Could phytoproducts be effective in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis?

Background: Despite the fact that liver steatosis is a very frequent condition mainly due to alcohol comsumption and metabolic syndrome, yet there is no consensus regarding appropriate therapy. Aim and study design: Open label nonrandom study in order to assess efficiency of liver protective phytoproducts in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) Patients and methods: 30 patients , 11 men and 19 women, mean age=49,23±12,92 years old, diagnosed by abdominal Duplex exam with mild to moderate liver steatosis, having slightly elevation of liver enzymes, undertook this study, after ruling out other causes of steatohepatitis( alcohol comsumption or other toxic exposure, hepatitis viruses, endocrine conditions). Patients adjusted life style including diet with limitation of fat and carbohydrates food intake and also received a mixture of registered, over the counter phytoextracts (Picrorhiza kurroa 100mg, Eclipta alba 50mg, Phyllantus niruri 50mg,Tinospora cordifolia 50mg, Boerhaavia diffusa 25mg, Centella asiatica 20mg, Piper longum 10mg /tablet) twice a day for 3 months.No drop-out cases were recorded.Ultrasound exam and liver biochemistry were also performed at the finish of the treatment and compared to previous data. Results: Severity of steatosis index before therapy was 1,33±0,48 versus the same index after 3 months of treatment: 0,5±0,51, being very statistically significant (p<0.0001).Analize of the evolution of liver enzimes also revealed a good outcome:53,30±6,86 IU/ml versus 41,76±3,58IU/ml(p<0,0001). Conclusions: Phytoproducts could improve liver steatosis and biochemical profile, at least in initially course of treatment of patients with mild to moderate NASH.