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Herbal Supplements & Liver Toxicity

Apr 13, 2011 | By Tomas Linnaeus
Herbal Supplements & Liver Toxicity
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Herbal extracts have become increasingly popular with consumers. People enjoy the freedom associated with managing their own health care. Herbal supplements are considered safe because they are natural products. Yet, liver damage caused by the use of plant extracts has become a worldwide health problem, according to a 2008 review published in the "Spanish Journal of Gastroenterology." Speak with a doctor before taking nutritional supplements.

Green Tea

Tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant remain one of the most popular herbal products. Green tea provides a variety of health benefits, including positive effects on bone health. Yet, these benefits may come at a price. A 2009 report presented in the "European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" looked at the relationship between green tea and organ damage. A total of 34 cases of tea-induced liver toxicity were identified in the medical literature. The authors also presented two cases they had personally observed. Liver biopsies taken in all these patients indicated inflammation, blockage and cell death. Green tea appeared to cause liver failure and mortality in at least one case.

Usnic Acid

Several herbs, such as Usnea barbata, contain usnic acid. This ingredient triggers weight loss in laboratory animals, and supplement makers often include it in diet pills. It may, however, cause liver damage in some people. A 2008 article published in the "Journal of Environmental Science and Health" reviewed Food and Drug Administration reports concerning the intake of usnic acid. The authors found at least 21 patients with liver toxicity caused by ingesting diet pills containing usnic acid. These cases prompted the FDA to issue a warning letter to the makers of LipoKinetix, one of the products associated with liver problems. This herbal extract, containing sodium usniate, has been removed from shelves. Yet, similar products remain readily available.

Cascara Sagrada

The herbal supplement cascara sagrada contains extracts taken from the Rhamnus purshiana plant. Native Americans used this herb as a laxative over 1,000 years ago. In 2002, the FDA banned this substance because of toxicity concerns. The ban, however, only prevented manufacturers from including Rhamnus as an ingredient. The whole herb remains available for sale. A 2009 paper offered in the "Danish Medical Bulletin" described a case of hepatitis -- liver inflammation -- in a patient who had taken cascara for a month. A similar case was reported in the U.S. as well. The authors found Rhamnus listed in over 30 commercially available products. These data indicate that manufacturers continue to include Rhamnus extracts in laxatives.

Common Rue

The herb Ruta graveolensm, common rue, has received attention due to its potential to prevent cancer. This herb also effectively treats yeast infections like Candida, according to a study published in 2008 in the "Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology." Because of its ability to fight pathogens, scientists thought it might be useful in treating parasite-infected mice. An experiment described in the 2010 volume of the "Indian Journal of Pharmacology" tested this hypothesis. Rodents received the extracted Ruta or an inert treatment for five days. The treatment did not limit the infection, but it did cause side effects. Mice given rue showed elevated scores on the aspartate aminotransferase test, a marker of liver damage. The rodents showed other symptoms of liver disease as well.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Apr 13, 2011

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