by Case Adams
(GreenMedInfo) Researchers from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have determined in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind clinical study that a Chinese herbal formulation significantly treats nonalcoholic fatty liver cirrhosis.
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The researchers studied 224 patients with liver disease from six hospitals – each affiliated with a university. The study was conducted for 24 weeks. The patients were given either a placebo or a five gram sachet of the herbal formula called Jiang Zhi Granule for the six month test period.
The doctors then examined the patients with a test called the Liver-spleen volume analysis. This is performed using computed tomography.
A number of studies have confirmed the liver-spleen volume test reveals the health of the liver. When the volume of the liver is relatively larger than the volume of the spleen, this indicates a healthier condition of the liver. Thus when the ratio between the spleen’s volume and the liver’s volume is smaller, this indicates a worse condition – and a worse prognosis for liver disease.
The liver-spleen volume ratio test was performed before the treatment, after four weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks and then at the end of the 24-month treatment period on the patients.
In the group treated with the Jiang Zhi Granule formula, their liver-spleen ratio increased more than three times the rate of increase of the placebo group – reflecting the increased healing of the liver from the formula.
What is the Jiang Zhi Granule formula?
The Jiang Zhi Granule formula is based upon an ancient herbal formulation, consisting of:
- the leaves of the twisted vine orchid or Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
- the roots of the Red sage plant or Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
- Knotweed root or Huzhang (Polygoni cuspidatum)
- Artemisia or Yinchen (Artemisia scoparia)
- Lotus leaves (Folium nelumbinis)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is growing around the world
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is growing around the world, likely due to the increased exposure to industrial pollutants in our air, water and foods. Studies from Italy have shown that more than 1 out of 10 non-drinking adults have high levels of liver enzymes – particularly ALT – alanine aminotransferase. Another study conducted in Italy, found that close to 1 out of five seemingly healthy Italians have “bright liver” – diagnosed via ultrasound. “Bright liver” is considered evidence of liver disease – hepatic steatosis.
Many of these studies have also illustrated a higher prevalence of nonalcoholic liver disease among overweight individuals and those with insulin resistance. There are also certain diets that increase ones risk. The dietary factors of liver disease are discussed here.
Health officials in China are alarmed at the increase in nonalcoholic liver disease. According to the researchers: