From the Guidelines
Chamomile and peppermint teas are generally considered safe for most patients with hepatitis and may offer modest supportive benefits, but there is no current evidence that herbal products have a role in the treatment of patients with acute or chronic HCV infection, as stated in the 2009 Hepatology study 1. These herbal teas can be consumed in moderate amounts (1-3 cups daily) by hepatitis patients without significant concerns. Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds like apigenin that may help reduce liver inflammation, while peppermint tea contains menthol which can ease digestive discomfort often experienced with hepatitis. However, these teas should be viewed as complementary approaches rather than primary treatments for hepatitis. Patients should continue their prescribed medical treatments, as these herbal teas cannot treat or cure the underlying viral or inflammatory causes of hepatitis. Those taking multiple medications should consult their healthcare provider before regular consumption, as chamomile may interact with blood thinners and certain sedatives. Additionally, individuals with allergies to plants in the daisy family should avoid chamomile. While these teas may provide symptomatic relief and general wellness support, they should be incorporated as part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed with healthcare providers, and it is essential to prioritize evidence-based treatments, such as those recommended in the 2016 Clinical and Molecular Hepatology guidelines 1. Some key points to consider when managing hepatitis C include monitoring during and after antiviral treatment, stopping rules for combination therapy, and continuous observation of undetectable HCV RNA after achieving an SVR, as outlined in the 2016 guidelines 1. It is also crucial to address lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can impact treatment adherence, as noted in the 2016 guidelines 1. Ultimately, the management of hepatitis C requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates evidence-based treatments, lifestyle modifications, and complementary therapies, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality.
From the Research
Hepatitis Treatment
- The current evidence on the treatment of viral hepatitis focuses on its clinical management, with significant advances in curative therapies for hepatitis C and the development of vaccinations for hepatitis A, B, and E 2.
- Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens have been licensed for the treatment of chronic HCV infection, allowing for effective and safe treatment of almost all chronic HCV-infected patients 3.
- The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) concomitant with DAAs among HCV-infected patients has been associated with lower odds of achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) 4.
Antiviral Treatment
- New direct acting antivirals have been designed to inhibit viral proteins, reducing the length of antiviral treatment and improving response rates 5.
- Antiviral medications for the treatment of hepatitis B and C infection have evolved, with several FDA-approved drugs available, including immunomodulators, nucleoside analogues, and nucleotide analogues 6.
- Some antiviral medications have been reported to have nephrotoxic effects, particularly with long-standing therapy, highlighting the importance of close monitoring of renal function while taking new antiviral medications 6.