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Lycopodium similiaplex-induced acute hepatitis: a case report
Emma Conti1, Giovanna De Checchi, Roberto Mencarelli
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Mater Salutis Hospital, Legnago, Verona, Italy. contiem@hotmail.com
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|April 12, 2008
Summary
A woman experienced liver injury from a herbal sedative containing Lycopodium serratum and Chelidonium majus. Discontinuing the remedy resolved her symptoms and normalized liver enzymes, highlighting potential phytotherapy risks.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Clinical Toxicology
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Herbal remedies are increasingly used, but their potential for causing liver injury (hepatotoxicity) is not fully understood.
- This case highlights the importance of considering phytotherapy as a cause of unexplained liver enzyme elevation.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman presented with nausea, anorexia, and asthenia, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST).
- Viral and autoimmune hepatitis markers were negative. She had been using a herbal sedative containing Lycopodium serratum and Chelidonium majus for 8 weeks.
- Symptoms resolved, and liver enzymes normalized after discontinuing the herbal product.
Findings:
- Liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis and suggested a hypersensitivity reaction as the pathogenic mechanism.
- The constituents Lycopodium serratum and Chelidonium majus were identified as potentially toxic ingredients in the herbal remedy.
- This case provides evidence for the hepatotoxicity of certain phytotherapies.
Implications:
- Clinicians and patients need greater awareness of the potential dangers associated with herbal remedies.
- Robust surveillance systems and quality control measures for herbal products are essential to ensure patient safety.
- Further research into the incidence and mechanisms of phytotherapy-induced liver injury is warranted.
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