Efficacy and safety of Prunus mume and choline in patients with abnormal level of liver function test

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The objectives of the study were to determine the efficacy and safety of <em>Prunus mume</em> and choline in patients with abnormal liver function test.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This open labelled, multi-centered observational study was done for a from May 2019 to December 2019. Patients of either gender, above 18 years of age having elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase or gamma-glutamyltransferase were included in the study after taking informed consent. One to two tablets of revolic per day were given preferably in the morning with breakfast or as per instructions of the physician. Patient follow-ups were done at 2<sup>nd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> week after treatment. SPSS version 20.0 was used for analysis. Frequency and percentages and for quantitative data, mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range were recorded. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied with p value of <0.05 as significant level.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Among 247 patients, male to female ratio was 2:1 with overall mean age of 42.8±12.6 years. Total bilirubin decreased from baseline to week-4 in treatment with <em>Prunus mume</em> extract and choline (p=0.04). Median and IQR of alanine transaminase levels also reduced substantially from 99 (52) to 42 (36.5) I/U. Aspartate aminotransferase levels significantly decreased from 78.5 (57) to 40 (29) I/U. Overall at the end of treatment on week-4, 26 (10.5%) patients experienced gastrointestinal distress, 25 (10.1%) anorexia, 14 (5.7%) excessive salivation and 29 (11.7%) patients experienced excessive sweating.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study reported significant improvement in alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels after treatment with <em>Prunus mume</em> extract and choline (revolic). It is safe and effective to use them for deranged liver functions tests.</p>