A lot of people do not know the harm in herbal medicines. Did you know that hepatotoxicity from herbal medicines is a growing worldwide problem and has been clearly linked to cases of acute liver failure? I didn’t either. I have always thought herbals were safe and natural but that is just what the media persuades us to think. The main concern with taking herbals is that many people choose to not share this critical information with their doctor and therefore drug-herb toxicity can occur. So be smart and always inform your doctor what you are using. Hepatotoxicity from herbals is somewhat rare but it is a growing problem and people need to be aware of the potential problems. In Asia herbals are more frequently used, and therefore responsible for the condition.
Kava and Spirulina, Teucrium, Setarud, Sweet clover, Poke root, Green tea leaf, and Buckthorn are just a few of herbals that have been known to cause hepatotoxicity.
Here are some helpful websites to check out if you would like to read more information about herbal hepatotoxicity.
http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/101105_01.htm
http://content.herbalgram.org/ogdenpress/herbalgram/articleview.asp?a=2783
3 comments:
Wow I did not know herbs could cause liver hepatotoxicity. I too thought they were safe and just an easier, cheaper method to over the counter medicine. I mean I know there is a risk with everything but I just did not realize the severity of herbs. I have actually heard of kava and thought it was just for anxiety but had not been told that it could lead to liver problems. Good to know.
Some natural additives to your diet are good. I take Red Yeast Rice and fish oil and lowered my cholesterol significantly. I am sure there are some dangers, but there are definitely benefits.
Green Tea Leaf is becoming so popular now. I had no clue that Hepatotoxicity was a risk.
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