Over time, herbal nutrients have been widely marketed as natural alternatives to improve wellness, treat various health issues, and enhance overall health. Recently, some popular herbal supplements have been shown to cause possible severe liver damage and even death.
The Number of Liver Injury Incidents Related to Herbal Supplements
Over the past twenty years, liver injuries from herbal and dietary supplements have greatly increased. A recent study in Liver Transplantation revealed that the number of acute liver failure cases associated with these products increased eightfold from 1995 to 2020. Currently, herbal and dietary supplements are the cause of about 20% of all liver toxicity cases in the U.S. Cases of these conditions may involve slight liver enzyme changes, or they might become serious enough for hospitalization, surgery, or liver replacement.
Which of These Supplements Should We Worry About?
- Many supplements are linked to liver injury, but turmeric is the one mentioned most often in reports. More important dietary supplements are
- Turmeric/curcumin is mainly used because it reduces inflammation, though in some individuals, large doses or a certain form can seriously damage the liver.
- Green Tea Extract: Often used for its weight loss and antioxidant properties, though taking too much may damage the liver, especially if you have specific genes.
- Ashwagandha: Consumed to help with stress and tiredness, but is believed to have triggered certain cases of liver infection and yellow skin.
- Taking black cohosh, red yeast rice, or Garcinia cambogia puts people at risk of liver toxicity.
Actual Patients and What Happened
New findings from DILIN and recent clinical studies have identified these risks. A 54-year-old man began a turmeric-based supplement promoted as good for the liver but quickly came down with severe liver failure.
In a single week, the patient started to feel nauseous, experienced yellow urine, a loss of appetite, and itching all over his body. Liver enzymes and bilirubin were detected in blood work, indicating that liver failure had occurred. Other signs of potential liver damage from herbal supplements include
Fatigue
The skin and the eyes become yellow when a person has jaundice.
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of the urge to eat
- If your pee is dark and your poop is pale,
- If the disease becomes very advanced, patients may need hospitalization or a liver transplant.
What Is the Problem with These Supplements?
Herbal supplements can unexpectedly cause liver damage in some individuals, even when taken according to recommended guidelines. Researchers do not fully understand the mechanisms behind this occurrence; however, it may involve several factors.
- Taking a larger amount of the active substances
- Supplements sometimes contain ingredients that are not part of the main formula.
- Differences in a person’s genes
- Relationships with other drugs
- Ways to Safely Use Herbal Supplements
- Risks notwithstanding, there are many who take herbal supplements to help their health. One way to manage your risks is to
- Talk to your healthcare provider before you start using any new supplements.
- It’s best not to use much concentrated extracts and avoid overdoses altogether.
- Be careful when using supplements that include a mix of herbs or ingredients you’ve not tried before.
- Watch for any signs of liver harm and go to the doctor if you experience any of them.
- Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe.
The Final Thought
Using herbal supplements such as turmeric, green tea extract, and ashwagandha is increasingly associated with cases of liver damage, some being quite severe. Although these products may bring some health advantages, taking too much of them or not following a doctor’s advice usually results in serious risks. Be careful when choosing herbal supplements and always find out the newest safety information. Your liver works better when it is healthy.
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