Probable herbal medication induced fulminant hepatic failure

Webb, Annette; Hardikar, Winita; Cranswick, Noel; Somers, Gino R.

doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2005.00698.x

Cited by 20 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Toxic hepatitis has been caused by a variety of herbs including those of the Aristolochia species and germander ( Teucrium chamaedrys ). Fulminant liver failure requiring transplant, or resulting in death, have been caused by kava ( Piper methysticum ), pennyroyal ( Mentha pulegium ), Jin bu huan , Syo saiko to , Ma huang , and a Chinese herbal medicine called “eternal life” (15,16). Hepatic veno‐occlusive disease has been due to comfrey ( Symphytum officinale ) and skullcap ( Scutellaria laterflora ) ingestion.…”

Section: Toxic Ingredientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of the Potential Forensic Significance of Traditional Herbal Medicines

Byard

2010

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Traditional herbal substances may contain highly toxic chemicals and heavy metals, in addition to naturally occurring organic toxins. These substances may cause illness, exacerbate pre-existing ill health or result in death, particularly if taken in excess or in an unusual manner (e.g., injected rather than ingested). Lack of regulation of the content and quality of herbal medicines may result in contamination and adulteration with prescription medications. As there may be no history of the specific use of these products their contribution to death may not be fully appreciated during a standard autopsy. Even when their existence is known or suspected, it may be difficult to identify these substances on standard toxicologic screening. Herbal medicines may also be responsible for a range of symptoms and signs that may confuse the clinical presentation of cases. Given these issues the role of herbal medicines in forensic practice needs to be more clearly defined as deaths may be occurring where herbal medicines have made a significant, but as-yet unrecognized, contribution.

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Section: Toxic Ingredientsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of the Potential Forensic Significance of Traditional Herbal Medicines

Byard

2010

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Status epilepticus, congenital sensorineural deafness, infant encephalopathy, [54] and developmental delays have all been reported after use of lead-contaminated Ayurvedic NHPs. [46] Acute presentations also include GI symptoms, [55], [56] hepatotoxicity [57], [58] and hematopoietic toxicity. [56], [59] Effects of lead in Ayurvedic preparations may also lead to subacute presentations, with toxic blood levels noted for more than 30 days in some patients after one-time consumption.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxic Element Contamination of Natural Health Products and Pharmaceutical Preparations

et al. 2012

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BackgroundConcern has recently emerged regarding the safety of natural health products (NHPs)–therapies that are increasingly recommended by various health providers, including conventional physicians. Recognizing that most individuals in the Western world now consume vitamins and many take herbal agents, this study endeavored to determine levels of toxic element contamination within a range of NHPs.MethodsToxic element testing was performed on 121 NHPs (including Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese, and various marine-source products) as well as 49 routinely prescribed pharmaceutical preparations. Testing was also performed on several batches of one prenatal supplement, with multiple samples tested within each batch. Results were compared to existing toxicant regulatory limits.ResultsToxic element contamination was found in many supplements and pharmaceuticals; levels exceeding established limits were only found in a small percentage of the NHPs tested and none of the drugs tested. Some NHPs demonstrated contamination levels above preferred daily endpoints for mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic or aluminum. NHPs manufactured in China generally had higher levels of mercury and aluminum.ConclusionsExposure to toxic elements is occurring regularly as a result of some contaminated NHPs. Best practices for quality control–developed and implemented by the NHP industry with government oversight–is recommended to guard the safety of unsuspecting consumers.

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“…These organs are major target in safety assessment of preclinical toxicity and in oncogenicity studies with rodents. Hepatic lesions are often described in phytotherapy and some components can even be responsible for fulminant hepatitis and conduce quickly to death [1] In Senegal, phytotherapy is an important part of traditional medicine and it is important to report the cases with lethal dose in experimental models.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%