Chronic viral hepatitis, the treatment with spiruline for one month has no effect on the aminotransferases.
BACKGROUND
Spirulina platensis is extracted from an alga and theoretically has many good effects on the majority of the organs. There is not any published clinical trial on humans.


OBJECTIVE
The evaluation of the efficacy of spiruline in chronic viral liver disease.


METHODS
Double blind, randomised clinical trial.


METHODS
Secondary care university hospital.


METHODS
24 patients with chronic viral liver disease, treated with spiruline or placebo for one month.


METHODS
Aminotransferases diminution and the modification of a general state score self-evaluated by the patient on an analogic visual scale.


RESULTS
A modification of the aminotransferases level in the detriment of the spiruline treated group has been found (p = 0.036 for ALAT, p = 0.017 for ASAT), and not at the level of the general state score (p = 0.30).


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the little number of patients, significant results not favouring spiruline have been found.
Băicuş
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"Colentina" Clinical Hospital, 19-21, Sos. Stefan cel Mare, 72202 Bucharest, Romania. cbaicus@fx.ro
Tănăsescu
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C
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053545:Spirulina; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D000637:Transaminases