Ischemic Colitis in a Young Female Following Herbal Supplement Ingestion

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Toxicology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Ischemic colitis is predominantly diagnosed in elderly individuals due to common risk factors like atherosclerosis.
• Its occurrence in younger populations is exceptionally rare, often lacking clear etiological links.

Observation:

• A young, otherwise healthy female presented with acute abdominal pain and hematochezia.
• Colonoscopy revealed findings consistent with ischemic colitis, confirmed by pathological biopsy.

Findings:

• The patient reported recent consumption of a bitter herbal tea prior to symptom onset.
• Herbal remedies are increasingly recognized as potential triggers for hypercoagulable and hypotensive states, leading to ischemic colitis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering less common etiologies, such as herbal remedies, in young patients with ischemic colitis.
• Further research into the specific constituents and mechanisms of herbal products linked to vascular events is warranted.