Euforia-induced acute hepatitis in a patient with scleroderma

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Toxicology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Euforia is a popular natural supplement marketed for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved Euforia, and its safety profile, including side effects, remains largely unknown.
• Certain natural ingredients like green tea, Aloe vera, noni, and goji have been anecdotally linked to liver injury.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old woman with limited systemic sclerosis developed jaundice and elevated liver enzymes after consuming Euforia juice for one month.
• Liver biopsy revealed submassive hepatocellular necrosis, indicative of toxic hepatitis.
• The patient's liver function tests normalized after discontinuing Euforia.

Findings:

• This case report details the first known instance of hepatotoxicity linked to Euforia supplement use.
• The histopathological findings were consistent with drug-induced liver injury.
• While symptoms resolved upon cessation, abnormal liver function tests persisted for up to 18 months.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for severe liver injury from natural supplements like Euforia, even when marketed for health benefits.
• Healthcare providers should inquire about supplement use in patients presenting with unexplained liver abnormalities.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific ingredients and mechanisms responsible for Euforia-induced hepatotoxicity.