Hepatitis

Why it works: Mechanisms (plausible, lab-based): Silymarin shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic activity; in cell systems, certain components can affect HCV replication and inf...

Instructions: Typical standardized capsule (e.g., Legalon® 140): Product labeling outside the U.S. commonly states 140 mg silymarin three times daily initially (≈420 mg/day total silymarin), som...

Warnings: Not a substitute for antivirals: Do not use milk thistle in place of proven therapies for hepatitis...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (HCV, n=154): No significant imp...

Why it works: Traditional “liver and digestion” herb. European regulators list dandelion root as a traditional herbal product for mild digestive complaints and to increase urine output—not as a...

Instructions: Forms: dried root tea (decoction), fluid/ethanol extracts, or capsules. European HMPC monographs set expectations for quality and labeling. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Typical...

Warnings: Do not self-treat hepatitis. Herbs must not replace standard care (e.g., antivirals for HBV/HCV; imm...

Studies: No human trials showing efficacy for hepatitis. I’m not find...

Why it works: Antiviral & immunomodulatory actions (primarily in vitro/experimental): Glycyrrhizin can inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in cell systems and shows broad antiviral/immun...

Instructions: Classic randomized trial (Japan): SNMC 40 mL IV daily for 4 weeks lowered ALT/AST vs placebo in chronic hepatitis. (SNMC 40 mL contains ~80 mg glycyrrhizin.) Follow-on dosing studi...

Warnings: Licorice/glycyrrhizin has real risks, especially outside monitored settings:. • Pseudoaldosteronism...

Studies: Randomized, placebo-controlled trials (IV glycyrrhizin/SNMC)...

Why it works: Hepatoprotective lignans. Schisandra fruits are rich in dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (schisandrin A/B/C, gomisins) that, in preclinical studies, reduce oxidative stress and inflam...

Instructions: There is no globally accepted, evidence-based regimen for hepatitis, but major monographs describe common dosing for Schisandra fruit preparations. If used as an adjunct (with clin...

Warnings: Strong drug-interaction potential (CYP3A & P-gp). Schisandra lignans inhibit CYP3A and P-gp, which c...

Studies: While rigorous RCTs of whole-berry Schisandra for viral hepa...

Why it works: Traditional rationale (TCM/Kampo): XCHT “harmonizes the Shaoyang” pattern—often used when there are alternating chills/fever, rib-side fullness, poor appetite, nausea, bitter taste...

Instructions: If XCHT is prescribed by a qualified practitioner and the patient’s pattern fits:. Product & dose (Japan, TJ-9 extract granules):. • 7.5 g/day of TJ-9 extract granules, taken in 2–...

Warnings: Serious lung toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis):. • Case series and pharmacovigilance from Japan li...

Studies: Chronic hepatitis B (HBV)Cochrane systematic review (2019):...

Why it works: Traditional indication (TCM): A classic 3-herb prescription for damp-heat jaundice—often presenting with yellowing, dark urine, bitter taste, a greasy yellow tongue coat. Herbs: Ar...

Instructions: Classical composition (from Shang Han Lun):. • Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris) 18–30 g. • Zhi Zi (Gardenia fruit) 6–15 g. • Da Huang (Rhubarb root/rhizome) 6–9 g. • Decoction:...

Warnings: Do not replace antivirals or urgent care: Acute viral hepatitis, obstructive jaundice (e.g., stones)...

Studies: Narrative/systematic reviews (mechanisms + clinical use): Pe...

Why it works: TCM rationale. LDXGT “drains Liver–Gallbladder fire” and “clears damp-heat,” patterns frequently seen in acute icteric hepatitis (jaundice, bitter taste, hypochondriac pain, dark u...

Instructions: Standard composition (10 herbs): Long Dan Cao (Gentiana), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Ze Xie (Alisma), Che Qian Zi (Plantago seed), Chuan Mu To...

Warnings: Not a substitute for standard hepatitis care. For HBV/HCV, continue guideline-directed antivirals an...

Studies: Review (Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics). Summarizes LDX...