Randomised double-blinded trial evaluating silymarin for chronic hepatitis C in an Egyptian village: study description and 12-month results

Abstract

Background/aims. A double-blinded trial evaluating silymarin, an herbal supplement for liver disease, to prevent complications of chronic hepatitis C virus infection has not been done. Subjects. One hundred and seventy-seven consenting residents of an Egyptian village with chronic hepatitis C virus were randomly assigned to receive either silymarin or multivitamin supplements. Methods. Participants had baseline and follow-up clinical, ultrasound, blood tests and quality-of-life assessments. Community nurses visited weekly to ascertain compliance, distribute supplements and record adverse effects. Results. At 12 months almost all of 141 remaining subjects reported feeling better, although symptoms and quality-of-life scores did not differ between the silymarin and multivitamin groups. Both the silymarin and vitamins were tolerated equally well; and >95% of supplements were taken by >95% of subjects. One in each group had no detectable hepatitis C virus antibodies while two in the silymarin group and three receiving multivitamins had undetectable hepatitis C virus RNA. Serum alanine aminotransferase elevations did not differ between groups. Serum hepatic fibrosis marker, hyaluronic acid and YKL-40, and abdominal ultrasound results were similar in both groups and may have progressed slightly at 12 months. Conclusions. The recommended dose of silymarin can be safely taken for 1 year and improves symptoms and general well-being, but has no effect upon hepatitis C virus viremia, serum ALT, or serum and ultrasound markers for hepatic fibrosis. More prolonged evaluation and a higher dose may be required to ascertain whether milk thistle supplements prevent complications of chronic hepatitis C virus.