Hepatitis Herbs

Bupleurum Root is a major component of this formula known as Xiao Chai Hu Tang or Sho-Saiko-To (SST) in Japanese. In Japan, Kampo is the study and adaptation of Traditional Chinese Medicine and both disciplines share many of the same formulas but with different names. The effectiveness of Xiao Chai Hu Tang for reducing inflammation, fibrosis and viral loads in Hepatitis patients has been reported worldwide. Xiao Chai Hu Tan is a multi-herb formula containing many bio-active components including Baicalin, Baicalein, Glycyrrhizin, Saikosaponins, Ginsenosides, Wogonin and Gingerols. Patients who have taken this formula report amazing positive effects on their livers and overall health.

Clinical studies have concluded and are ongoing to confirm the benefits of Xiao Chai Hu Tang on liver health: In one Japanese study Xiao Chai Hu Tan was proven to prevent liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis. In 266 patients Sho-saiko-to led to a 33% reduction in the incidence of liver cancer and a 40% reduction in death. The data suggests it has multiple positive effects on the liver which both reduces the likelyhood of developing liver cancer and protects the liver from injury. Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will conduct a phase II study is to determine whether Sho-saiko-to is effective in treating the liver inflammation and injury caused by chronic hepatitis C in patients who can't take interferon. The US National Institues of Health will conduct a study on Sho-Saiko-To to reduce to determine its efficacy in reducing viral loads in Hep C patients who were Interferon non-responders. The study is designed to confirm that Sho-Saiko-To reduces viral loads, liver enzymes, and improves sCD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts.

Fu Fang Dan Shen Tablets promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis, and increasing microcirculation throughout the body. The core herbs in Fu Fan Dan Shen that support viral Hepatitis are Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen in Chinese) and Gingseng. Saliva supports microcirculation in the capillaries, bile flow and liver fibrosis. Ginseng is an adaptagen which is thought to boost the immune system, vitalize blood and reduce liver inflammation.

Research at the Shanghai First Medical College reported that nail bed circulation in people with viral Hepatitis was abnormal and this correlated to capillaries elsewhere in the body. The researchers found that when liver inflammation and symptoms decreased using herbal medicine (Salvia was featured) nail bed circulation improved. The study suggested that microcirculation improvements could relieve blood deficiencies and low oxygen levels in liver tissues which could support recovery and liver cell regeneration.

A follow up study at the Laboratory of Hepatic Diseases at the Shanxi Medical College explored Salvia for the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis. The authors noted that Salvia was already widely used in China to treat chronic liver disease and they previously found Licorice to be effective for inhibiting liver fibrosis but not effective for treating existing fibrosis. They treated liver damaged animals with herbal medicine (Saliva was featured) for three weeks and found their fibrous septa to get thinner or disappear completely. The researchers observed that disturbances in hepatic microcirculation affected metabolic exchange between the blood and the liver cells which resulted in liver cell necrosis. They concluded that Salvia treatments reduce these pathological changes and prevent cirrhosis.

Silymarin is the bio-active component of Milk Thistle which is widely used to support liver function in the USA and Europe. Reseaarch indicates Milk Thistle has high antioxidant activity which neutralizes free radicals and protects the liver from cellular damage when ingesting alcohol or other toxic substances. In Chinese Medicine, single herbs are rarely prescribed and Milk Thistle is an ideal herb taken along with other formulas for enhanced synergistic effects.

Studies on Milk Thistle indicate it is likely useful for patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis and other chronic liver conditions who want to lower liver enzymes and improve organ function. Although controversial in the USA, international trials sugggest Milk Thistile may lower the liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT which are indicators of improved liver functioning. Other studies suggest that patients with alcohol related cirrhosis taking the compound realized improved survival rates (58%) vs. (39%) taking a placebo. Milk Thistle has rarely produced side effects in clinical trials.

Jaundiclear is based on the Chinese formula Yin Zhi Huang. Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi has been recently added to the formula to increase its effectiveness. Baylor College of Medicine reports that it supports bilirubin metabolism and helps to clear jaundice. This compound supports liver function and inflammation and has high antioxidant activity. Baicalein a bio-active flavenoid in Scutellaria supports the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) which is an important consideration for people with Hep B, Hep C infections and other Hepatitis genotypes.

