Complementary Efficacy of Antrodia cinnamomea Mycelia on Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Clinical Study

Authors: Chun-Hung Chiu, Chin-Chu Chen, Hui-Yu Huang, Chang-Cheng Chen, Ting-Wei Lin, Charng-Cherng Chyau, Ya-ling Chiou, and Wang-Sheng Ko

Journal: Journal of Food and Nutrition Research

Study Design: Randomized controlled pilot clinical study

Participants: 60 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)

Trial Length: 24-48 weeks

Intervention:

• pegRiba group (n=30): Treated with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin
• pegRiba + ACM group (n=30): Treated with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin, plus oral intake of Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia (ACM) (4.68 g/day)

Outcome Measures:

• Biochemical data (e.g., liver enzymes, blood count)
• Viral response (e.g., rapid virological response, early virological response, sustained virological response)
• Heavy metals
• Immune function
• Cytokines
• Antioxidant status

Summary:

The study investigated the complementary efficacy of ACM on CHC patients undergoing peginterferon and ribavirin (pegRiba) therapy. The results showed no significant differences in biochemical data, viral response, immune function, inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant status between the pegRiba and pegRiba + ACM groups. However, the zinc level of the pegRiba + ACM group increased significantly after the 12th week compared with baseline. Additionally, lower aluminum, mercury, and arsenic levels were observed in the pegRiba + ACM group compared with baseline. The study concluded that ACM supplementation did not induce adverse events during therapy and could reduce levels of heavy metals while increasing zinc levels, which is negatively correlated with side effects in CHC patients.   Sources and related content