Himalaya Liv.52

Liv.52 is an ayurvedic herbal formulation made by the company Himalaya, which is used to support liver health and liver function. It consists of a blend of herbs including Mandur basma, Tamarix gallica, Capparis spinosa, Cichorium intybus, Solanum nigrum, Terminalia arjuna, and Achillea millefolium. It is specifically used in the prevention or treatment of hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, early liver cirrhosis, protein energy malnutrition, loss of appetite, radiation and chemotherapy-induced liver damage, as an adjunct to hepatotoxic drugs, and to support metabolism during convalescence or prolonged illness.

Liv.52 has been shown to increase the excretion of alcohol out of the body, reducing hangover symptoms the next day after binge drinking. It is possible that Liv.52 prevents the binding of acetaldehyde, bringing about higher initial blood levels followed by rapid elimination. It may also be because Liv.52 slows down how quickly glutathione is depleted.

Bodybuilders and athletes use Liv-52 as a way to reduce the level of strain placed on the liver by hepatotoxic anabolic/androgenic steroids. When using c-17 alpha alkylated orals, the liver is placed under a lot of stress, with glutathione depletion being a direct marker of liver stress. As mentioned above, Liv.52 slows the depletion of glutathione, so serves as benefit to those using oral anabolic steroids.

Liv.52 can be used to lower elevated liver enzymes like ALT and AST. Elevated liver enzymes may indicate inflammation or damage to the liver. Liv.52 helps reduce inflammation. Liv.52 also works well in reducing elevated serum bilirubin level and treating jaundice. 2 tablets, twice a day, tends to lower liver enzymes in about 2 months.

Liv 52 helps with nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite. All ingredients present in Liv 52 stimulate digestion and increase appetite. Liv.52 promotes appetite, improves growth in children, improves bowel habits, helps in appetite loss in pregnancy and may increase body weight. The improvements in appetite are normally seen in 2-4 weeks, but can take up to 3 months.

Liv 52 helps digestion of fats. It improves the flow of bile into the digestive tract. It can also help in mild cases of constipation.

A general dosage for Liv.52 is 2 tablets, 3 times per day. It is often recommended to take them 30 minutes before a meal when improvement in digestion is needed. If digestion and appetite are sufficient, then you can take them 30 minutes after the meal.

References / further reading:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16194047/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6942351/

https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7422/14/3/21

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874102002635

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2065700/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2065699/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8279671/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20412827/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22940028/