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Alternative Therapies for Hepatitis C
Chronic liver disease is the cause of substantial morbidity and mortality in the United States. As many as four million persons are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is the leading cause of chronic hepatitis and liver transplantation in the US. Conventional therapies for hepatitis C, though improved over the last several years, have been disappointing and not at all benevolent to the majority of hepatitis patients. The complication of infection and the low percentage of response to interferon therapy has led many patients to pursue alternative and integrative approaches to therapy.
Nutritional Models
Protein restricted diets are often prescribed in patients with liver disease. In patients with cirrhosis, decreased hepatic function and encephalopathy, such an approach can be justified. However, protein requirement in the cirrhotic hypercatabolic state are increased over those of patients without liver disease. Protein restriction may contribute to malnutrition and poor outcome in these patients. Avoidance of animal protein in preference to vegetable sources has been shown to minimize encephalopathy.
1) Diets high in branch-chained amino acids may actually provide a survival benefit in patients with cirrhosis.
2) The situation in patients with chronic non-cirrhotic liver disease is less clear. Besides suggesting a well-balanced diet and avoidance of alcohol, little evidence is available to provide such patients with meaningful and specified dietary advice.
Fatty Acid Intake
Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with decreased platelet aggregation and improvement in serum lipid profiles. It has been theorized that a diet high in such fatty acids may inhibit lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. Lipid peroxidation with production of reactive oxygen species has been implicated in a number of experimental models of liver injury. Though this line of evidence is incomplete to suggest supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with chronic hepatitis, it should be studied further.
Herbs Used in Liver Disease
A huge variety of herbs have been suggested as useful in the prevention, treatment, and maintenance of patients with a spectrum of chronic liver diseases. These botanicals are derived from a worldwide pharmacopoeia, including those of Western Europe, China, and India. In general, herbs used in liver conditions are classified as cholagogues, which induce the liver to produce bile; choloretics, which increase the flow of bile from the gallbladder; and cholekinetics, which stimulate bile duct contraction. Most herbalists prescribe a combination of many botanicals, making appraisal of the effect of any given preparation problematic. Following are a list of botanicals used in the treatment of liver disease:
Carrot (Daucus Carota): experiments in animals have shown protection against experimental injury by extracts of carrot.
Chicory (Cichorium Intybus): crude extracts of Cichorium intybus (Chicory) have been shown to inhibit free-radical-mediated DNA damage in lab animals.
Chinese Angelica (Angelica Sinensis): known as dang quai, angelica is a very popular Chinese woman's herb. Sodium ferulate, one of the effective components of Angelica sinensis, has prevented acetaminophen-induced injury in rats.
Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale): leaves and roots have been suggested as a diuretic, treatment of jaundice. Traditional remedy in many cultures including, Chinese, Indian, and European. Dandelion is classified as a choloretic, cholagogue, diuretic, and mild laxative.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): the active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to have hepatocellular protective properties in experimental animals. A recent retrospective Japanese trial has demonstrated that HCV patients taking a licorice extract (Stronger Neo-Minophagen C) were less likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum): the fruit of the milk thistle (silybum marianum) has been used for many years in the treatment of a variety of liver diseases. This is the most commonly used and best tested herb in the category of liver diseases. Evidence suggests widespread use of silymarin compounds among patients diagnosed with chronic HCV. Extract of the milk thistle fruit, a cousin of the daisy, contains 4-6% silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans including silibibin, silychristin and silydianin. The effects of silymarin are assumed to be due to antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Actions ascribed to silymarin include alteration of the hepatocyte membrane, stimulation of nucleolar polymerase A with a resulting increase in protein synthesis, free-radical scavenging, and inhibition of peroxidizing enzymes. The potential antifibrotic properties of silibinin might be due to the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell proliferation and transmutation.
A single long-term randomized trial suggested survival benefit when silymarin was given to a group of patients with cirrhosis. A study of twenty patients with chronic hepatitis treated with seven days of silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex showed decreased measures of lipid peroxidation and transaminases. There are no published reports of silymarin toxicity.
Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus Amarus, P. gastroemii): phyllanthus are low shrubs common across southern Asia and Australia. In parts of India the herb is renowned for it's success in treating hepatitis and jaundice. Classified as a cholagogue and antiviral, clinical trials have shown clinical improvement in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, while animal studies have shown viral replicative inhibition.
Schizandra (Schizandra Sinensis): used in China to treat viral hepatitis. Studies in small animals have shown protective properties in carbon tetrachloride toxicity.Some studies have shown significant decrease in liver enzymes in various forms of hepatitis.
Syo-saiko-to: this Japanese herbal preparation contains a combination of botanicals. Recent reports have noted a decrease in HCC in patients treated for longer than five years.
Compassionate Hepatitis C Treatment Model
Agrisept-L: Agrisept-L is a synergistic blend of natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial and antifungal and antiseptic properties. Agrisept-L addresses the problem of Candida, which is often found in patients with HCV.
IFG: is a gentle, natural herbal product that assists the body in the removal of toxins and waste. As detoxification takes place, cells once again begin to function efficiently. Take one teaspoon in orange or pineapple juice and add 10 to 15 drops of Agrisept-L (3 times a day).
Triomin is a unique combination of 60 trace elements and 16 balanced minerals found in the ocean. The trace minerals help in digestion, aid in replacing electrolytes and defend cells against toxic reaction and poisoning. Triomin also assists in bringing remarkable life and vigor to every cell in the body. Take one capful in AM before food...hold in mouth for ten seconds, absorbs quickly into bloodstream.
Livosin: is an all natural liver tonic with 26 herbal ingredients tested by a team of scientists and eliminates liver toxicity. Take three capsules with a full glass of water between breakfast and lunch, and three more capsules with water before going to bed.
Essential Marine Shark Liver Oil: is the only shark liver oil on the market that contains both squalene and alkooxyglyercol, which stimulates the lymphatic immune system. Take three capsules 30 minutes before breakfast.
Green Magic: is an enzymatic, nutrient rich concentrated harvest of nature's finest foods for optimal health. Green Magic contains Hawaiian Spirulina and Chinese Chlorella, barley grass juice and much more. Since the liver loves foods that are alive, it's a must for HCV therapy. Take two capsules with each meal.
Bentonite Fiber and More: The ingredients are listed below
Bentonite 275mg, Flaxseed 250 mg, aloe vera gel 200 mg, gelatin 90 mg, apple pectin 50 mg, wheat grass 50 mg, prune powder 35 mg, golden seal root 10 mg, silica 5 mg, acidophilus lactobaccillus and a few other things. The manufacturer is Highland Laboratories in Oregon.
Ultra-Form: contains extracts of red beet, cherry stem, spinach, parsley, mint, dandelion, devils claw, milk thistle, and garlic. Take one teaspoonful three times per day.
Absolutely no alcohol! No animal protein! No dairy! No meat (dead food)! No chicken or fish! Lots of raw fruits and vegetables, and juice 8 oz. of carrot and beet twice a day as a potent liver purifier.
For further information about these products and how to order them, you may contact: Ms. Linda Krawczyk RN by phone at 810-724-3353... or you can e-mail her at lkcalorad@hotmail.com
| Information and ordering single herbs and formulas will also be provided by Cheryl Faye Schwartz, webmaster and Fairy Godmother of Hepatitis Family. Hepatitis Family members receive an additional 5% discount on top of the 15-60% discount she usually offers the general public. She has more than 10,000 top quality natural products available |
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