1998-04-21
Glycyrrhizin as a potential treatment for chronic hepatitis C
Publication
Publication
Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics , Volume 12 - Issue 3 p. 199- 205
Chronic hepatitis C is a slowly progressive liver disease that may evolve into cirrhosis with its potential complications of liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapy with α-interferon is directed at viral clearance, but sustained response is only achieved in 20-40% of patients without cirrhosis, and less than 20% in patients with cirrhosis who have the greatest need for therapy. Treatment for those who do not respond to anti-viral therapy is highly desirable. In Japan glycyrrhizin has been used for more than 20 years as treatment for chronic hepatitis. In randomized controlled trials, glycyrrhizin induced a significant reduction of serum aminotransferases and an improvement in liver histology compared to placebo. Recently, these short-term effects have been amplified by a well-conducted retrospective study suggesting that long-term usage of glycyrrhizin prevents development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C. The mechanism by which glycyrrhizin improves liver biochemistry and histology are undefined. Metabolism, pharmacokinetics, side-effects, and anti-viral and hepatoprotective effects of glycyrrhizin are discussed.
Additional Metadata | |
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doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00309.x, hdl.handle.net/1765/56716 | |
Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics | |
Organisation | Department of Pharmacy |
van Rossum, T., Vulto, A., de Man, R., Brouwer, J., & Schalm, S. (1998). Glycyrrhizin as a potential treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Vol. 12, pp. 199–205). doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00309.x |