Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)

Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)

Fu Ling (Poria)

Ge Hua (Flos Puerariae)

Hu Zhang (Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati)

Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae)

Ma Bian Cao (Herba Verbenae)

Pu Tao Zi (Semen Vitis Vinifera)

Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride)

Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle)

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)

Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae)

Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae)

Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae)

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

 

According to traditional Chinese medicine, hepatic disorders are characterized by damp-heat or toxic heat in the Liver. Liver DTX is formulated to eliminate damp-heat, clear toxic heat, and regulate Liver qi. Clinical applications of Liver DTX include hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and cholecystitis. It can also be used to protect the liver and lower liver enzymes secondary to the use of drugs and alcohol, and subsequent to viral infections.

 

To detoxify the liver, the treatment protocol is to strengthen the liver function. Capillarisin, one of the active ingredients of Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), increases the secretion of bile, bile salts and bilirubin. It increases the regeneration of liver cells and is an indispensable herb when treating jaundice or cholecystitis. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) is a channel-guiding herb and is also extremely effective in protecting the liver cells from denaturalization and necrosis. It is often used to decrease the SGOT and SGPT in patients with fatty liver or chronic hepatitis.7 Ge Hua (Flos Puerariae) relieves alcohol poisoning. Hu Zhang (Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati), Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) and Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) clear heat, detoxify and improve the liver function. Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) nourishes the Liver blood and qi. Ma Bian Cao (Herba Verbenae) enters the Liver channel to clear heat and detoxify. Fu Ling (Poria) strengthens the Spleen and promotes the excretion of toxins through urination. Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) benefits the Gallbladder and the Liver in treating viral hepatitis. It also invigorates blood circulation to promote generation of new liver cells. Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) spreads the stagnant Liver qi and relieves constraint. Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) improves the Liver function in patients with hepatitis. Both Pu Tao Zi (Semen Vitis Vinifera) and Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) have excellent hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant functions.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

 

[      For cholecystitis or gallstones with elevated liver enzymes, combine with Dissolve GS.

[      Gentiana Complex may be combined with Liver DTX for a synergistic effect to treat hepatic disorders.

[      To enhance the overall heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, add Herbal ABX.

[      For excess fire signs and symptoms throughout the body, add Gardenia Complex.

[      For dark complexion and blood stagnation, add Circulation (SJ).

[      For fatty liver, add Cholisma (ES).

[      For compromised kidney function, use Kidney DTX.

[      To cleanse the colon, add Gentle Lax (Deficient).

[      For stomach discomfort, heartburn, and/or acid reflux, add GI Care.

[      To enhance the immune system, add Immune +.

[      For nervousness, irritability, and stress, combine with Calm or Calm ES.

[      For a quick burst of energy and awareness, combine with Vibrant.

[      To tonify the underlying deficiencies of qi, blood, yin and yang, use Imperial Tonic.

[      For heavy metal, chemical or environmental poisoning, add Herbal DTX.

 

NUTRITION

 

[      Patients with liver cirrhosis should increase the intake of vitamin K found in such foods as green leafy vegetables, almonds, bananas, kelp, prunes, raisins, rice, wheat bran, and seeds. They should increase their intake of vegetables, especially artichokes, carrots, and beets. Water intake should be increased.

[      Artichokes contain cynarin, a substance that stimulates the bile flow and regulates the liver.

[      Patients with hepatitis should avoid alcohol, sugar, fat, raw fish, shellfish and highly-processed foods with chemicals or food additives. Fat, butter, margarine, cheese, fish, fowl, meat, salt, soft drinks, sugar, tea, cod liver oil, vitamin A, spicy, and fried foods should be eliminated from the diet. Also avoid over-eating, cigarette smoking, alcohol, coffee, and drugs.

[      Patients with jaundice should not consume alcohol, raw or undercooked fish, meat or poultry.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Ni and McNease

[      Hepatitis

§         Recommendations: rice, barley, millet, azuki beans, pearl barley, squash, cucumber, grapefruit, dandelion greens, beet greens, pears, water chestnut, carrot, cabbage, spinach, celery, winter melon, rice vinegar, pineapple, and lotus root.

§         Avoid dairy products, alcohol, coffee, sugar, fatty and fried foods, overly spicy foods, cold and raw foods, tomato, eggplant, bell peppers, and shellfish.

