TY - JOUR
T1 - Use of herbal supplements for chronic liver disease
AU - Levy, Cynthia
AU - Seeff, Leonard D.
AU - Lindor, Keith D.
PY - 2004/11/1
Y1 - 2004/11/1
N2 - Background & Aims: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming popular among patients with liver disease. Although there is a growing body of evidence regarding potential mechanisms of action of these and other herbs, caution must be used to interpret the results of the few clinical trials available. Our goal was to discuss the biologic rationale for the use of specific herbs (silymarin, glycyrrhizin, sho-saiko-to, Phyllanthus amarus, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Compound 861, CH-100, and LIV.52) in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, as well as the evidence for their efficacy and adverse effects according to clinical trials. Methods: Because of the relative paucity of clinical studies using herbs, every trial published in English was reviewed. Results: Although many trials suggest that these herbs can decrease serum transaminase levels, the effects on hepatic histopathology and long-term survival are either poorly studied or conflicting. LIV.52 has been withdrawn from the market because of deleterious effects in patients with liver disease. Conclusions: Based on current evidence, we cannot recommend the use of herbal supplements for the routine treatment of any chronic liver disease and further well-designed clinical trials are necessary.
AB - Background & Aims: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming popular among patients with liver disease. Although there is a growing body of evidence regarding potential mechanisms of action of these and other herbs, caution must be used to interpret the results of the few clinical trials available. Our goal was to discuss the biologic rationale for the use of specific herbs (silymarin, glycyrrhizin, sho-saiko-to, Phyllanthus amarus, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Compound 861, CH-100, and LIV.52) in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, as well as the evidence for their efficacy and adverse effects according to clinical trials. Methods: Because of the relative paucity of clinical studies using herbs, every trial published in English was reviewed. Results: Although many trials suggest that these herbs can decrease serum transaminase levels, the effects on hepatic histopathology and long-term survival are either poorly studied or conflicting. LIV.52 has been withdrawn from the market because of deleterious effects in patients with liver disease. Conclusions: Based on current evidence, we cannot recommend the use of herbal supplements for the routine treatment of any chronic liver disease and further well-designed clinical trials are necessary.
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U2 - 10.1016/S1542-3565(04)00455-0
DO - 10.1016/S1542-3565(04)00455-0
M3 - Review article
C2 - 15551246
AN - SCOPUS:9144237622
SN - 1542-3565
VL - 2
SP - 947
EP - 956
JO - Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
JF - Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
IS - 11
ER -