CHANGES IN ELASTOGRAPHY PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS C AFTER THE USE OF TRADITIONAL FOLK REMEDIES

Abstract

 Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often leads to progressive liver fibrosis, which can be non-invasively assessed by elastography. Despite the availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), interest in complementary and alternative therapies remains high in many regions.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selected traditional folk remedies on liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography in patients with chronic HCV infection. Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted on 80 adult patients with chronic HCV. Patients in the intervention group (n=40) received a standardized regimen of herbal extracts (based on commonly used folk remedies), while the control group (n=40) received no additional herbal therapy. All patients were on standard antiviral therapy. Liver elastography (FibroScan®) was performed at baseline and at 12 weeks post-intervention. Biochemical markers (ALT, AST) and patient-reported outcomes were also recorded.
Results: Compared with controls, the intervention group demonstrated a modest but statistically significant reduction in liver stiffness values (mean difference -1.2 kPa, p=0.03). Improvements in serum ALT and AST levels were also observed, although these did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). No serious adverse events were reported, and overall tolerability was high. Conclusion: The addition of certain traditional folk remedies to standard antiviral therapy may contribute to mild improvements in liver elasticity in patients with chronic HCV. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate mechanisms of action.