A double-blind clinical trial of kamalahar, an indigenous compound preparation, in acute viral hepatitis.
BACKGROUND
Kamalahar is an indigenous preparation reported to be beneficial in acute viral hepatitis.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of Kamalahain acute viral hepatitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Fifty two patients with acute viral hepatitis were randomized to receive either Kamalahar 500 mg or a matched placebo three times a day for 15 days. Forty four patients (Kamalahar 20; placebo 24) completed the trial.


RESULTS
Improvement in clinical signs was more marked with Kamalahar compared to placebo. The fall in serum bilirubin (p < 0.001), SGPT (p < 0.001) and serum alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.005) at day 15 was significantly greater with the drug. No significant side effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Kamalahar offers therapeutic promise in acute viral hepatitis.
Das
D G
DG
Clinical Pharmacology Department, Government General Hospital, Guntur.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*
C085045:Kamalahar; D010936:Plant Extracts