Jaundice causes skin problems and eye yellowing from the accumulation of bile pigment in the body. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation indicated Yin Zhi Huang ehances bilirubin clearance from the liver by stimulating CAR (Constitutive Androstane Receptor) production which was found to regulate bilirubin. When the liver has insufficient CAR, it can no longer clear bilirubin. Jaundiclear supports the bodys production of CAR and liver function.

An Shen Bu Xin Tablets help to sooth the spirit and induce tranquility by strengthening the kidney, liver and heart channels. A major ingredient in this formula is Concha Margaritiferae Usta which quiets Liver Yang to remove stagnation and clear liver fire. It is particularly beneficial to relieve insomnia which includes dream disturbed sleep and supports vision, headache, vertigo, low energy, palpitations, poor memory, ear ringing and forgetfulness.

An Shen Bu Xin tablets contain Salvia Miltiorrhiza which has the bio-active compounds Salvianolic Acid and Tanshiones. In Chinese studies Salvianolic Acid has been shown to rapidly increase bile flow and protect the liver. In Asia it is also used to treat heart artery diseases (arthosclerosis), heart pain (angina), and heart damage due to myocardial infarction. These compounds are also commonly used to treat blood vessel and artery diseases (cerebrovascular) where plaque buildup decreases blood flow to the brain, and improve microcirculation throughout the body.

Bupleurum Root is a major component of Ease Tonic which is based on the Chinese formula Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wander) but it is far more potent. The compound supports Liver Qi (vital energy) which help body's major organs work in harmony and prevent systemic organ malfunctions. Ease Tonic soothes the liver, strengthens the spleen and tonifies the blood and is indicated for irregular menstration, chest pain, hypochondria, dizziness, blurry vision, hormone fluctuations and loss of appetite due to Liver Qi stagnation.

Chinese studies indicate Ease Tonic supports mood (angry or irritated) disorders, PMS, mental disorders and hormone regulation. In one 26 patient study, 23 patients reported improvement with mental disorders. In another 51 patient study, this compound significantly lower estrogen (E2) and prolactin levels with no change in testosterone levels which is an important anti-aging hormone for both men & women. Ease Tonic has been used by millions with very rare side effects.

Wen Dan also known as Wen Dan Tang in Chinese means Warm the Gallbladder and it is a famous ancient formula. It is indicated when symptoms include anxiety and insomnia due to phlegm heat. The therapeutic action of Wen Dan Tang is to clear heat from the Gall-Bladder, harmonize the Stomach, regulate Qi and transform Phlegm. In Chinese Medicine, the gallbladder is the source of courage and phlegm causes heat in the gallblader and stomach which cause organ imbalances and insomnia. Gallbladder heat may also cause fear, restlessness, dreams and anxiety, while stomach heat may result in nausea and vomiting,

In a recent study Wen Dan Tang was used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The results concluded that the efficacy of Wen Dan Tang was comparable to treatment with the drug Fluoxetine which is known as Prozac in the US. Of 34 patients who took Wen Dan Tang 12 were cured and 15 showed marked improvement. Importantly, patients taking Wen Dan Tang reported few adverse side effects while patients taking Fluoxetine reported a variety of adverse reactions. Most all Chinese herb formulas produce far fewer adverse reactions than synthetic drugs.

Gentian Root is a major component of Long Dan Xie Gan which means Gentian Liver Purge in Chinese. This formula clears excess heat in the liver and gallbadder from the lower burner by draining excess pathogenic Qi without reducing vital Qi. This new-safe formula does not contain Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis (Guan Mu Tong) contained in older formulas which had the potential to cause kidney damage. It is manufacturered in Shanghai by TongHanChun Herbs in a GMP Certified Facility and is imported according to FDA guidelines. Long Dan Xie Gan clears liver fire from the gallbladder and liver meridians, and eliminates damp heat in the lower energizing organs.

Chinese studies indicate Long Dan Xie Gan Pian support hyperactive fire in the liver and gallbladder which causes headaches, liver and rib cage pain, congestion in the whites of the eyes, a bitter tasting mouth, deafness, and ear aches. It is also helpful to clear liver heat, dark or cloudy urine, vaginal itching with swelling or discharge, testicle swelling, a red tongue, and a strong wiry pulse.

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