Traditional herb may help liver disease

The spindly, yellow-flowered Bupleurum chinense and some closely related species are key herbs in traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for mood swings and gastrointestinal conditions. The root of the plant is one of the main ingredients in an herbal formula widely known by its Japanese name, Sho-saiko-to -- in Chinese it’s known as xiao chai hu tang -- that contains ginseng, licorice, ginger and a handful of other herbs in addition to Bupleurum. Sho-saiko-to has recently gained scientific attention for its potential in managing chronic liver disease.

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Uses: In traditional Asian medicine, Bupleurum root has been used to treat bloating, colds, fever, malaria and liver diseases, including hepatitis. In the U.S., Bupleurum supplements are commonly marketed for liver health.

Dose: Traditional Chinese herbalists generally recommend 1 to 5 grams of dried Bupleurum root a day, or 5 to 7 grams of Sho-saiko-to. Bupleurum is widely available in health food stores; Sho-saiko-to should be available from some traditional Chinese herbalists and Asian herbal shops.

Precautions: Large doses may cause nausea and vomiting. Sho-saiko-to appears to pose a tiny but measurable risk of pneumonitis (lung inflammation), particularly among patients also taking the drug interferon.

Research: In test tube studies, Bupleurum has displayed antiviral and anti-inflammatory capabilities. In animals, the root has been shown to act like an antihistamine, curbing asthma and other allergy symptoms. It’s also shielded the liver from damage and expedited healing in livers already injured. On its own, Bupleurum hasn’t been well-studied in humans. Clinical trials on Sho-saiko-to, mostly in Japan, reported reduced symptoms in people with hepatitis B. Perhaps most promising is a decade-old trial showing that in cirrhosis patients, Sho-saiko-to helped prevent liver cancer. But a review published last year in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology concluded that there was still not enough evidence to recommend the concoction for chronic liver disease.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

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-- Elena Conis