Mount Sinai IRB approved message: HERBAL TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS C IN PEOPLE WITH HIV (GCO 02-1185 CM) Mount Sinai Medical Center and the Foundation for Integrative AIDS Research (FIAR) are studying the herb milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in people who have both chronic hepatitis C and HIV infections. The research study will enroll 40 people, who will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to receive either inactive placebo or milk thistle capsules. The primary aim is to assure that the herb is safe, especially in people who are using antiviral therapy (HAART). Small studies in HIV-negative individuals did not show any clinically significant drug interactions. The study will use blood tests to determine benefit. The milk thistle (or placebo) will be provided free of charge. This research study is being funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The total duration of the study will be 52 weeks and will include a total of 8 study visits. For more information call: Eileen Chusid, PhD Mount Sinai Medical Center 212-241-8902 or see our websites at: http://www.mssm.edu http://aidsinfonyc.org/fiar MSSM IRB APPROVED from 6/10/04 to 10/31/ 05