitubercular drugs (isoniazed, rifampicin and pyrazinamide).   Ref.-1
2. HARITAKI	chebulic acid, chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, gallic acid, corilagin, ellagic acid	- It has anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic,  and protective effects on various vital organs such as  heart, kidney  & liver. - T. chebula fruit showed hepatoprotective activity against anti-tuberculosis drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide) -induced toxicity which could be attributed to its prominent anti-oxidative and membrane stabilizing activities.   Ref.-2
3. BHIBHITAKI	beta sitosterol, tannins, gallic, ethyl and elegiac acid	- It is used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti diarrheal,  hepato-protective and immune stimulatory agent. - T. bellerica fruits have been shown to have beneficial effects on iron overload mediated liver toxicity and hence possibly useful as iron chelating drug for iron overload diseases. Ref.-3
4. VASA	vasicine, vasicinone, flavonoids, tannins and microelements	- The leaves of Adhatoda vasica have significant hepatoprotective activity. It significantly reduced the levels of serum SGPT, SGOT and increased the total protein and albumin/globulin ratio level significantly. Flavonoids, tannins and microelements have been suggested to act as antioxidants and exert their antioxidant activity by scavenging the lipid peroxide. Ref.-4
5. NEEM	nimbine, nimbidine, nimbosterol and bitter principle- margosine	- It is widely used as Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of liver disorders and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and adaptogenic properties. - Administration of Azadirachta indica extract increased the concentration of GSH in liver and glutathione in blood and Na+K+-ATPase activity in liver significantly. Ref.-5
6. SARPUNKHA	rutin, quercetin, tephrosin, lupeol and  flavonoids like purpurin, and purpuritenin	- In ayurvedic literature T. purpurea has described ‘Sarva Warnavishapak’ means it has the property to heal all types of wounds. It has various biological activities such as antiulcer, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant, and antiallergic activity. - Ethanolic extract of root powder of T. purpurea has shown potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced chronic hepatotoxicity studies. It rectifies the lysosomal membrane damage  indicating the protective nature of this wonderful plant. Ref.-6 *In another study, supplementation of T. purpurea root extract (500 mg/kg) daily oral for 28 days has shown protection against arsenic induced toxicity by its protective effect. Ref.-7
7. PEETPAPRA	monomethyl fumarate	- It has significant hepatoprotective activity against various hepatotoxins and also stimulates hepatic regeneration. - The ethanolic extract of F. officinalis offered significant hepatoprotective action against CCl4-induced Liver Damage in Rats by reducing the serum marker enzymes like SGPT, SGOT, and ALP. They also reduced the elevated levels of serum total and direct bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides. Ref.- 8
8. KUTKI	picrosides I, II, III and kutkoside	- In Ayurveda P. kurroa is a reputed remedy for the treatment of liver diseases. - Picrorhiza has been shown to stimulate liver regeneration in rats, possibly via stimulation of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. *Picrorhiza’s anti-inflammatory action is attributed to the apocynin constituent, which has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties in addition to inhibiting oxidative burst in neutrophils. Ref.-9
9. KALMEGHA	andrographolide & neoandro-grapholide	- A. paniculata is a potent drug used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy in many formulations and is effective in the treatment of various diseases like malaria, diabetes, viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. - It is reported to possess anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, astringent, anti-pyretic properties and helps in arresting dysentery, cholera, diabetes and bronchitis. Andrographolide was found to be more potent than silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective agent. Ref.-10
10. BHUMI AMALAKI	phyllanthin & hypophyllanthin	- It is a classical Ayurvedic herb for the liver and an excellent herb for both pitta and kapha.  - It has shown promising activity for managing physiological jaundice in neonates. Neonatal  jaundice is one of the most common problems found in infants. Ref.-11 - It showed definitive hepatoprotective effect over the trial period of 90 days of initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment in patients of tuberculosis. Ref.-12 - Bhumyamalaki has shown promising activity for managing acute viral hepatitis. Ref.-13
11. GILOY	choline, tinosporine, isocolumbin, palmetine, tetrahydropalmatine and magnoflorine	- The plant is used in Ayurveda as “Rasayanas'' to improve the immune system and the body's resistance against infections. It has been found to possess significant antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory activity, antimutagenic/ anticarcinogenic activity.  - The alkaloids such as choline, tinosporine, isocolumbin, palmetine, tetrahydropalmatine and magnoflorine from T. cordifolia showed protection against aflatoxin induced nephrotoxicity. Ref.-14
12. BHRINGRAJ	wedelolactone, luteolin, and apigenin	- In ayurvedic medicine, it is considered a powerful liver tonic. It is acrid, bitter, hot and dry, reduces kapha and vata and is a good rejuvenator. *It is a potent drug for hepatitis. It has Hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitory. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of three compounds, namely, wedelolactone, luteolin, and apigenin. These compounds exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of HCV replicase in vitro, and anti-HCV replication activity in the cell culture system. The results suggest that the plant or individual components have the potential to be used against HCV. Ref.-15
13. VIDANGA	embelin, quercitol (polyphenols), flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloid	- Embelia ribes berries (fruits) are used in many herbal preparations for treatment of liver ailments, leprosy, ringworm infections and other skin eruptions, gastrointestinal disorder.  - Embelin exerts its protective action against CCl4-induced hepatocellular metabolic alterations by the stimulation of hepatic regeneration. Embelin can be ranked as a natural antioxidant and highly beneficial in liver diseases. Ref.-16
14. KAKAMACHI	solasodine	- S. nigrum has been extensively used in traditional medicine in India and other parts of the world to cure liver disorders, chronic skin ailments (psoriasis and ringworm), inflammatory conditions, painful periods, fevers, diarrhoea, eye diseases, hydrophobia, etc. Ref.-17 - It can be useful as hepatoprotective agents against heavy metals as chemical-induced damage and liver fibrosis. Ref.-18
15. MULI	anthocyanins, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and other flavonoids	- Muli is employed in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, jaundice, Kidney stones, Piles (hemorrhoids) . - It is beneficial against liver damage induced by zearalenone, an estrogenic mycotoxin, in male  Albino mice. This study has shown significant hepatoprotective action of R. sativus. Ref.-19 - It has been shown that the extract of seeds is beneficial against liver damage induced by CCl4 20. Due to its antioxidant property (sulfur-containing compound), radish seed can compete with the free radicals in the cell components and protect the liver from injury. Ref.-21