[      For more information, please refer to The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

 

[      Avoid physical and mental stress and exhaustion whenever possible. Maintain a cheerful and positive outlook and avoid dramatic emotional swings.

[      Avoid exposure to toxins whenever possible, including but not limited to chemicals, heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, environmental pollutants, etc.

[      Physical stimulation to the back by scratching or intense massage will stimulate the liver to increase activity.

 

CLINICAL NOTES

 

[      Lab exams are extremely useful in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis assessment for patients with liver dysfunction. Understanding the implications of laboratory tests empowers health care practitioners to effectively treat hepatic and gallbladder disorders.

[      Elevation of liver enzymes is common in hepatitis. Though western medicine has treatments for lowering liver enzymes, the results are sometimes unsatisfactory, especially in chronic hepatitis B. Therefore, herbs that clear heat, remove damp, strengthen the Spleen and regulate the Liver are used to normalize liver enzyme levels. In addition, small dosages of blood-activating and stasis-removing herbs can be used together for their synergistic effect. Patients should continue to take herbs for a period of time after liver enzyme levels return to normal to prevent rebound increase of liver enzymes.

[      Liver cirrhosis is a common complication of chronic hepatitis infection. To reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver in chronic hepatitis, use large dosages of Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) with regular dosages of Hong Hua (Flos Carthami). Addition of Bie Jia (Carapax Trionycis) to the herbal formula will further reduce the risk of developing liver cirrhosis.

[      The five main reasons hepatitis B patients remain chronic carriers of the hepatitis B virus:

1. Enhanced or suppressed immunity. Patients with irregular immune systems are less likely to become negative on the HBV exam. Indications of irregular immune system include high or low levels of IgG, IgM and IgA.
2. Frequent infection of the oral region indicates a suppressed immunity. This can be treated with Ye Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici) and Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae).
3. Seasonal factors. The treatment of hepatitis is less effective in spring and summer. In spring, there is a higher incidence of Liver qi damaging the yin. In summer, the damp-heat in the environment may increase dampness and heat inside the body. Thus, the ideal seasons to treat hepatitis B are autumn and winter. To enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment, Yi Guan Jian (Linking Decoction) can be added in autumn and Liu Yi San (Six-to-One Powder) can be added in summer.
4. Increase in liver enzymes such as SGPT and SGOT.
5. Dietary restrictions. Patients should reduce their intake of alcohol, hot and spicy food, and any other foods that worsen the condition.

 

CAUTIONS

 

[      Liver DTX is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. It should be used with caution in cases of qi and yang deficiencies.

[      Do not use this formula to treat acute liver failure – such conditions must be sent to the emergency room for immediate medical care.

[      Decrease the dosage to 2 capsules twice a day if there is loose stool after taking the herbs.

[      Patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (Warfarin), should use this formula with caution as there may be a slightly higher risk of bleeding and bruising.

 

ACUPUNCTURE POINTS

 

Traditional Points:

[      Taichong (LR 3), Xingjian (LR 2), Ganshu (BL 18), and Zusanli (ST 36).

[      Xingjian (LR 2), Taichong (LR 3), Fenglong (ST 40), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Ganshu (BL 18), and Danshu (BL 19).

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

[      Left side: Hegu (LI 4), Zhizheng (SI 7), Ligou (LR 5), Ququan (LR 8), and Ganmen, and Liver and Pancreas on the ear.

[      Right Side: Neiguan (PC 6), Ximen (PC 4) or ah shi points nearby, Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) or ah shi points nearby, and Liver and Pancreas on the ear.

[      Left and right side can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

[      For additional information on the Balance Method, please refer to Dr. Tan's Strategy of Twelve Magical Points by Dr. Richard Tan.

 

Ear Points:

[      To detoxify the Liver. Use three needles on the Liver or embed needles on the Liver point.

[      To quit cigarette smoking: Mouth, Bronchi, Lung, Pituitary Gland, Shenmen, and Subcortex. Switch ear every five days. Instruct the patient to massage the points for 1 to 2 minutes when smoking urges occur.

 

Auricular Acupuncture by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

[      Hepatitis: Liver, Gall Bladder, Rib Rim, Spleen, Sanjiao, Endocrine, Abdominal Distention Area, Digestive Subcortex, Ear Center, and Hepatitis.

