Toxic hepatitis in black patients in natal

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Pathology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Centrilobular zonal necrosis is a liver condition with various potential causes.
• Traditional medicine practices involving indigenous plants are prevalent in certain populations.

Observation:

• Clinical and pathological characteristics of toxic centrilobular zonal necrosis were observed in Natal Blacks.
• The Zulu name 'impila' is associated with the plant Callilepis laureola.

Findings:

• A strong association is suggested between Callilepis laureola and toxic centrilobular zonal necrosis.
• Callilepis laureola is used in traditional self-medication and prescribed by herbalists and witchdoctors.

Implications:

• This finding highlights a potential risk associated with the use of Callilepis laureola in traditional medicine.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the toxicity of Callilepis laureola and establish safe usage guidelines.
• Public health awareness regarding the potential hepatotoxicity of commonly used medicinal plants is crucial.