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.

Hepatotoxicity of botanicals

“…Similarly, cell culture work on interleukin-10 production in patients with chronic hepatitis C indicates that this may halt the progression of the disease 29 . Other work suggests a positive effect of another Chinese herbal preparation on the course of chronic hepatitis C 30 . Batey et al found a preparation containing as many as 19 different herbal extracts to be effective in reducing elevated alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with hepatitis C. However, no patient effectively cleared the virus 30 .…”

“…Other work suggests a positive effect of another Chinese herbal preparation on the course of chronic hepatitis C 30 . Batey et al found a preparation containing as many as 19 different herbal extracts to be effective in reducing elevated alanine aminotransferase levels in patients with hepatitis C. However, no patient effectively cleared the virus 30 . The frequency with which Chinese herbs evoke adverse effects in the liver is unclear since, so far, reports about toxicity have largely been case reports.…”

Complementary and alternative medicine in chronic liver disease

“…In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with hepatitis C, treatment with the product was associated with a significant reduction in ALT levels, although no treated person cleared the virus. 43 NCCAM is currently supporting a study of a 10-herb combination, referred to as 3AR. The trial will assess safety and adverse events, as well as symptoms of fatigue, quality of life, liver function, and HCV-RNA levels in patients who do not qualify for standard therapy of hepatitis C. Thus, there is increasing interest in conducting rigorous testing of candidate CTM compounds (1) as alternatives to standard treatment, (2) to augment conventional treatments, or (3) to ameliorate the side effects of current therapies.…”

The Use of Selected Nutrition Supplements and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Liver Disease

“…CH-100 183,184 CH-100 is a blend of 19 different herbs used in China to treat liver disease. It has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.…”