Available online 7 January 2023, 100623

Abnormal liver enzymes may signal liver damage or alteration in bile flow which may be due to various causes. Excessive alcohol use is an important risk factor for the development of liver abnormalities and one major medical complication is Alcoholic liver disease. Worldwide, approximately 2.4 billion people consume alcohol, among which 1.5 billion are current male drinkers and 0.9 billion are current female drinkers. In the present scenario of high prevalence and limited treatment options, this study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Sharbat-e-Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium L. syrup) on altered liver enzymes among alcoholics.

The present study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with 20 patients in the test group and 10 patients in the control group. Participants in the test group were administered with Sharbat-e-Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium L.) 25 ml twice daily, for 28 days while those in the control group were given syrup Liv-52, 15 ml twice daily for 28 days. All the participants were asked to follow up every 7th day for the assessment of liver function tests (LFT). Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and ultrasonography of the abdomen were assessed before and after the treatment duration.

The test formulation showed significant improvement in serum bilirubin, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p<0.05) on intra-group analysis whereas intergroup analysis showed significant differences only for ALT and ALP.

The research findings support that Sharbat-e-Afsanteen is effective and safe in the therapeutic management of altered liver enzymes among alcoholics.

Altered liver enzyme

Sharbat-e-Afsanteen

Unani Medicine

Alcoholic liver disease

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