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Herbal hepatoxicity from Chinese skullcap: A case report
Leslie Yang1, Andrew Aronsohn, John Hart
1Leslie Yang, University of Chicago Medical Center Section of Gastroenterology, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
World Journal of Hepatology
|August 3, 2012
Summary
Elderly patients taking herbal supplements like Move Free Advanced may experience liver injury. Chinese skullcap in the supplement caused significant cholestasis and hepatitis, resolving after discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Herbal medicine
- Hepatology
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Increased use of herbal supplements for arthritis.
- Move Free Advanced contains glucosamine, chondroitin, Chinese skullcap, and Black Catechu.
- Potential for herb-induced liver injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of drug-induced liver injury (DILI).
- To identify the causative agent in a herbal supplement.
- To highlight the hepatotoxicity of Chinese skullcap.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an elderly woman.
- Clinical presentation of cholestasis and hepatitis.
- Liver biopsy and literature review.
Main Results:
- Patient developed significant cholestasis and hepatitis after taking Move Free Advanced.
- Symptoms improved upon supplement discontinuation.
- Recurrence of hepatotoxicity upon re-challenge.
- Liver biopsy confirmed acute drug-induced liver injury.
Conclusions:
- Chinese skullcap in Move Free Advanced is a potential hepatotoxin.
- Herbal supplements can cause significant liver injury.
- Prompt diagnosis and discontinuation are crucial for recovery.
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