Long-term use of Spirulina platensis, Ganoderma lucidum, silymarin and green tea can reduce the viral load and side effects of HCV patients

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the long-term treatment with a combination of Spirulina platensis (Sp), Ganoderma lucidum (Gd), silymarin (Sil), and green tea (Gt) in HCV patients. Forty-five adult males (M) and females (F) HCV patients’ elderly 40 to 65 were involved in this observational study. HCV patients were divided into 4 subjects; subject-1 included 15 HCV patients (10M and 5F) and was administered with INF/Rib for 12 months. Subject-2 contained 7M plus 3F dealt with Sp, Sil, and Gt. 10 HCV patients concerned in Subject-3 (7M and 3F) and handled with Sp, Sil, Gd, and Gt. Subject-4 covered 10 HCV patients (6M and 4F) who received Sp, Gd, and Gt. The combined treatments of Sp, Sil, Gd, and Gt were administered orally for 12 months in doses of 20, 4, 0.8, and 6 mg/kg, respectively. Viral load, hematological parameters, liver, kidney functions, and blood glucose were determined in all HCV patients. The results confirmed that each treatment condition did no longer dispose of viral particles in HCV patients contrasted to patients treated with INF/Rib. Furthermore, in subject three, the treatment with Sp, Sil, Gd, and Gt caused a potential decrease in the viral load, progression of hematological pictures, decreased levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST), and urea. In conclusion, these treatments could be used as adjunct to conventional treatment regimens.