A Case of Toxic Hepatitis by Weight-Loss Herbal Supplement Containing Garcinia cambogia

Abstract

We report a case of patient with acute toxic hepatitis induced by weight-loss herbal supplement. A patient took natural extract supplement containing Garcinia cambogia for only two days and visited Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong complaining of abdominal discomfort and jaundice. Serum ceruloplasmin level was decreased and hepatic copper levels on liver biopsy specimen were increased. Although, those were mimicking Wilson's disease, pathological findings and clinical manifestations were consistent with drug-induced acute hepatitis. Genetic test was negative for Wilson's disease. After one month of hospitalization, the patient improved and was discharged home in good condition. She was followed up for four months and her symptoms and signs of hepatitis continued to improve steadily with normal liver function tests. Our case emphasizes the importance of taking a caution when taking herbal supplements for the purpose of weight loss. This case also demonstrates the importance of suspicion of medication-related adverse events, even though the duration of taking the materials seems to be too short to affect the patients.

Hepatotoxicity associated with Garcinia cambogia: A case report

“…A reformulated form of Hydroxycut without GC extract was manufactured and reissued within the market for weight loss. Since May 2009, multiple case reports have identified the causal relationship of GC with severe hepatotoxicity (Table 2)[7,10-16]. These case reports reinforce the potential toxic effects of GC contributing to hepatotoxicity.…”

Fulminant liver failure and transplantation after use of dietary supplements

“…In comparison with green tea extract, the evidence for G. cambogia as a hepatotoxin is less robust and the safety profile of G. cambogia has not been extensively studied. The substance has been associated with hepatocellular pattern DILI in several case reports, 8 , 9 but other potentially hepatotoxic pharmaceuticals or herbal supplements had also been ingested in these cases.…”