Liv or let Live

[Guest guest]

Dear Reader,

 

An HSI member named Richard writes: " Do you have information on

natural remedies for liver cancer or cirrhosis? "

 

More than 170 million people worldwide are currently infected with

hepatitis C, a blood-borne disease that causes liver cirrhosis.

Other causes include excessive alcohol intake, environmental toxins,

inflammation, heart failure, and side effects of prescription drugs.

 

In cirrhosis, scar tissue impedes blood flow through the liver,

disabling key liver functions. Chronic cirrhosis may prompt

significant immune system and kidney dysfunction, and even mild to

severe cognitive decline.

 

A study reported earlier this year reveals that an herbal formula

may be very helpful in treating cirrhosis.

 

-----------

Tried and true

-----------

 

More than 50 years ago, an herbal formula called Liv-52, which is

derived from traditional Indian ayurvedic treatments, was first

marketed as a liver support product. Over the decades, many studies

have demonstrated the effectiveness of Liv-52. But recent research

from the Institute of Medicinal Plants (IMP) may be " the best-

designed clinical trial of Liv-52 yet published " according to

Healthnotes Newswire.

 

Researchers randomly assigned Liv-52 or placebo to 36 patients with

cirrhosis of the liver. During the six-month trial period the IMP

team monitored liver function with several methods, including the

measurement of various enzymes that mark liver damage, and analysis

of ascites (excess fluid in the space between the two membranes that

line the abdominal cavity).

 

Results showed no significant changes in the placebo group. In the

Liv-52 group, however, cirrhosis markers were significantly lowered.

 

Writing in the journal Phytomedicine, the researchers stated: " This

protective effect of Liv-52 can be attributed to the diuretic, anti-

inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and immunomodulating properties of the

component herbs. " Some of the herbs in Liv-52 are believed to boost

levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that provides excellent liver

support. Supplements of the amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are

also very effective in enhancing the production of glutathione.

 

Liv-52 can be found at health stores and through a number of sites

on the Internet, but those who have hepatitis C, cirrhosis or other

serious liver problems should talk with their doctors before using

Liv-52.

 

-----------

A number of Ks

-----------

 

Any patient with cirrhosis might also consider increasing their

intake of vitamin K.

 

In the e-Alert " Special K " (3/1/05), I told you about a Japanese

study in which 40 women with cirrhosis were given 45 mg of vitamin

K2 or a placebo each day for two years. Of the women in the K2

group, only two developed liver cancer, while nine of the women in

the placebo group developed cancer. Because of the length of the

study, the researchers were confident that K2 supplements helped

reduce the risk of liver cancer.

 

Also in that e-Alert, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., explained the

difference between the different types of vitamin K: " The plant-

based source of vitamin K (K1, or phylloquinone) seems to have no

toxic effects in most any reasonable dose. But the synthetic form

(K3, or menadione) has caused some liver toxicity and, rarely, a

form of anemia when taken in high doses. There's also K2 (or

menaquinones), but K1 and K2 are fine. As usual, it seems best to

avoid synthetic forms, if possible. If the individual is on coumadin

(blood thinner), he needs to talk with his doctor, as vitamin K can

interfere with its effect. "

 

Good dietary sources of vitamin K1 include dark, leafy green

vegetables (such as spinach, kale and carrot tops), cauliflower,

broccoli, Brussels sprouts, endive, lettuce olive oil and avocados.

Vitamin K1 is converted into K2 in the intestine, but we also get

some amount of K2 in meat, liver and egg yolk, and fermented

products such as yogurt and cheese.

 

-----------

More support

-----------

 

Richard also asked about natural remedies for liver cancer. For a

condition as serious as liver cancer, Richard should consult a

naturopathic doctor who is experienced in treating cancer and can

review Richard's case in detail.

 

That said, there are a number of vitamins and other supplements that

support liver health, which you can read about in the e-

Alert " Always At Your Side " (10/6/03), available at this link:

http://www1.youreletters.com/t/429137/2426805/797584/0/