Randomized Clinical trial on the efficacy of KB yoga in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, strongly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Conventional management is limited, and effective Ayurvedic interventions may provide cost-effective alternatives. Kirātatikta (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees) and Bhringarāja (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L) are traditionally prescribed in liver disorders, but clinical evidence in NAFLD is scarce.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of KB Yoga (combination of Kirātatikta and Bhringarāja) in comparison with Droṇapuṣpī (Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link)) in patients with NAFLD.
Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at VPSV Ayurveda College Hospital, Kottakkal. Participants aged 30–60 years with NAFLD, confirmed by elevated ALT/AST and ultrasound, were randomized to receive either KB Yoga tablets (450 mg) or Droṇapuṣpī tablets (500 mg) for the study period. Primary outcomes were changes in ALT and AST levels; secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal and constitutional symptom relief assessed by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results: A total of 106 participants were randomized (53 in each group). In the KB group, mean ALT decreased from 114.7 to 55.08 IU/L and AST from 73.34 to 44.06 IU/L (p < 0.05). Both enzymes also decreased significantly in the control group, but between-group comparisons favored KB (ALT: 55.08 ± 15.70 vs. 64.53 ± 24.02, p = 0.017; AST: 44.06 ± 12.51 vs. 50.25 ± 17.48, p = 0.043). Subjective symptom assessment showed significant within-group improvements in both arms, with slightly greater resolution of gastrointestinal complaints in the KB group.
Conclusion: KB Yoga demonstrated superior hepatoprotective efficacy compared with Droṇapuṣpī in NAFLD, with significant reductions in ALT and AST and parallel improvement in gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms. Its dual metabolic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, alongside classical Ayurvedic indications, support its use as a cost-effective and readily available intervention for NAFLD. Further trials with imaging and biomarker endpoints are warranted.