Ayurvedic Management of Kamala (Hepatitis A) – A Case Series

Abstract

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis, primarily transmitted via the fecal–oral route, and remains a significant public health concern in India. In Ayurveda, the clinical presentation of hepatitis A can be correlated with Kamala , described under Pittaja Nanatmaja Vyadhi and Raktajapradoshaja Vyadhi . The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and biochemical outcomes of Ayurvedic management in patients with acute hepatitis A. This case series includes three clinically and serologically confirmed cases of acute hepatitis A (anti-HAV immunoglobulin M positive) managed on an outpatient basis. Patients received Ayurvedic treatment based on Pittahara and Raktashodhana principles. Clinical features and liver function parameters were assessed at baseline and during follow-up at 7, 15, and 30 days. All patients showed marked clinical improvement, including reduction in icterus, fatigue, anorexia, and normalization of urine and stool color. Biochemically, total bilirubin levels decreased by 68.4%, 70.4%, and 90.4%, respectively. Serum transaminases showed substantial decline, with serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase reducing by 96.3%, 97.2%, and 97.0% and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase by 94.6%, 96.8%, and 97.4% across the three cases. No adverse effects were reported. The findings suggest that Ayurvedic management may support clinical recovery and improvement in biochemical parameters in uncomplicated hepatitis A ( Kamala ). However, considering the self-limiting nature of the disease, definitive therapeutic attribution cannot be established. Further large-scale, controlled studies are required.