Traditional Japanese Formula and Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

Why was this study done?
To determine the effects of a traditional Japanese (Kempo) formula on aspects of the immune system in patients with chronic hepatitis. The formula, called EH0202, includes pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata), plantain seeds (Plantago asiatica), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius).

What did the study find?
After three months of EH0202 administration, there were significant reductions in the measurement of hepatitis C virus (titers) in the blood of participants as well as significant improvements in symptoms (malaise).

An open-label study of administration of EH0202, a health-food additive, to patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Authors: Kaji K, Yoshida S, Nagata N, Yamashita T, Mizukoshi E, Honda M, Kojima Y,Kaneko S. J Gastroenterol. 2004 Sep;39(9):873-8.
PubMed Citation, PMID: 15565407.
PDF Manuscript: J Gastroenterol 2004.