Herbal remedies and dietary supplements can be dangerous for the liver and can lead to cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. Maria Prashnova, a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, associate professor at St. Petersburg State University, head of the EXPERT clinic, told socialbites.ca about this.
“Herbal preparations and supplements can cause multiple drug-induced liver damage. Manifestations can range from mildly elevated liver enzymes to acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, acute and chronic cholangitis, macro- and microvesicular steatosis, and vascular lesions.
Prashnova added that to date, more than 100 drugs are known to be toxic to the liver.
“The highest level of hepatotoxicity has plant-based phytopreparations containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids: celandine, medicinal comfrey, marsh mint, common dubrovnik, resinous atractylis, intoxicating pepper (kava-kava) and others. Preparations based on the leaves of the trident Larrea, Senna of Alexandria, hydroalcoholic extracts of green tea are also dangerous for the liver, ”said the author.
In general, any additive is potentially harmful.
“The risks increase with incorrect identification of the plant, selection of the wrong part for the manufacture of the drug, incorrect storage, which chemical reactions can lead to dangerous changes in the composition, the raw material itself may be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides. and herbicides, microorganisms. Also, due to insufficient control over production, undeclared substances may appear in the preparation. According to European data, herbal medicines are in the 9th place in the frequency of drug-induced liver damage. At the same level, for example, is the number of lesions caused by the anti-tuberculosis antibiotic isoniazid,” Prashnova explained.
The most dangerous in this regard are drugs that contain several components. In particular, those who consume dietary supplements to lose weight and gain muscle mass, and those who love Asian and “Ayurvedic” supplements often face liver damage.