THE IMPACT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS ON ASTHENIA, DYSPEPSIA, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN REHABILITATION AFTER CHRONIC HEPATITIS C

Chronic hepatitis C is now a curable infection for the vast majority of patients treated with direct-acting antivirals, yet clinical rehabilitation does not end with viral eradication. A proportion of patients continue to report asthenia, nonspecific dyspeptic complaints, reduced vitality, and an incomplete recovery of health-related quality of life after achieving sustained virologic response. This article reviews the possible role of medicinal plants as an adjunctive component of post-hepatitis C rehabilitation. The paper was prepared as a structured narrative review based on contemporary hepatology guidance, studies on patient-reported outcomes after antiviral therapy, and publications evaluating phytotherapeutic interventions relevant to fatigue, dyspepsia, and liver support. The available evidence indicates that most patients experience measurable improvement in quality of life after successful antiviral treatment; however, symptom persistence remains clinically important, particularly in those with advanced fibrosis, comorbidity, or psychosocial burden. Among medicinal plants, silymarin is the best studied in chronic hepatitis C, but oral formulations have not shown convincing benefits for virologic or biochemical endpoints. By contrast, plant-based combinations such as peppermint oil and caraway oil have more persuasive evidence for functional dyspeptic symptoms, although not specifically in post-hepatitis C populations. Evidence for phytotherapeutic relief of asthenia is promising but indirect, coming mainly from broader post-viral fatigue research. The modern conclusion is that medicinal plants may be considered only as individualized adjuncts within a rehabilitation program that also includes lifestyle counseling, nutritional correction, psychological support, and structured follow-up. They should not replace etiologic treatment, fibrosis surveillance, or standard symptom-oriented medical care.