Vitamin & Mineral Hepatitis C Treatments

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to inflammation of the liver. Many with the disease do not have symptoms and are unaware of the infection until it is diagnosed during blood tests for a routine physical or unrelated procedure. Hepatitis C can lead to permanent scarring of the liver, cirrhosis. For patients who do not respond to conventional medical treatment, vitamin and mineral therapies offer additional options to address the disease and its side effects. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, none of these treatments have yet been scientifically proven to successfully treat the Hepatitis C virus.

Milk Thistle

• Milk thistle is by far the most popular and most studied herbal remedy used to help with Hepatitis C treatment. Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, is believed to reduce the inflammation of the liver, fight oxidation and promote liver cell growth as well as have an antiviral effect on the hepatitis C infection itself. Study results have been mixed. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis study of 1,145 determined that silymarin is associated with milder and fewer symptoms of liver disease and improved quality of life. There was no change, however, in the degree of liver inflammation or level of viral activity. Further controlled clinical trials are needed for a definitive recommendation. While the evidence is inconclusive to date, milk thistle is generally well tolerated with few side effects and appears to be very safe.

Licorice Root

• NIH studies have determined that licorice root and its extract glycyrrhizin may decrease the risk of several complications that stem from hepatitis C, including liver cancer. When taken in combination of combination with milk thistle, licorice root improves liver enzymes and the results of liver function tests. It needs to be used with care under the supervision of your health care provider as licorice root does have significant side effects, including salt and fluid retention, potassium loss and hypertension. It also can react negatively with heart medications, diuretics and corticosteroids.

Ginseng

• Authentic ginseng, which is difficult to find, is commonly used to boost the immune system. Laboratory evidence suggests that it may help liver patients including those symptoms associated with hepatitis C, however it needs additional study to determine a definitive benefit.