 

Action of Livofly:

Livofly-SF (sugar free) syrup has been specially formulated for persons with impaired sugar control, for diabetic patients, and for those whose sugar intake is prohibited or contraindicated. It does not increase blood sugar levels best liver syrup.

Preclinical study shows LIVOFLY to be safe as:

- LIVOFLY was found to be safe at 2000 mg/kg in rats when administered orally.
- It was found to be safe in both acute (single dose administration) and repeated dose (28 days administration) toxicity studies.
- In repeated dose (28 days administration) toxicity, LIVOFLY showed no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at 20ml/kg body weight of rats.

 

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Customer Reviews
Suman Dhar on Feb 24, 2021
"I purchased the medicine for my mother. She has a fatty liver and digestion problem. So after taking this syrup, she felt relieved from digestion. Recommended"

Deputy Sharma on Feb 24, 2021
"Helpful in Liver related concerns. Very good and effective."

Rinku Saha on Feb 24, 2021
"The product is very good for your liver health. Truly ayurvedic."

Aditya Pathak on Dec 30, 2020
"Very good product and good for digestion."

Anjan Roy on Dec 18, 2020
"The product is very very good. It helped me in many ways. One should try if they have acidity issues and any other liver problems."

Glossary:
Cholagogue: A drug or other substance that promotes the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum.
Choleretics: Choleretics are substances that increase the volume of secretion of bile from the liver as well as the amount of solids secreted.
Diuretic: Any drug that increases the flow of urine. Diuretics promote the removal of excess water, salts, poisons, and accumulated metabolic products, such as urea from the body.
Laxatives: Substances/drugs that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to relieve constipation.
Carminative: Drug that either prevents formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or facilitates the expulsion of said gas, thereby combating flatulence.
Oxidative Stress : Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between production of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cell and tissue damage.

