Oilve Leaf Extract and SAM-e

[rls123]

  
Does anyone have any thoughts about the anti fibrotic and anti - viral effects from these herbal substances.
This is a lot of human use data on the safety profiles of these compounds.

[WillPower]

According to Tiesha D. Johnson, BSN, RN, who recently wrote an extensive article, "SAMe: Safe, Effective Support for Mood and More" in the April 2007 edition of Life Extension publication, it states, :In addition to relieving depressive symptoms, SAMe has shown efficacy in fighting liver disease, relieving arthritis pain, and even supporting healthy endothelial function."  Too bad there is no way for me to email the article.  I have it scanned in color, I felt it was so beneficial for those suffering with the depressive aspects of hcv tx.  You might check "lef.org".  

[Cela]

Hi,
     This is not the most friendly forum for alternatives.  I use olive leaf, but for it to be effective, it must be fresh.  I make tea out of dried leaves and let it set for several hours to steep.  It is very bitter, and I have had good results with it.  I also use SAM-E, and it is great for my mood, I tried higher doses for my gallbladder, but did not see much difference, and it can get kind of expensive.  I also use castor oil packs 3x's a week over my liver.  It helps to open up capillaries, and get fluids moving if the liver is becoming stagnant, because the liver is a filter.  Exercise to increase the heart rate will also help blood flow.
      It is also a good idea to cut out vegetable oil and use palm oils like coconut or olive oil.   Vegetable oils will break down at high cooking temperatures in turn increasing free radical formation, and it can be rancid and we don't even know it.  Rancid oil will make the liver work harder to process it.  You may want to go to HCVanonymous, they have a good alternative section.

[hippygem]

SAMe

* Consult your doctor before taking SAMe if you have bipolar disorder. See your doctor frequently if you take SAMe and you have bipolar disorder.
* Consult your doctor before taking SAMe if you take antidepressants. See your doctor frequently if you take SAMe in place of or in addition to antidepressants.
* Consult your doctor before taking SAMe if you have cancer. Nucleic acid methylation patterns may change in people who have cancer and take SAMe.
* Do not take SAMe if you are undergoing gene therapy.
* SAMe can cause anxiety, hyperactive muscle movement, insomnia, hypomania, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

http://www.lef.org/protocols/infections/hepatitis_c_02.htm

[ladybug52]

You're right about this site is not user-friendly if you are not txing with SOC! Personally, I am in tx. and I'm convinced it's the best option for me. Have you ever txed, and do you know what stage your liver is? I'm not trying to argue or convince you to my way of thinking, I'm just curious as to how you made your decision.
Thanks,
Bug

[Cela]

Hi,
     I never said I was not going to treat allopathically, and may one day.  I am not the best candidate for interferon tx, high viral load, geno 1, history of thyroid problems which run in the family.  I am also paying for this out of pocket.  In turn, I do not have much damage, and can afford to wait a little longer 2-3 years.  I live closer to Europe than I do the States, so when I get ready for tx, I will probably go to Italy.  I have been using herbs to decrease my viral load, and it is working.  I have gone from 6mil, to 4 mil, to 2.5mil and will be getting another viral load test which I hope has been cut in half again.  My goal is to be under 500,000 before I start any allopathic tx.  My labs are in great shape, and I intend to be at my goal next year.  I think by that time, we should really see how all of these trials are panning out.  
     I think what some people don't realize is that there are many systems in the world of treating diseases and prolonging life.  whether it is herbal, homeopathy, ayurvedic, etc.  These medicines work for some, but not for others, which is the same for interferon/Riba.  It works for some but not for others.  It is good to respect different medicinal systems and to show less prejudice against other cultures.
      I guess before I fork out 10,000 dollars which is what interferon tx is outside the U.S., I want to be successful with it, so in the mean time, I go the cheap route.

[ladybug52]

Good luck, thanks for the answer. I think key to your response is the statement "treating disease and prolonging life"
I believe I could help my liver by many routes and if tx doesn't work I guess I'll have to explore diet, supplements and exercise.
Soc is not a cure for everyone, I'd sit back and watch for a while too if I were you.
Bug

[Wozzy]

do u know how olive leaf extract affects bipolar disorder?

[Trish77]

I found your comments interesting.  I think what is important to alot of us is that there is good data to back up the efficacy of any natural remedy, particularly that there is no adverse effects.  That's hard to do with natural remedies if they're being applied ad hoc with little to no concerted effort to track results and more done on a case by case basis.   Hard to stake your outcome on what works for a small group of people.  

If you have data on these things, I'd be VERY interested to see it.  I see some benefits for reducing VL in natural ways and I support your approach for you. I'd be even more interested in complementary health options that reduce fibrosis.  As in your case, treatment options available to most are not available to some.  I always keep in mind the mother of a friend of mine who has kidney disease and can't treat her HCV with conventional medicine as a result.  

I'll also take a look at the HCVanonymous site you suggested.

Thanks for posting on this.

Trish