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Randomized double blind placebo‐controlled trial of a Chinese herbal therapy (CH100) in chronic hepatitis C
Author(s) -
Mollison Lindsay,
Totten Leanne,
Flexman James,
Beaman Miles,
Batey Robert
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04320.x
Subject(s) - medicine , randomized controlled trial , double blind , chronic hepatitis , placebo , traditional medicine , alternative medicine , virology , pathology , virus
Abstract Background and Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common infection with serious health consequences. Alternative therapies are often used for hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to examine CH100, a Chinese herbal remedy, for efficacy in therapy of chronic HCV. Methods: A randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study in a tertiary outpatient clinic of CH100 over 24 weeks with 24 weeks follow‐up in patients with chronic HCV infection. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HCV‐RNA, quality of life (by SF‐36) and side‐effects were examined regularly. Ninety‐seven patients were enrolled of which 91 were suitable for analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed between patients receiving CH100 ( n = 61) or placebo ( n = 30) at baseline or during follow‐up in either ALT or viral titer. However, patients receiving CH100 had a fall in mean ALT over time ( P = 0.05 at week 4, P = 0.26 at week 12, and P = 0.04 at week 24), with reversion to baseline during post‐treatment follow up. No significant side‐effects were observed although mild complaints were common. Quality of life scores improved in both groups with time, and bodily pain significantly improved in CH100 recipients. Conclusion: CH100 appears to be no better than placebo in the treatment of patients with chronic HCV infection.