Hepatitis C (cont.)

Other Therapy

A significant number of people with hepatitis C cannot take interferon and ribavirin or cannot tolerate the side effects. In others, the drugs simply don't work on the virus. Research is ongoing to find other therapies for these people.

Alternative therapies now in use for hepatitis C include several different herbs. It should be emphasized that none of these alternative and complementary therapies has been proven to work in any scientific study. They are not recommended by any medical authority as an alternative to interferon and ribavirin in people able to take these medications. The most promising complementary therapy is milk thistle.

• The active ingredient in milk thistle is thought to be a substance called silymarin.

• Studies done in animals suggest that silymarin may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and promote liver health in various ways.

• Milk thistle has not been studied specifically in people with hepatitis C, but it has been tested in people with cirrhosis and in people with chronic hepatitis. Unfortunately, results are not conclusive; some studies showed a positive effect, others did not.

• Milk thistle is available as capsules but not as tea.

Other herbs that may have a positive effect are licorice and ginseng. These herbs are thought to promote liver health and to boost the body's ability to fight the infection. Extreme care should be taken with licorice, however, as it can cause high blood pressure or even heart failure or cardiac arrest (heart stopping) if taken at too high a dose.

Other herbs may be taken as complementary therapy to help relieve the side effects of interferon. These include ginger (to reduce nausea) and St. John's wort (to relieve depression).

Like all herbal preparations, the manufacture and contents of these products is not standardized in the United States and is not regulated by any government body.

• The potency and purity vary from product to product and are not predictable.

• Just because herbs are natural products does not mean they are always safe or helpful.

• Take herbal products and supplements with as much care as you would take any medicine.

• Talk to your health care provider if you are taking any herbs or supplements or are considering taking any.

Next: Next Steps »

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