Outcome Study on Hepatitis C Therapy with Mistletoe Extract and Solanum Lycopersicum in Nonresponders to Interferon/Ribavirin

Combined therapy with pegylated Interferon-alpha and ribavirin reaches sustained response rates of 45-70%, depending on the genotype. The wide range of side effects often leads to interruption or cessation of therapy.

An alternative herbal therapy consisting of mistletoe extract (Abnobaviscum) in combination with Solanum lycopersicum and Hepatodoron was initiated in patients for whom interferon alfa/ribavirin therapy has failed and high rates of side effects have occurred.

The objective of the current German study is to achieve HCV-RNA-PCR negativity after 1 or 2 years of treatment and 6 months of follow up, documentation of side effects, fibrosis -parameter (PIIIP) and the quantitative course of HCV-RNA-PCR.

Up to now, 85 patients with chronic hepatitis C (> 6 months) with increased transaminases and positive HCV-RNA-PCR values have been included. 43 patients had a liver biopsy before therapy; 27 patients failed interferon therapy. Genotype was determined in all patients.

Initially mistletoe was administered 3 times per week subcutaneously; concomitantly, Hepatodoron 3 x 2 tablets were given. After 14 days Solanum lycopersicum Herba D3-4 tablets were applied. Duration of therapy was 12 (78 patients) - 24 months (64 patients).

Results

78 of 85 patients terminated the therapy. 14 patients (18%) were HCV-RNA-PCR negative after 12 months. After 24 months 20 patients (25%) showed a sustained response. 44 patients (56%) were non-responders. No essential side effects were observed.

Transaminases and PIIIP-values decreased significantly during therapy (p<0,05). Virus load did not decrease continuously but in those patients with HCV-RNA-PCR negativity it decreased below the limit of detection, independent of the initial level. 2 patients had shown a so-called 'break through' phenomenon.

Discussion

Combined therapy of mistletoe and Solanum lycopersicum showed virus elimination and sustained response in chronic hepatitis C. The advantage of mistletoe therapy is the absence of side effects and its cost effectiveness.

The authors conclude, “Mistletoe therapy could be an alternative in non-responders to standard therapy or in patients with relative or absolute contraindications of interferon therapy. Further studies will be necessary to optimize the therapy and to verify the results.”

05/24/04

Reference
H Matthes and others. Outcome Study on Hepatitis C Therapy with Mistletoe (Viscum Album L.; Abnobaviscum) and Solanum Lycopersicum. Abstract 82 (poster). Digestive Disease Week. May 15-20, 2004. New Orleans, LA.