LiverDoc backs Malayalam film Vaazha 2, calls it 'public health activism' amid row
In his recent social media post, Abby Philips aka LiverDoc, urged Vaazha 2 makers not to alter the film after legal pushback from the Ayurveda body.
Doctor and public health commentator Abby Philips, popularly known as Liverdoc, has weighed in on the debate surrounding the Malayalam film Vaazha 2, praising it for spotlighting the potential risks of certain Ayurvedic formulations.
LiverDoc praises Vaazha 2
In a detailed post on X, Philips praised the film for portraying a character who develops severe liver disease after prolonged consumption of arishtam, an Ayurvedic preparation that contains alcohol. He argued that the narrative aligns with growing scientific evidence suggesting that some herbal medicines can harm the liver.
Philips noted that for decades, the Ayurveda community has promoted the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, even those containing toxic botanicals and alcohol. However, he stated that a substantial body of peer-reviewed evidence now challenges this narrative, showing that Ayurvedic herbals can be extremely toxic to the liver, sometimes leading to severe outcomes such as liver transplantation or death.
Citing his own research, the doctor referred to a case involving a teenager who developed severe liver complications allegedly linked to prescribed Ayurvedic medication. He also pointed to multiple studies that, according to him, highlight the risks associated with such treatments, including the presence of alcohol, toxic botanicals and heavy metals in some formulations. This case, Philips argued, aligns with the narrative presented in Vaazha 2, thus highlighting the film's significance.
Take a look at Vaazha 2 trailer:
What is the controversy around Vaazha 2?
The Malayalam film Vaazha 2 is performing well at the box office but has reportedly sparked a controversy over how it depicts Ayurveda. A section of practitioners has objected to a particular scene featuring Biju Kuttan, claiming it presents a misleading picture of traditional treatment methods, according to reports.
The concern has drawn the attention of the Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI), which has reportedly decided to pursue legal action. The dispute centres on a scene that appears to associate a health issue with the consumption of arishtam.
Practitioners argue that this portrayal risks creating confusion about established Ayurvedic practices and could negatively shape public perception. The association has maintained that such depictions spread misinformation and may harm the credibility of Ayurveda as a stream of medicine. AMAI has reportedly issued a legal notice to the makers of Vaazha 2, objecting to the depiction and seeking the removal of specific scenes.
LiverDoc slams AMAI
LiverDoc also highlighted several reports demonstrating that Ayurvedic herbals can cause liver-related issues, including cirrhosis and liver failure. He criticised the AMAI for their legal actions against the film's creators, accusing them of attempting to suppress evidence-based concerns about the safety of their products.
In his post, Philips offered his support to the makers of Vaazha 2, urging them not to alter the film in response to legal threats. He described the film as a necessary act of public health activism and encouraged viewers to watch both parts of the Vaazha series.
Doctor and public health commentator Abby Philips, popularly known as Liverdoc, has weighed in on the debate surrounding the Malayalam film Vaazha 2, praising it for spotlighting the potential risks of certain Ayurvedic formulations.
LiverDoc praises Vaazha 2
In a detailed post on X, Philips praised the film for portraying a character who develops severe liver disease after prolonged consumption of arishtam, an Ayurvedic preparation that contains alcohol. He argued that the narrative aligns with growing scientific evidence suggesting that some herbal medicines can harm the liver.
Philips noted that for decades, the Ayurveda community has promoted the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, even those containing toxic botanicals and alcohol. However, he stated that a substantial body of peer-reviewed evidence now challenges this narrative, showing that Ayurvedic herbals can be extremely toxic to the liver, sometimes leading to severe outcomes such as liver transplantation or death.
Citing his own research, the doctor referred to a case involving a teenager who developed severe liver complications allegedly linked to prescribed Ayurvedic medication. He also pointed to multiple studies that, according to him, highlight the risks associated with such treatments, including the presence of alcohol, toxic botanicals and heavy metals in some formulations. This case, Philips argued, aligns with the narrative presented in Vaazha 2, thus highlighting the film's significance.
Take a look at Vaazha 2 trailer:
What is the controversy around Vaazha 2?
The Malayalam film Vaazha 2 is performing well at the box office but has reportedly sparked a controversy over how it depicts Ayurveda. A section of practitioners has objected to a particular scene featuring Biju Kuttan, claiming it presents a misleading picture of traditional treatment methods, according to reports.
The concern has drawn the attention of the Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI), which has reportedly decided to pursue legal action. The dispute centres on a scene that appears to associate a health issue with the consumption of arishtam.
Practitioners argue that this portrayal risks creating confusion about established Ayurvedic practices and could negatively shape public perception. The association has maintained that such depictions spread misinformation and may harm the credibility of Ayurveda as a stream of medicine. AMAI has reportedly issued a legal notice to the makers of Vaazha 2, objecting to the depiction and seeking the removal of specific scenes.
LiverDoc slams AMAI
LiverDoc also highlighted several reports demonstrating that Ayurvedic herbals can cause liver-related issues, including cirrhosis and liver failure. He criticised the AMAI for their legal actions against the film's creators, accusing them of attempting to suppress evidence-based concerns about the safety of their products.
In his post, Philips offered his support to the makers of Vaazha 2, urging them not to alter the film in response to legal threats. He described the film as a necessary act of public health activism and encouraged viewers to watch both parts of the Vaazha series.
