title: A double-blind clinical trial of kamalahar, an indigenous compound preparation, in acute viral hepatitis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacology Department, Government General Hospital, Guntur.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Das
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: C085045:Kamalahar; D010936:Plant Extracts