The chronic viral disease hepatitis C causes inflammation and swelling of the liver. Many hepatitis C patients use alternative health treatments along with standard medical care, reports the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A supplement of thymus extract is one complementary treatment some individuals take along with antiviral drugs, partly because the substance is theorized to increase immune system function. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking thymus supplements, particularly if you have a serious illness or are taking medication.
Thymus
The thymus glands of cows and calves are the main sources of thymus supplements. Preliminary research indicates that thymus extract might be useful for treating food allergies, asthma, hay fever and eczema, according to Aurora Health Care. Because thymus shows some promise for these conditions, it may calm the immune system rather than boost it. However, no solid evidence shows that the substance is effective for any health disorder, cautions Aurora Health Care.
Expert Insight
A study published in 1998 issue in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" investigated the effects of an over-the-counter thymus supplement on hepatitis C patients who did not respond to the antiviral drug interferon or had negative reactions to it. No differences were found between the treatment group and a group taking a placebo. Nineteen participants who took the supplement for six months did not experience significant improvement over their baseline condition.
Considerations
Although no side effects are definitively connected with thymus extract, Aurora Health Care recommends taking only thymus supplements that are certified free from risk of infection. This precaution ensures that the supplement does not contain the virus that causes so-called mad cow disease. The VA encourages anyone with a suppressed immune system to be particularly cautious about taking thymus supplements. Examples include people with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
Other Possibilities
No complementary treatment has been proven effective for treating hepatitis C as of 2011, according to the VA. Research is mixed on whether milk thistle, an herb promoted as beneficial for the liver, helps treat hepatitis C, notes the department. An injectable type of licorice extract has been effective against hepatitis C in clinical trials, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It is not available in the United States as of 2011. Some research indicates that long-term use of glycyrrhizin, a component of licorice root, might prevent liver cancer in people with hepatitis C, reports the VA. However, this substance can have hazardous side effects. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies for treating hepatitis C.
References
- PubMed Health; Hepatitis C; November 2010
- Aurora Health Care; Thymus Extract; February 2011
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Hepatitis C - Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Oral Thymic Extract for Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients Previously Treated with Interferon; R.S. Raymond; November 1998
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Licorice Root; July 2010