References:
1. Swetha D., Krishna M. G., 2014. Current Trends in the Research of Emblica officinalis (Amla): A Pharmacological Perspective. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research; 24(2); 150-159.
2. Tasduq SA, Singh K, Satti NK, Gupta DK, Suri KA. 2006. Terminalia chebula (fruit) prevents liver toxicity caused by sub-chronic administration of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide in combination. Human & Experimental Toxicology; 25;111-18.
3. Bibhabasu H., Rhitajit S., Nripendranath M., 2012. Protection of Terminalia belerica roxb. Against iron overload induced liver toxicity: an account of its reducing and iron chelating capacity. American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology; 7 (3), 109-122.
4. Baishnab, S., Satija V., Das S., 2013, Hepatoprotective effect of Adhatoda vasica leaves extract against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats. The Internet Journal of Pharmacology; 12 (1).
5. Chattopadhyay R. R., 2003. Possible mechanism of hepatoprotective activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract: Part II. Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 89; 217–219.
6. Pankti P. D., Jigisha L. P., Pragnesh V. P., 2014. Tephrosia purpurea Linn (Sharpunkha, Wild Indigo): A Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Studies. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Research; 2(1):108-121
7. Ravuri H.G., Sushma L.B., Priscilla K., Reetu T., Naveen K., Birendra K.R., 2013. Ameliorative potential of Tephrosia purpurea extract against arsenic induced toxicity in wistar rats. Vet World; 6(8); 493-496.
8. Uday R.S., Prakash T., Surendra V., Roopakarki N., Divakar G., 2012. Hepatoprotective Activity of Fumaria officinalis against CCl4-induced Liver Damage in Rats. Pharmacologia; 3(1), 9-14.
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10. Abhishek N., Tewari S.K., Alok L., 2010. Biological activities of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees) and its active principles-A review. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources; 1(2), 125-135.
11. Anju , Vinod K., Chanchal S., 2014. A comparative clinical study to evaluate the effect of punarnava mool churna and bhumyamalaki panchanga churna in physiological jaundice. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 5(6), 690-696.
12. Sharma Y. K., Harbans S., Mehra B. L., 2004. Hepatoprotective effect of few Ayurvedic herbs in patients receiving antituberculus treatment. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge; 3(4); 391-396.
13. Harbans S., 2008. Hepatoprotective effect of Bhumyamalki (Phyllanthus fraternus Webster) and Phaltrikadi decoction in patients of acute viral hepatitis. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge; 7(4); 560-565.
14. Rekha G., Veena S., 2011. Ameliorative Effects of Tinospora Cordifolia Root Extract on Histopathological and Biochemical Changes Induced by Aflatoxin-B1 in Mice Kidney. Toxicology International; 18(2): 94–98.
15. Manvar D., Mishra M., Kumar S., Pandey V. N., 2012. Identification and evaluation of anti hepatitis C virus phytochemicals from Eclipta alba. Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 144(3); 545–554.
16. Dharmendra S., Ruchi S., Pahup S., Radhey S. G., 2009. Effects of embelin on lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging activity against liver damage in rats. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology; 105 (4), 243–248.
17. Atanu F. O., Ebiloma U. G., Ajayi E. I., 2011. A review of the pharmacological aspects of Solanum nigrum Linn. Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Review; 6(1); 01-07.
18. Abdel-Rahim E.A., Abdel-Mobdy Y.E., Ali R.F., Mahmoud H.A., 2014. Hepatoprotective effects of Solanum nigrum Linn fruits against cadmium chloride toxicity in albino rats. Biological Trace Element Research; 160(3); 400-408.
19. Jalila B. S.A., Samir A., Zohra H. and Ridha O., 2009. Raphanus sativus extract prevents and ameliorates zearalenone-induced peroxidative hepatic damage in Balb/c mice. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61; 1545–1554.
20. N.H.SH. Mohammed, Afaf. I. Abelgasim and A.H. Mohammed, 2008. Protective effect of Raphanus sativus against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in wistar albino rats. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology; 3; 272-278.
xxi. Kalantari H., Kooshapur H., Rezaii F., Ranjbari N., Moosavi M., 2009. Study of the protective effect of Raphanus sativus (radish) seed in liver toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products; 4(1); 24-31