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Herbal Supplement-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Report

Summary

A 45-year-old woman developed severe liver injury after drinking an herbal tea containing multiple ingredients, including reishi mushroom and aloe vera. Her liver function gradually improved after she stopped drinking the tea, with complete recovery within three months. This case demonstrates that herbal supplements, often perceived as safe, can cause serious liver damage and should be investigated when patients develop unexplained liver problems.

Background

Herbal supplements are increasingly used in Western countries as alternatives to prescribed medications, but lack of regulation leads to public perception of minimal side effects. Though rare, herbal supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) is an overlooked cause of liver disease that should be considered after extensive workup fails to identify other causes.

Objective

To present a case of herbal supplement-induced liver injury and discuss the importance of considering HILI in patients with abnormal liver function tests when common etiologies are ruled out.

Results

The patient had significantly elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. Investigation revealed the herbal tea contained 23 ingredients including reishi mushroom, aloe vera, and Siberian ginseng. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation, with complete normalization of liver function tests by three-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Clinicians should routinely inquire about herbal supplement and herb use in patients presenting with acute liver injury, as HILI is a treatable condition with good prognosis upon cessation of the offending agent. Familiarity with hepatotoxic herbal ingredients is essential for proper clinical assessment and patient education.
  • Published in:Cureus,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 36819353, DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33663
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