Patients suffering from ascites -- a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within the abdomen -- can be treated by Ayurvedic poly-herbal drug that has the potential not only to slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease but also to restore normalcy in functional parameters of the vital organ, a team of researchers has claimed.

In a study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, Assistant Professor Komala A, Siddesh Aradhyamath, and researcher Mallinath IT from JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital in Karnataka gave a range of Ayurvedic formulations along with AIMIL Pharmaceutical's innovation Neeri KFT for impaired kidneys.

"A dose of 20 ml of this ayurvedic formulation daily --morning and evening -- was given for a month," the researchers said, adding the outcome was positive.

The herbal drug not only helped protect the kidneys of the patients from further damage due to the condition but also helped excrete the collected fluid from their abdomen.

The consumption of herbal formulation flushed out fluid from the abdomen through the urinary tract said the researchers.

The NEERI-KFT, a herbal medicine extracted from plants, is composed of herbs such as Punarnava, Varun, Sigru, Sariva, Makoi, and Sirish, also known for their diuretic properties.

Sanchit Sharma from AIMIL Pharmaceuticals told IANS that in the past few years Neeri KFT has proven to be effective in strengthening the kidney as well as clearing toxic fluids from the body.

Ascites usually occur when the liver stops working properly or it malfunctions, leading to a build-up of fluid in the space between the abdominal lining and the organs.

Ascites are the most common complication of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). It affects around 60 percent of people with cirrhosis within 10 years of their diagnosis, and the two-year survival rate is 50 percent.

Patients suffering from ascites may have the symptoms like painless swelling in the abdomen that worsens rather than going away; abdominal discomfort; weight gain; feeling full after eating a little, shortness of breath as pressure increases in the abdomen, pushing up on the diaphragm and reduction in the space for the lungs to expand. (AA/IANS)