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Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
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Herbal Supplement-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Report
Haidar Khan1, Jonathan Vincent M Reyes1, Tasur Seen2
1Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Elmhurst Hospital Center, Elmhurst, USA.
Cureus
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Sudden epigastric pain in a 45-year-old woman was linked to herbal tea consumption. Discontinuing the tea resolved her symptoms, highlighting the importance of considering herbal supplement-induced liver injury (HILI).
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Abnormal liver function tests can stem from various causes.
- Herbal supplement ingestion is an increasingly recognized cause of liver injury.
- Herbal supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) presents a diagnostic challenge.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with acute epigastric pain.
- Extensive inpatient workup, including imaging, ruled out infectious and immunologic causes.
- The patient reported recent consumption of a herbal tea, with symptom resolution upon cessation.
Findings:
- Herbal supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) is a potential cause of acute liver dysfunction.
- Discontinuation of the suspected herbal supplement led to complete symptom resolution, strongly suggesting a causal link.
Implications:
- HILI should be considered in the differential diagnosis for unexplained liver injury, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
- Clinicians should inquire about the use of herbal supplements and teas in patients presenting with abnormal LFTs.
- Increased awareness and reporting of HILI cases are crucial for understanding its prevalence and management.
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