Riya Baibhawi

These 6 Herbal Supplements Are Damaging Your Liver

Herb supplements

<span>Herbal supplements</span> are touted as immensely healthy and are marketed with great zeal. Their popularity has grown even more after health and wellness influencers began advertising them on social media. However, a group of researchers from the US has now questioned their health benefits.

In a study published in<em> JAMA Network Open</em>, scientists from the University of Michigan estimated that around 15.6 million American adults had taken at least one herbal supplement in the last 30 days that might be damaging to their liver, or hepatotoxic. They came to this conclusion after analyzing data from more than 9,500 American adults who participated in the National Health and <span>Nutrition</span> Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2020. Medical data on these participants included prescription drug and herbal supplement use. In their conclusion, they found the following herbal supplements to be harmful to the liver:

<h2><span rel="noindex">Ashwagandha</span></h2>

This famous herb is known for reducing stress and anxiety levels. It is also used in various products as it improves sleep quality and promotes relxation. Additionally, ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress. However, cases of moderate liver injury have been reported in people who regularly take ashwagandha supplements. Notably, these complications are known to resolve quickly after the supplements are discontinued.

Also known as <em>Actaea Racemosa</em>, this is a native herb of North America. While it is popularly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalances, this herb has been linked to severe liver conditions such as acute hepatitis and liver failure, particularly in women with pre-existing liver disorders.

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Popular for weight loss, garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may suppress appetite. However, it has been associated with acute liver failure and hepatitis-like symptoms, especially when combined with other weight loss supplements.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Green Tea</span> Extract</h2>

Packed with antioxidants, green tea extract supports metabolism and brain health but can lead to liver toxicity, particularly when consumed in high doses. This is due to the accumulation of catechins. These catechins metabolize into catechols which can oxidize into reactive orthoquinones, which can damage cells. 

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to lower cholesterol, red yeast rice has been linked to liver inflammation and, in rare cases, acute liver failure, especially with prolonged use or high doses.

<h2>Turmeric</h2>While turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, high doses of its supplements may elevate liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In rare cases, this can cause liver damage.

<em>Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or discontinuing any herbal supplements, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking prescription medications. Individual reactions to supplements can vary, and the risks outlined here may not apply to everyone.</em>

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Health Conditions A-Z

health

Herbal Supplements

Green tea

Ashwagandha

Liver Health

Nutrition

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Herbal supplements are touted as immensely healthy and are marketed with great zeal. Their popularity has grown even more after health and wellness influencers began advertising them on social media. However, a group of researchers from the US has now questioned their health benefits.In a study published in JAMA Network Open, scientists from the University of Michigan estimated that around 15.6 million American adults had taken at least one herbal supplement in the last 30 days that might be damaging to their liver, or hepatotoxic. They came to this conclusion after analyzing data from more than 9,500 American adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2020. Medical data on these participants included prescription drug and herbal supplement use. In their conclusion, they found the following herbal supplements to be harmful to the liver:AshwagandhaThis famous herb is known for reducing stress and anxiety levels. It is also used in various products as it improves sleep quality and promotes relxation. Additionally, ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress. However, cases of moderate liver injury have been reported in people who regularly take ashwagandha supplements. Notably, these complications are known to resolve quickly after the supplements are discontinued.Black CohoshAlso known as Actaea Racemosa, this is a native herb of North America. While it is popularly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalances, this herb has been linked to severe liver conditions such as acute hepatitis and liver failure, particularly in women with pre-existing liver disorders.ALSO READ: Can Music Bring Back Memory In Dementia Patients? Expert Says Only If It's In Their Mother TongueGarcinia CambogiaPopular for weight loss, garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may suppress appetite. However, it has been associated with acute liver failure and hepatitis-like symptoms, especially when combined with other weight loss supplements.Green Tea ExtractPacked with antioxidants, green tea extract supports metabolism and brain health but can lead to liver toxicity, particularly when consumed in high doses. This is due to the accumulation of catechins. These catechins metabolize into catechols which can oxidize into reactive orthoquinones, which can damage cells. Red Yeast RiceTraditionally used in Chinese medicine to lower cholesterol, red yeast rice has been linked to liver inflammation and, in rare cases, acute liver failure, especially with prolonged use or high doses.TurmericWhile turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, high doses of its supplements may elevate liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In rare cases, this can cause liver damage.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or discontinuing any herbal supplements, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking prescription medications. Individual reactions to supplements can vary, and the risks outlined here may not apply to everyone.ALSO READ: Some Patients Are Not Receiving Enough Oxygen in US Hospitals-Here's The Shocking Reason