Bupleurum falcatum (Sho-saiko-so) has been widely used in Chinese medicine for centuries where it is regarded as a liver tonic. A wide range of benefits are claimed including protection from liver cancer and hepatitis B. Given that China has one of the highest incidences of hepatitis B and liver cancer worldwide it seems unlikely that this easy to grow plant offers major benefits. A small scale open label trial in America examined the alleged liver protective effect of plant extracts in patients with hepatitis C but was not able to provide evidence of benefit. The advent of highly effective antiviral treatments for viral hepatitis are likely to reduce the enthusiasm for a repeat of the study. GRF December 2018