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Complementary and alternative medications in hepatitis C infection

Dina L Halegoua-De Marzio1, Jonathan M Fenkel1

  • 1Dina L Halegoua-De Marzio, Jonathan M Fenkel, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.

World Journal of Hepatology
|March 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Complementary and alternative medications show potential for treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) but require careful safety evaluation due to possible drug-induced liver injury and interactions with conventional therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) affects nearly 3% of the global population, potentially leading to severe liver conditions like cirrhosis and cancer.
  • Traditional treatments (pegylated interferon and ribavirin) have limited efficacy and significant side effects, driving interest in alternative therapies.
  • Complementary and alternative medications (CAM) are being explored for hepatitis C management, with some showing therapeutic promise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and evaluate natural molecules that impact the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle.
  • To discuss the potential therapeutic use and safety profiles of these natural molecules in HCV therapy.
  • To highlight critical interactions between conventional medical treatments and CAM for hepatitis C.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of natural molecules targeting the HCV life cycle.
  • Evaluation of published data on the efficacy and safety of CAM in CHC.
  • Analysis of drug-drug interactions between CAM and standard hepatitis C treatments.

Main Results:

  • Certain natural molecules demonstrate interaction with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle, suggesting therapeutic potential.
  • Some CAM may offer benefits in managing chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
  • A subset of CAM carries a risk of causing drug-induced liver injury and may interact with conventional treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Natural molecules present a potential avenue for novel hepatitis C therapies.
  • Careful consideration of safety, efficacy, and drug interactions is crucial when integrating CAM into CHC management.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the role and risks of CAM in hepatitis C treatment.

Keywords:
Direct acting antiviralsHepatitis C infectionHepatotoxicityHerbal treatmentsNatural molecules

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