Efficacy and Safety of a Chinese Herbal Formula (Invigorating Kidney and Strengthening Spleen)‎ in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Carrier : Results from a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract EN

A Chinese Herbal Formula (CHF) has acquired a certain therapeutic effect on chronic HBV infection.

To assess the efficacy and safety of CHF on HBV replication in chronic HBV carriers, we performed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial involving patients from 16 centers.

A total of 300 confirmed chronic HBV carriers were randomized at baseline in a ratio of 2 : 1 to receive either CHF or placebo for 52 weeks.

The results showed that a greater proportion of CHF than placebo treated patients achieved virological response at week 52; the mean decline of serum HBsAg levels in the CHF group dropped more obviously than that in the control group at all stages of the treatment; however, the rates of HBeAg loss and seroconversion had no difference between the two groups.

Meanwhile, were presented significant increases in IFN-γ; IL-2 levels and reductions in IL-4 and IL-10 levels in the treatment group compared to the control group at week 52.

There were no drug-related serious adverse events.

In conclusion, the treatment with 52-week CHF is safe and effective in inhibiting HBV replication in chronic HBV carriers.

The ability of the compound to modulate host immune function probably contributed to this effect.