Dr Willmar Schwabe India Alpha-Liv

The liver plays a key role in metabolism. It has anabolic and catabolic, exocrine and endocrine functions. The liver is a blood reservoir, filters and stores different substances (e.g. glycogen, vitamins). It is the site of serum protein (e.g. albumin, prothrombin, fibrinogen) and enzyme synthesis. Metabolic processes (e.g. bilirubin, hormone, carbohydrate and lipid turnover) and the removal of toxic products are important liver functions.

Hepatotoxins (e.g. alcohol, tetracycline, acetaminophen, fungal toxins, and anabolic steroids) can cause specific damage to liver cells. Toxic hepatitis may be clinically silent or severe enough to lead to the rapid development of hepatic failure. Clinical features include hepatomegaly, enzyme abnormalities, fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. In patients with manifestations of portal hypertension may predominate. Aversion to fatty food, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Jaundice results from accumulation of bilirubin. It has non-hepatic as well as hepatic causes. Hyperbilirubinaemia may be due to abnormalities in the formation, transport, metabolism or excretion of bilirubin.

Alpha-Liv aids recovery and normalisation of liver functions. Severe liver disease needs specialised treatment.

Composition

• Carduus marianus 10%
• Chelidonium majus 2%
• Andrographis paniculata 5%
• Hydrastis canadensis 1%
• Podophyllum peltatum 1%
• Ipecacuanha 1%
• Excipients Q.S.
• Alcohol content 11.5% v/v

Proven indications of the individual ingredients in the sphere of claimed action:

Carduus marianus acts on liver, vascular and portal systems, in particular. It is used for liver problems due to abuse of alcoholic beverages, enlargement of the liver causing fullness and soreness, hyperaemia of the liver, jaundice and initial stages of cirrhosis. Irritability and apathy, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, profuse diarrhoea and constipation, haemorrhagic piles, and itching at night are covered.

Chelidonium majus is a liver remedy, covering many of the direct reflex symptoms of diseased conditions of the organ. It is indicated in jaundice, enlarged liver, distension and sluggish bowels due to hepatic disease or bilious complications.

Andrographis paniculata is indicated for liver disease in children, prolonged fever, general debility, enlarged liver and jaundice. It is a tonic and anthelmintic, and is useful in the treatment of dysentery and dyspepsia.

Hydrastis canadensis has a marked action on the liver. It acts on the torpid and tender liver, jaundice, dull dragging pain in the right groin, gall stones, constipation, tumour state when pain is prominent.

Podophyllum peltatum is indicated for distended abdomen, feeling of heat and emptiness, sensation of weakness or sinking, painful liver region, jaundice, portal engorgement, gastro-enteritis-like symptoms.

Ipecacuanha acts on persistent nausea and vomiting, cutting pain around the naval, tenesmus and liver soreness.

Directions for use

Dosage: Unless otherwise prescribed by the physician, 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily. As the symptoms improve, it can be reduced to 1-2 teaspoons twice daily. It is a well-tolerated drug and can be used for prolonged periods. Children should be given half the adult dose. It contains syrup and care should be taken regarding dose and duration in diabetes.

Note: For treatment during pregnancy and lactation, and for patients with serious liver or alcohol problems, in particular, please note that this product contains a small quantity of alcohol. For the treatment of patients with diabetes, please note that this product contains sugar.

Side effects: No side effects of Alpha-Liv are known.

Contra-indications: No contra-indications for the use of Alpha-Liv are known.

Interactions: No interactions between Alpha-Liv and other products are known.

Expiry: 5 years from the date of manufacturing.