[      Addiction

• Smoking addiction: Sympathetic, Shenmen, Mouth, and Lower Lung.
• Alcohol addiction: Sympathetic, Shenmen, Drunk Point, Liver, Nervous Subcortex, and Anxious Point.
• Drug addiction: Sympathetic, Shenmen, Kidney, Liver, Lower Lung, Anxious Point, Nervous Subcortex

[      For additional information on the location and explanation of these points, please refer to Auricular Treatment Formula and Prescriptions by Dr. Li-Chun Huang.

 

MODERN RESEARCH

 

Liver DTX is formulated with herbs that enhance the normal metabolic and detoxification functions of the liver.[1] Clinical applications of Liver DTX include hepatitis with or without jaundice,[2]^{,[3],[4],[5],[6]} cholecystitis with increased liver enzymes and possible liver impairment, 6^,[7] liver cirrhosis from excessive alcohol intake, 6 and detoxification of the liver during alcohol, drug or smoking cessation.[8] Ingredients in Liver DTX have demonstrated functions that increase the regeneration of liver cells,[9] protect the liver from damage by foreign chemicals and substances, 1 prevent and repair liver damage,[10] neutralize free radicals thereby preventing damage to liver cells with their anti-oxidant effect,[11] and lowering elevated levels of hepatic enzymes. [12]

 

Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, is one of the main ingredients in Liver DTX. The use of Silybum marianum can be traced back over 2,000 years to a Greek reference when Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79) first noted it had an excellent effect to “carry off bile.”[13] The active ingredient of Silybum marianum is silymarin, which has been found to have hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant effects.1  Silymarin protects the liver by changing the outer liver cell membrane and preventing the entrance of toxins into the liver cells. 13^,[14]  Specific indications for silymarin include cirrhosis and hepatitis. Silymarin was found to be effective in treating alcoholic cirrhosis as concluded by a 41-month double-blind study of 170 patients. 12 Silymarin also improved liver function in 20 patients with chronic active hepatitis.[15]

 

Pu Tao Zi (Semen Vitis Vinifera), also known as grape seed extract, also showed promising hepatoprotective activity,[16] as illustrated by one study that determined Pu Tao Zi (Semen Vitis Vinifera) to have hepatoprotective activity against foreign chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride.[17]

 

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) has a wide range of functions and clinical applications. In addition to its use as a liver protectant, it has such uses as a general tonic, nervous system effects, GI therapy, adaptogenic properties and others. Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) possesses pronounced hepatoprotective effect by protecting the hepatocyte plasma membrane and preventing the entry of toxic substances.[18]  Furthermore, it repairs liver damages by increasing blood flow to the liver and increasing regeneration of liver cells. [19] In addition to its hepatoprotective effect, Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) stimulates the nervous system to increase reflex responses and improve mental alertness to treat memory loss. [20] It also helps the body to adapt to stress by balancing body fluids and improving failing senses. ²⁰

 

Lastly, a study on Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae) and Ge Hua (Flos Puerariae) illustrated that this herb can treat alcohol abuse and overdose safely and effectively. The antidipsotropic activity of Ge Hua (Flos Puerariae) has been used in China for more than a millennium.[21]

 

PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

 

Western Medical Approach: Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, are serious and very complicated diseases. In western medicine, these conditions are usually treated with interferon. These drugs, however, have limited success, but are extremely expensive and create significant number of serious side effects, including dizziness, confusion, coma, arrhythmia, heart failure, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and many others. In severe and life threatening cases, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, surgery may be perform.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach: In traditional Chinese medicine, treatment of liver disorders is also a very challenging and complicated matter. These conditions are usually treated with herbs that drain damp-heat from the Liver. Pharmacologically, these herbs have hepatoprotective effects that remove toxins from the liver, prevent the entrance of toxins into the liver cells, and increase blood circulation to the liver to facilitate recovery. In most cases, herbs are most effective in early stage of liver disorder characterized by increased liver enzymes. Immediate and aggressive treatment with herbs generally lowers liver enzyme levels and reverses the illness. Once the disease progresses into various stages of hepatitis and/or liver cirrhosis, customized treatments should be considered[U1]  for maximum effectiveness.

