Use of herbal supplements for chronic liver disease.
OBJECTIVE
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 LIV.52 has been withdrawn from the market because of deleterious effects in patients with liver disease.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.
Levy
Cynthia
C
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Seeff
Leonard D
LD
Lindor
Keith D
KD
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012838:Silymarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000975:Antioxidants; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012838:Silymarin; C002614:Liv 52; D019695:Glycyrrhizic Acid