Abstract
Background: Silymarin, an extract of milk thistle (silybum marianum) is widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic liver disease yet its beneficial effects remain controversial. Aim: To determine the effect of silymarin on liver biochemistry and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in treatment naive patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Methods: This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross river state. Patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomized to receive silymarin or placebo for 4 weeks. Their liver function tests and HRQOL were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Results: Eighty-six persons were enrolled into the study. Seventy-nine completed the study. Silymarin use was associated (p<0.05) with improvement in serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase and HRQOL from baseline but not with serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: Silymarin use among patients with chronic hepatitis B is associated with improvement in liver function tests especially markers of liver inflammation and HRQOL.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