 

Summation: Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, are serious and very complicated diseases that are challenging to both western and traditional Chinese medicines. Herbal treatment is generally more effective for early stages of liver disease, and ones with mild to moderate severity. Drug treatment, such as with interferon, are generally not utilized unless there is moderate to severe liver disease, because the risks of side effects are generally greater than the potential benefits. Unfortunately, severe cases of liver diseases are extremely difficult to manage for both western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Under these circumstance, customized treatment with careful supervision is most effective.

 

CASE STUDIES

 

A 41-year-old male complained of occasional bouts of irritability. He had elevated liver enzymes, elevated HCT and  was positive for Hepatitis C. The practitioner diagnosed his condition as damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder. After taking Liver DTX, the liver enzyme levels tested within normal limits. The patient’s medical doctor, after recognizing all supporting evidence, encouraged the herbal treatment wholeheartedly.

 

P.C., Stanwood, Washington

 

M.C., a 49-year-old highly-stressed executive, presented elevated SGPT, LDL and cholesterol levels. He stated he frequently checked his blood pressure and it ranged from 135-148/85-91 mmHg. He was never diagnosed with hypertension but had an upcoming insurance physical and wanted to lower his blood pressure naturally [without using drugs]. He also complained of low-grade temporal headaches, pressured feeling in the head, neck and shoulder tension. His blood pressure at the time of examination was 148/94 mmHg and his heart rate was 72 beats per minute. He worried excessively, in part because his son was diagnosed with brain tumor ten years ago. He also suffered from insomnia, and fist clenching that lasted throughout the day. He said that his stress caused numbness and tension on his left shoulder and rhomboid area. The TCM diagnoses were Liver qi stagnation and Spleen qi deficiency. Cholisma at 4 capsules three times daily and Liver DTX at 5 capsules at night were prescribed. He reported after taking the herbs, he passed his insurance exam. Blood pressure has stayed down at 120/72 mmHg. His stress was manageable and there were no more headaches. Energy level was also excellent. His cholesterol levels had also dropped from 216 to 186 mg/dL. The practitioner reported that the patient is now a believer of herbs.

 

                                                                                                M.H., West Palm Beach, Florida

 

A 45-year-old female with insulin-dependent diabetes presented with malaise, fatigue, night sweats, hot flashes and low back pain. She also had abdominal bloating, red eyes, weak nails and a pale complexion. She was diagnosed with hepatitis C. The practitioner prescribed Liver DTX (3 capsules three times daily) and Equilibrium (3 capsules three times daily). Also given was a pancreatic homeopathic remedy (10 drops 6 times a day) and another homeopathic remedy, Hepan Comp (1 drop three times daily). Two and a half months later, the patient discontinued her insulin use. Her viral load was almost within the normal range and she decided to discontinue all pharmaceuticals. There was a total reversal of her clinical picture.

 

I.B., Miami, Florida

 

A 68-year-old retired male complained of diminishing vision. In turn, he became frustrated with the fact that he was no longer able to play tennis as well as before or competitively. Other visual dysfunctions included a reduction in visual field and the inability to track objects. The practitioner diagnosed the patient’s condition as Liver qi stagnation and Liver fire with underlying Liver yin deficiency. The practitioner suspected blood leakage into the post-retinal layer, which would have been indicative of a detached retina. The patient was given Liver DTX. Along with the herbal treatment, the practitioner also stressed the importance of diet, especially devoid of alcohol and sugar. Although the patient was not completely compliant with the treatment, his visual compromise stabilized and the deterioration stopped. The practitioner observed a reversal of the patient’s symptoms and anticipated an encouraging prognosis.

T.W., Santa Monica, California

 

J.J., a 45-year-old male, presented with tiredness, aching joints, occasional jaundice, bleeding gums and nose, thirst, foul and sticky bowel movements, short-temper, irritability, disturbed sleep, dry eyes and floaters. His tongue was red, quivering and the tip was red. His pulse was wiry on both sides. Blood pressure was 125/80 mmHg and the heart rate was 72 beats per minute. Western medical diagnosis was Hepatitis C. The TCM diagnosis was damp-heat in the Liver, Liver blood deficiency and Liver overacting on the Spleen. Liver DTX combined with Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) were prescribed totaling at 12 grams a day. Omega-3 fatty acids were also recommended at 1 tablespoon per day. Patient had a very recent liver profile done before the treatment. Within three weeks of acupuncture and herbal treatments, his total liver profile (by a new blood test) imbalances were reduced by over 66%. He felt amazingly better. No bloating or hypochondrial pain. Digestion was much improved, as well as energy and well-being. Proper dietary recommendations were also implemented. The practitioner reported that he consistently found the Liver DTX to be an amazing and very powerful formula, especially with hepatitis.

