Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of chronic liver disease.

Interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the treatment of chronic liver diseases has increased in the past decade. However, this has not been supported by a significant increase in sound clinical research evidence for their efficacy. The research literature is growing, providing improved knowledge on population use of CAM, possible mechanisms of action of a large range of complementary and alternative medications, and possible specific indications for these agents in patients with liver disease. Although curative potential for CAM has not been documented consistently in any liver disorder, it is possible to identify anti-inflammatory activity and cytoprotective capacity for a number of agents from different branches of the world of CAM. Evidence grows for potential harm from an increasing number of compounds. Concurrently, clarity is increasing in relation to which specific constituents cause the harm and the mechanisms by which damage is produced.