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Related Experiment Videos

Hepatitis associated with Chinese herbs.

C A McRae1, K Agarwal, D Mutimer

  • 1Freeman Hospital Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust, Newcastle, UK.

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|May 2, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Severe hepatitis, including fatal cases, has been linked to unregulated Traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Increased regulation is needed to protect consumers from potential dangers and adulterants in these popular natural remedies.

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Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) are increasingly popular in Western countries as 'natural' alternative treatments.
  • TCHMs are often perceived as safe and free from side effects, leading to widespread use.
  • However, the regulation and quality control of TCHMs remain largely insufficient.

Observation:

  • Two patients developed severe hepatitis, with one fatality, after consuming TCHMs for minor ailments.
  • A review of English-language literature identified frequent implicaton of Jin bu huan and Dictamnus dasycarpus in hepatitis cases.
  • Eleven patients ingested Jin bu huan, and six patients ingested Dictamnus dasycarpus, including the fatal cases.

Findings:

  • Establishing definitive causation of hepatitis is challenging due to the complex mixtures in TCHMs, which may contain adulterants.

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  • Jin bu huan and Dictamnus dasycarpus were frequently implicated in the reviewed cases of herb-induced liver injury.
  • The cases underscore the potential hepatotoxicity associated with certain TCHMs.

    • Implications:

    • These findings highlight significant potential health risks for consumers using unregulated TCHMs.
    • There is an urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight in the manufacturing and distribution of TCHMs.
    • Increased awareness among healthcare providers and consumers regarding the potential adverse effects of TCHMs is crucial.