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Updated: May 19, 2026
11:38
High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)
Published on: May 10, 2016
Herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases
Rolf Teschke1, Albrecht Wolff, Christian Frenzel
1Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty of the Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. rolf.teschke@gmx.de
Summary
Herbal hepatotoxicity is a growing concern with increased herbal product use. This review details 60 herbs linked to liver damage, aiding clinical assessment of potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Herbal hepatotoxicity is a rapidly expanding field due to global increases in herbal product consumption.
- Understanding the spectrum of liver injury associated with herbal remedies is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and summarize reported cases of herbal hepatotoxicity from existing literature.
- To identify specific herbs, herbal drugs, and supplements associated with liver damage.
Main Methods:
- A selective literature search was conducted to gather case reports, spontaneous reports, case series, and review articles.
- Publications focusing on herbal hepatotoxicity were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 185 publications were reviewed, identifying 60 distinct herbs, herbal drugs, and supplements with potential hepatotoxicity.
- Causality was established for several herbs, including Ayurvedic herbs, Kava, and green tea, using rigorous assessment methods.
- Many reports lacked proper causality assessment, highlighting a need for standardized evaluation.
Conclusions:
- This compilation provides a detailed overview of herbal hepatotoxicity.
- The findings aim to support physicians in the clinical assessment and management of patients with suspected herbal-induced liver injury.
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