Anyone ever heard of or had success with Noni Juice in treating hepatitis?

A speaker came to Wayne's SAP meeting and told them of his success with the Noni Juice - that now his viral load could not be detected and he'd reversed some liver damage. I'd never heard of it.

Wayne wants to try it and I can take herbal treatments and/or vitamins to him. I just don't want to do anything that'll cause him more harm.

I don't know about the noni juice.
But I have been studying about Milk Thisltle for Liver Damage treatment. Since the entire plant of Milk Thisle is considered safe (without side effects) It would be a treatment to research as well.

This plant is native to the Mediterranean and grows wild throughout Europe, North America and Australia. Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy for liver problems for thousands of years. Its use was recorded in the first century (AD 23-79), noting that the plant was excellent for protecting the liver. Early Christian tradition dedicated milk thistle to Mary, calling it Marian thistle. In the 19th century the Eclectics used the herb for varicose veins, menstrual difficulty, and congestion in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Milk thistle has also been taken to increase breast-milk production, stimulate the secretion of bile, and as a treatment for depression.
Milk thistle nutritionally supports the liver's ability to maintain normal liver function. It has shown positive effects in treating nearly every known form of liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug and alcohol abuse. Milk thistle works due to its ability to inhibit the factors responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact it stimulates production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones.

Milk thistle has been proven to protect the liver from damage. The detrimental effects of environmental toxins, alcohol, drugs and chemotherapy may be countered with this valuable herb. The active chemical component in the herb is silybin, which functions as an antioxidant and is one of the most potent liver protective agents known. Clinical trials have proven silybin to be effective in treating chronic liver diseases and in protecting the liver from toxic chemicals. An injection of silybin is a proven antidote for poisoning with the Deathcap
mushroom (Amanita phalloides).

Silybin is a part of the chemical structure of the flavoligan silymarine. Milk thistle's hepatoprotective effects may be explained by its function of altering the liver cell membrane structure, blocking the absorption of toxins into the cells. Hepatoprotection by silymarin can also be attributed to its ability to increase the intracellular concentration of glutathione, a substance required for detoxicating reactions in liver cells. Milk thistle is also an antioxidant that is more potent than vitamins C and E.

Parts Used: Seeds for powdered or liquid extract.

Common Use: Helps the liver detoxification process. For all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Fights pollutants and prevents free radical damage by action as antioxidant. Protects the liver and stimulates the production of new liver cells. Helps common skin conditions related to poor liver function.

Care: Annual or biennial. Very drought tolerant, self seeds readily. Prefers sunny position and well drained, dry soil.
MILK THISTLE - IN STOCK

http://dreampharm.com/Item/111.htm
http://www.liversupport.com/info1.htm
http://www.hon.ch/Library/Theme/HepB/comp.html#Milk_Thistle

He's on the milk thistle now - but we're going to add the Noni Juice as well. If this will help - either one - then it'll be great.

Monica,

My PERSONAL opinion about this NONI Juice is steer clear...

Here is a link...

http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/988412347.html

Herb Blurb: Noni Juice

What is Noni?

Noni is called Noni Fruit, Noni Juice, Indian Mulberry, Morinda, Hog Apple, Meng Koedoe, Mora De La India, Ruibarbo Caribe, Wild Pine. It is an evergreen tree that in found in the Pacific Island and parts of Asia and Australia. Either the juice or the whole fruit is used in herbal remedies.

Noni products are sold as juice, extract, powder, capsules, facial cleansers, bath gels and soaps.

Noni is purported as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, hypertension, HIV, rheumatism, psoriasis, allergies, infection, inflammation, stress reliever, and as a facial and body cleanser.

What does the research say?

Several animal and laboratory experiments have been done on different components of the plant. In one study mice that got injections of noni juice survived 123% longer than untreated mice who had tumors. In another study a compound that was removed from the root of the noni plant inhibited the chemical process that turned normal cells into cancer cells.

Is it safe?

The safety is not known.

Bottom Line:

At this time there is no scientific evidence that noni is effective in preventing or treating cancer or other diseases. In 1988, the company that manufactures noni products was ordered to discontinue advertising health claims until they could provide scientific evidence of their claims. It is a waste of money that would be better spent on a healthy diet that has 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day.

Reference

American Cancer Society's Guide to Complimentary and Alternative Cancer Methods. American Cancer Society 2000:326-327.

NOTE - The safety is unknown - and companies have been ordered to stop health claims.

The one thing that I cannot stress enough when looking at herbal products or 'natural' products is DO YOUR RESEARCH! Just because it is natural does not mean that it is good for you or for your illness.

I am not making a claim that Noni Juice is not good, but remember that the liver (which is already compromised by HepC) has to clear everything that we put in our bodies that is not needed! If this Noni Juice has no efficacy then your liver is just working harder to clean it out of the system.

Milk Thistle has PROVEN results and doctors that work with HepC will recommend Milk Thistle.

Stick with the known and tested products!

Sorry for coming across so strong... but all I find on the Internet is 'sensational' marketing for this product and very little if any known fact and research!

Go cautiously!

Thanks Teb - that's why I asked! ;)

noni is a no-no for hep

I don't intend to make any claims for or against Noni Juice because for all I know it may be a viable natural product for some things... I am sure for some people and some conditions that it would help.

The only caution that I make is that for HepC (as Menolly stated too) I think I would err on the side of caution....