Improving Symptoms of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis by Iranian Traditional Medicine

Introduction: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease that results from the inflammation and destruction of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts and fibrosis which can lead to cirrhosis. The purpose of this report is to provide the clinical experience of Iranian traditional medicine with the best therapeutic effect within the shortest time. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old man with a known case of IBD for 20 years and PSC for 6 years with severe pruritus, scored 7 based on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and fatigue, but scored 8 based on VAS. The patient had depression due to the long duration of the disease, no certain treatments, and intense fatigue which impaired his daily activities. Laboratory tests prior to treatment revealed the following: ALT: 67 U/l (N: 5- 40), AST: 38 U/l (N: 5- 40), ALP: 683 U/l (N: 50-200), Direct Bil: 0.6 mg/dl, Total Bil: 1.4 mg/dl, Hb: 16.2 g/dl, and CA19-9: 86 U/ml (N: 0-40 U/ml). In the traditional medicine clinic, the patient was treated with health and nutrition improvement measures. The medications prescribed included a combination of herbal plants based on the patient’s disease. After 45days of treatment, the patient’s fatigue intensity, skin pruritus and feeling of depression reduced and he returned to an active life.  Laboratory tests after treatment revealed: ALT: 44 U/l (N: 5-40), AST: 30 U/l (N: 5- 40), ALP: 520 U/l (N: 50-200), Direct Bil: 0.25 mg/dl, Total Bil: 1 mg/dl, and CA 19-9: 60 U/ml (N: 0-40 U/ml). Conclusion: Due to the patient’s physical and mental improvement, as well as significant improvement in symptoms, it seems that Iranian traditional medicine can successfully treat many common diseases.