title: Preliminary report of a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation CH-100 in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
abstract: The treatment of chronic hepatitis C is relatively unsatisfactory and many patients have turned to unproven alternative medicines to modify the course of their illness. We report a study of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation CH-100 in the management of chronic hepatitis C. Patients with documented chronic hepatitis C were randomly allocated to receive active herbal or placebo tablets (five tablets thrice daily). Patients were followed monthly and evaluated by a Western and a traditional Chinese medical practitioner. Therapy was monitored by measurement of liver function tests, creatinine and full blood count on a monthly basis. Twenty patients in each group were well matched for age, sex, duration of illness, previous interferon therapy and alcohol intake. Active Chinese herbal medication was associated with a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels over the 6 month study period (P < 0.03). No patient cleared the virus but four normalized their ALT on treatment. Appropriately prescribed Chinese herbal medicine may have a role in the management of chronic hepatitis C and further controlled studies are indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. RBatey@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Batey
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bensoussan
authors.forename: Y Y
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bollipo
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hossain
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D012367:RNA, Viral; D000410:Alanine Transaminase