The Clinical Effect of Hochu-ekki-to on Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. A Relationship Between Ki-deficiency State and the Clinical Effect / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

We investigated the clinical effects of Hochu-ekki-to on symptoms, biological properties, quantities of hepatitis C virus, and fibrotic markers of 25 patients with chronic hepatitis C for six months. Results were analyzed by comparison of sex, age, and Ki-deficiency symptoms. Transaminase levels did not change in total, although decreases in scores of malaise and fatigability were statistically significant. Nevertheless, in patients 60 years old or older, GOT levels were elevated and total cholesterol levels decreased as compared to younger patients. Decreases in transaminases after administration of Hochu-ekki-to were statistically significant only in the 60+ age group. Decreases in transaminases were also statistically significant in patients who suffer from malaise, who are highly susceptible to colds, or who have reduced tension of the radial pulsation and faint red color or edema of tongue. Decreases were not observed in patients without these symptoms. These results suggest that the diagnosis of Ki-deficiency in Kampo medicine is very important in treating hepatitis C with Hochu-ekki-to.