Review article : glycyrrhizin as a potential treatment for chronic hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C is a slowly progressive liver disease that may evolve into cirrhosis with its potential complications of liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapy with alpha-interferon is directed at viral clearance, but sustained response is only achieved in 20-40% of patients...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 1998-03, Vol.12 (3), p.199-205
Main Authors: VAN RUSSUM, T. G. J, VULTO, A. G, DE MAN, R. A, BROUWER, J. T, SCHALM, S. W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antiviral Agents - administration & dosage
Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use
Biological and medical sciences
General pharmacology
Glycyrrhizic Acid - administration & dosage
Glycyrrhizic Acid - therapeutic use
Hepacivirus - drug effects
Hepatitis C, Chronic - drug therapy
Hepatitis C, Chronic - virology
Humans
Medical sciences
Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
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Summary:Chronic hepatitis C is a slowly progressive liver disease that may evolve into cirrhosis with its potential complications of liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapy with alpha-interferon is directed at viral clearance, but sustained response is only achieved in 20-40% of patients without cirrhosis, and less than 20% in patients with cirrhosis who have the greatest need for therapy. Treatment for those who do not respond to anti-viral therapy is highly desirable. In Japan glycyrrhizin has been used for more than 20 years as treatment for chronic hepatitis. In randomized controlled trials, glycyrrhizin induced a significant reduction of serum aminotransferases and an improvement in liver histology compared to placebo. Recently, these short-term effects have been amplified by a well-conducted retrospective study suggesting that long-term usage of glycyrrhizin prevents development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C. The mechanism by which glycyrrhizin improves liver biochemistry and histology are undefined. Metabolism, pharmacokinetics, side-effects, and anti-viral and hepatoprotective effects of glycyrrhizin are discussed.
ISSN:0269-2813
1365-2036