 

                                                                                                M.N., Knoxville, Tennessee

 

A 44-year-old female with hepatitis C, necrosis of the liver, and diabetes (insulin-dependent) was treated with interferon, Rebetron (Ribavirin and Interferon alpha 2B), Zantac (Ranitidine), Prozac (Fluoxetine) and insulin. Her clinical manifestations included pain in the liver region, fatigue, insomnia, blurred vision, constipation, melancholy, frontal headache, dizziness, tremors, abdominal bloating, and a pale complexion. Her tongue was maroon in color, and the pulse was slippery. The diagnosis for this patient was dampness in the Liver and Gallbladder, with Liver overacting on the Spleen and the Stomach, hence disrupting the transformation and transportation of the digestive system. The patient was treated with two herbal formulas (Liver DTX and Imperial Tonic) and two homeopathic formulas (sarcode liver formula and oral insulin). The treatment also included acupuncture involving meridian treatment and extraordinary vessel treatment. After three weeks, the patient had significant improvements in her vitality, complexion, appetite, sleep, attitude and energy level. A dramatic reduction of her abdominal pain was also noted. Her insulin use was reduced by approximately 25%.

 

                                                                                                I.B., Miami, Florida

 

A 22-year-old female presented with high triglycerides and high ALT. The patient appeared thin and pale. Her limbs were always cold and she was easily agitated. Her blood pressure was 115/70 mmHg and the heart rate was 72 beats per minute. The TCM diagnosis was yang deficiency with heat in the Liver. Liver DTX at 3 capsules three times a day was prescribed with Cholisma at 2 capsules twice a day. She also received acupuncture. After six weeks, her liver enzymes and triglycerides levels returned to normal.

 

                                                                                                W.F., Bloomfield, New Jersey

 

M.C., a 49-year-old male, presented with elevated SGPT levels (72, normal 0-40) but his medical doctor told him it was normal. At age 8, this patient suffered from a blood disorder called “Fatty Bone Marrow” with no hemoglobins. He was treated but the results were reported to be moderate in effectiveness. There was negative history for any liver disorders.  His blood pressure was 120/72 mmHg and his heart rate was 62 beats per minute. The TCM diagnoses were Spleen qi deficiency and Liver qi stagnation. He was instructed to take 5 capsules of Liver DTX at bedtime for three months. After the herbs, the SGOT level reduced to 21 and the SGPT level to 32. The patient was thrilled.

 

                                                                                                M.H., West Palm Beach, Florida

 

A 36-year-old female patient presented with severe hangover from excessive alcohol consumption. Clinical signs and symptoms included nausea, vomiting, anorexia, frontal headache, diarrhea, and extreme weakness and fatigue. Her tongue was pale and flabby, with a moist, greasy tongue coating. Her face was pale and puffy, with dark, sunken eyes. The Western diagnosis was acute alcohol intoxication; the TCM diagnosis was damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, with qi deficiency. Liver DTX was prescribed at four capsules every four to six hours for one day. Within two hours after taking the first dose, the patient reported that she felt 98% improvement, and said that she had regained her strength and appetite.  She stated that her headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea had all diminished. She took the second dose, ate a large meal, and recovered from alcohol intoxication.

 

                                                                                                C.L., Chino Hills, California

 

M.F., a 57-year-old female, presented with pain in the leg and big toe with pressure, metallic taste, absence of thirst, heat sensations except in the hands and feet, and upper body sweating. She had been exposed to toxic chemicals and pesticides for six months. The TCM diagnosis was yin deficiency with heat, damp-heat and toxic heat accumulation, and bi zheng (painful obstruction syndrome) of the legs. After six weeks of taking Liver DTX, Balance (Heat) and Flex (NP), she experienced less leg pain, decreased sweating, subsiding heat sensations, and warmer hands. The patient still had a metallic taste in the mouth. The patient also increased her intake of carrot juice and cucumbers.

 

                                                                                                M.C., Sarasota, Florida