A more effective liver protection approach than drugs

Currently, the most common liver diseases affecting our society include: viral hepatitis B/C, fatty liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NASH, cirrhosis and liver cancer. [1]Drugs for each of these diseases have their downside and shortcomings, such as high treatment costs (Hepatitis C), low success rate (interferon for Hepatitis B/C), long treatment duration (Hepatitis B). Moreover, some liver diseases such as NASH, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis do not even have any treatment options.

Failure to attack the liver diseases mentioned above has lead to the continuous increase in deaths caused by liver cancer [2] increase in the number of people in need of liver transplants, as well as social issues like rise in expenditure in national health care.

To change the situation, we must arouse the public’s awareness of liver protection and prevention of liver diseases, and we must find a more effective approach than drugs.

At the International Conference on Traditional Medicine held in February 2013, WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan stated that “Traditional medicines of proven quality, safety, and efficacy, contribute to the goal of ensuring that all people have access to care,” [3]

Dr Chan has her point. Proper use of traditional medicine can not only help to strengthen the body’s self-healing capabilities, but also prevent diseases. The use of traditional medicine for liver protection and prevention of liver diseases and liver cancer is becoming a trend as it has lower toxicity and higher effectiveness.

Dr Margaret Chan further explained: “The affordability of most traditional medicines makes them all the more attractive at a time of soaring health-care costs and nearly universal austerity. Traditional medicine also stands out as a way of coping with the relentless rise of chronic non-communicable diseases.” (Including fatty liver disease, NASH, and liver cirrhosis)

In fact, there are already some scientifically proven and safe traditional medicines available in the market with significant liver protection and liver function enhancement effects. [4][5]  While waiting for the arrival of new drugs, liver disease patients may find it useful to learn more about liver health maintenance and the advantages of traditional medicine. In order to improve health, and to reduce the occurrence of liver diseases, we must consider all treatment options available, and raise the awareness of health protection and disease prevention.