The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that drug-induced liver injury, tied with products like green tea extract, turmeric or curcumin, ashwagandha, black cohosh, red yeast rice, and Garcinia cambogia, has been seeing a rise in the US, highlighting the need to dangers of indiscriminate use of the herbal supplements, partly due to weak laws around regulation of dietary supplement industry.
Nearly 5% of American adults might be taking one or more of these products, per the new report. Here are 5 herbs that could be harming your liver silently, as per the above study:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular herb which derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma longa and is widely used in culinary preparations. Turmeric is part of many traditional Ayurvedic formulations due to its main beneficial component curcumin which can offer a range of benefits from controlling inflammation, improving antioxidant activities, heart health and reducing risk of cancer. However, consuming turmeric in large quantities is linked to liver damage and increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Cases of acute hepatic injury, liver failure, and liver damage have been reported with consuming excessive turmeric. While using turmeric while cooking in small amounts is perfectly healthy, taking supplements or shots should be strictly on recommendation by a medical expert.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is derived from Withania somnifera root extract, an evergreen shrub that is endemic to India and Southeast Asia. It is also called ‘Indian ginseng’ and is known to boost brain health and lower anti-inflammatory activities. It is used to treat stress, fatigue, pain, skin diseases, diabetes, arthritis and epilepsy. An energy tonic, it also helps reduce fatigue and counteract the effects of aging. Cases of liver injury in people who took commercial herbal products that are labelled as containing ashwagandha, have been observed, according to Livertox. The liver injury could also be due to impurities in the ashwagandha, higher concentrations of extracts, or taking more than the recommended dose.
3. Green tea extract
Green tea’s many benefits have been highlighted in many studies as the herbal tea is known for protection against cancer, heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, liver damage linked to green tea extract has been reported in many cases, cautioning the green tea lovers to exercise caution while consuming it in large quantities. Green tea extract is found in a number of herbal and dietary supplements. Green tea extract or having large amounts of green tea have in some cases lead to acute liver failure or need for urgent liver transplantation or death.
US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) warns that green tea extract has been linked with liver damage so severe as to require transplant or lead to death.
4. Black cohosh
Black cohosh, a popular herbal remedy used for menopausal symptoms, has been linked to liver injuries such as jaundice, hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. The adverse effects can appear between 2 to 12 weeks of consumption, while in some it has been reported 48 weeks after use. The U.S. Pharmacopeia advises individuals with liver disorders to avoid black cohosh, and recommends that anyone experiencing signs of liver trouble discontinue its use and seek medical advice. Published literature suggests that large doses of black cohosh might be associated with gastrointestinal irritation, headache, dizziness, and vomiting.
5. Red yeast rice
Red yeast rice is the product of rice fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. It has monacolin K, the same active ingredient found in the prescription drug lovastatin, which is known to cause liver damage. However, the concentration of monacolin K in red yeast rice is unregulated, varying significantly from 0.09 to 10.94 mg per daily dose, which makes its effects unpredictable. This supplement has been linked to severe adverse reactions, like acute liver injury, and recovery can take months after discontinuation. Due to these risks, individuals with liver disease or those at risk for liver problems should avoid red yeast rice.
