Modulation of liver enzymes by an Iranian preparation of Echinacea purpurea

Hepatitis B, a common infectious disease of liver, is transmitted by blood and body fluids like semen and vaginal fluid that carry hepatitis B virus (HBV).  In chronic infection, medical care is required to decrease possibility of cirrhosis and liver cancer. In the present report, the hepatoprotective effect of an Echinacea purpurea preparation (Echiherb®) has been described in a patient who suffered from HBV infection. The levels of both enzymes of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased to their normal level after 6 weeks of treatment. Therefore, this report may provide a new perspective for protection of liver in patients with HBV infection along with other diseases which damage liver cells using E. purpurea preparations.