International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Jaundice, a common condition among pediatric patients, is caused by hyperbilirubinemia and may indicate underlying hepatic or hematologic disorders. Neonatal jaundice affects 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants, with severe cases potentially leading to kernicterus if untreated. Conventional treatments, such as phototherapy and exchange transfusion, are effective but associated with side effects and accessibility challenges, especially in low-resource settings. This highlights the need for alternative or complementary therapies.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Chelidonium majus and Carduus marianus, two phototherapeutics with hepatoprotective properties, in managing pediatric jaundice.

Methodology: A prospective, randomized controlled trial design were employed. Pediatric patients aged 0-12 years diagnosed with jaundice was allocated to two groups: one receiving conventional phototherapy and a control group treated exclusively with these herbal remedies. Baseline and follow-up liver function tests (LFTs) was assess efficacy, while standardized aqueous extracts of the herbal remedies will be administered orally for 14 days.

Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in bilirubin levels, with the herbal treatment group demonstrating superior outcomes by Day 14 (2.1 ± 1.0 mg/dL vs. 3.8 ± 1.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Liver enzymes also improved significantly in the herbal group (p < 0.01). Patients receiving herbal treatment experienced shorter hospital stays (4.3 ± 1.2 days vs. 5.8 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.03) and minimal side effects. Caregiver satisfaction scores were notably higher in the herbal group (9.1 ± 0.7 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Chelidonium majus and Carduus marianus offer a safe, effective, and accessible alternative to phototherapy for pediatric jaundice. This herbal regimen demonstrated greater efficacy in bilirubin reduction, improved liver function, faster recovery, and higher caregiver satisfaction. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings.