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Related Experiment Videos

Alternative medicines and the liver.

Edward Fogden1, James Neuberger

  • 1Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.

Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
|August 5, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use is widespread, but evidence for its effectiveness in liver disease is insufficient. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to evaluate CAM therapies and their safety, including potential liver toxicity and drug interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly utilized, with 20-65% of patients using it regularly.
  • CAM services are integrated into healthcare systems in the UK, provided by general practitioners and hospitals.
  • CAM use is a subject of significant debate and increasing clinical research scrutiny.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the available evidence for herbal medicines used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
  • To assess the safety of herbal medicines, focusing on hepatotoxicity and drug interactions.
  • To evaluate the current evidence base for CAM in the context of liver disease treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical research on herbal medicines within CAM.

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  • Analysis of evidence concerning specific herbal agents like silymarin and glycyrrhizin.
  • Examination of safety data, including hepatotoxicity and drug-drug interactions of herbal remedies.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence for the efficacy of herbal medicines in treating liver disease is currently insufficient.
    • The safety profile of herbal medicines requires careful consideration due to potential hepatotoxicity and drug interactions.
    • Existing studies on CAM for liver disease lack the rigor of well-designed, double-blind randomized controlled trials.

    Conclusions:

    • While CAM may offer potential benefits for liver disease, current evidence is inadequate for recommendation.
    • CAM therapies for liver disease require rigorous scientific evaluation through well-designed clinical trials.
    • Healthcare providers must be aware of CAM use, inquire about it, and understand potential risks like hepatotoxicity and interactions.