Chirata (Swertia chirata) has been used extensively in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine systems for the treatment of liver disorders, including hepatitis. Historically, chirata is considered a "bitter tonic" and is believed to support liver function, promote detoxification, and improve digestion. Its use for hepatitis is primarily based on these traditional beliefs and its role in formulations for “jaundice” and “liver complaints.”

Scientific studies on chirata are limited and mostly preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of Swertia chirata possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically benefit liver health. For instance, research has shown that compounds like swertiamarin and amarogentin can reduce markers of liver damage in animal models exposed to toxins. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating chirata’s effectiveness in treating hepatitis.

In summary, the use of chirata for hepatitis is primarily justified by traditional medicine practices, with only modest preclinical scientific evidence. There is insufficient high-quality human data to support its efficacy, so its evidence rating for this condition is low.