BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the combination therapy of Chinese herbs plus interferon and ribavirin in treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Related databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated biochemical response, virological response, histological response, and/or adverse reactions to combination therapy of interferon and ribavirin with and without Chinese herbs. The RR (relative risk) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by omitting one study at a time. Publication bias among the eligible studies was evaluated by Egger’s test.

RESULTS: A total of 17 RCTs matched the selection criteria. Overall, combination therapies of Chinese herbs plus interferon and ribavirin achieved significantly higher ALT (alanine transaminase) and ETVR (the end-of-treatment viral response), and significantly lower levels of HA (hyaluronic acid), LN (laminin), PC III (procollagen iii peptide), IV-C (type IV collagen), decreased LC (decreasing leukocyte count), ATF (abnormal thyroid function), psychosis, and anemia in CHC patients compared with those treated without Chinese herbs. Sensitivity analysis showed no changes and no potential publication bias was found.

CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests that combination therapy of Chinese herb plus interferon and ribavirin yields better outcome and fewer adverse events in CHC patients than that of interferon plus ribavirin therapy.

Keywords: Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use, Chronic Disease, Complementary Therapies - methods, Drug Therapy, Combination, Drugs, Chinese Herbal - therapeutic use, Hepatitis C, Chronic - drug therapy, Interferons - therapeutic use, Ribavirin - therapeutic use