Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious health problem worldwide. I researched Hepatitis C during my postgraduate studies at King's College London within the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and found that in Japan a glycyrrhizin (Liquorice extract) containing preparation, Stronger Neo-Minophagen C^TM (SNMC) is widely used for the treatment of chronic HCV.

I compared international clinical trials using glycyrrhizin (an active chemical constituent of the Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) single herb or as SNMC) versus placebo, no intervention and general non-specific treatment . Trials could be double-blind, single-blind, or non-blinded. Retrospective, cohort and multicentre studies were also included. I evaluated and extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the trials  through evaluation of allocation concealment, blinding and population size.

All studies reported a significant dose-dependant percentage decrease of ALT (a liver enzyme, which is often raised in patients with Hepatitis C) from baseline ranging from 23% to 48% in patients treated from a minimum of three to six times a week. ALT normalisation depended on frequency, study-length and glycyrrhizin dose concentration. Four of the nine included trials reported also a beneficial effect of glycyrrhizin on hepato-cellular-carcinoma (Liver Cancer).

Hence I concluded that Glycyrrhizin therapy is able to induce and maintain ALT response in chronic C patients who, at present, have no proven therapeutic alternative, and is also well tolerated . The ALT response that is obtained through glycyrrhizin therapy may be capable of halting the necro-inflammation (cirrhosis and fibrosis)in the liver. 

Many patients, in particular with HCV Genotype 1, do not respond to current conventional combination therapy of Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin. Other patients may not tolerate the current treatment of choice and have to interrupt it.

Hence, I support these patients by formulating a customised Phytomedical tincture, based on Liquorice root extract and other herbs, which support  liver metabolism. I also advise patients with chronic hepatitis C on and adequate nutrition for the condition. If you would like to have a confidential conversation prior booking an appointment you can email info@phytoclinic.com.