Chronic hepatitis C is a disease that affects many individuals throughout the world. It is a difficult disease to treat and manage. As well, hepatitis C can result in serious health consequences, such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, if aggressive treatment is not immediately initiated.
The mechanism involved in the progression from Chronic Hepatitis C (a viral infection) to cirrhosis and liver cancer is mediated by damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Alternative treatments have focused on reducing the amount of oxidative stress that results from viral infection, with the hopes of decreasing the incidence of both cirrhosis and liver cancer.
A study published in the April issue of Hepatogastroenterology completed at the University of Paris measured the effects of a phenol rich grain on liver enzymes, viral load, and antioxidant defense. The study enrolled 30 patients with Chronic Hepatitis C that were given a daily intake of 3 grams of grain three times a day for 3 months.
The study found that the phenol rich grain had superoxide-scavenging ability. Phenols are a class of flavonoids that have high antioxidant activity. Superoxide is one of the most commonly formed ROS in Chronic Hepatitis C and is responsible for damage to the liver.
The study also showed that levels of liver enzymes decreased and antioxidant defenses increased. There was no effect on viral load. Participants who were engaged in conventional treatments for Chronic Hepatitis C also showed an increase in response to the therapy while consuming the grain.
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