The Dangers of Unregulated Weight Loss Supplements: Tejocote-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Abstract

Tejocote, a product of the hawthorn tree and a common staple of Hispanic culinary practices and traditional medicine, has recently gained traction in the United States and Mexico as a means to achieve rapid effortless weight loss. This herbal supplement has largely evaded regulation by governing bodies in both countries despite documentation of several potentially serious adverse effects associated with its use. The present report describes the case of a middle-aged Hispanic female who ingested Tejocote with famotidine and presented with acute gastrointestinal symptoms and transaminitis, an unexpected symptom that warrants further investigation.