A Single-Center Experience on Outcomes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Patients With Cirrhosis

Liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region: burden, trends, challenges and future directions

Globally, nearly half of deaths from cirrhosis and chronic liver diseases (CLD) and three-quarters of deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occur in the Asia-Pacific region. Chronic hepatitis B is responsible for the vast majority of liver-related deaths in the region. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common form of CLD, affecting an estimated 30% of the adult population. Compared with people of European descent, people from the Asia-Pacific region carry more genetic variants associated with MASLD and its progression. Alcohol is a fast-growing cause of CLD and HCC in Asia as a result of the rising per-capita consumption of alcohol. Drug-induced liver injury is under-recognized and probably has a high prevalence in this region. The epidemiological and outcome data of acute-on-chronic liver failure are heterogeneous, and non-unified definitions across regions contribute to this heterogeneity. CLDs are severely underdiagnosed, and effective treatments and vaccinations are underutilized. In this Review, we highlight trends in the burden of CLD and HCC in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss the rapidly changing aetiologies of liver disease. We examine the multiple gaps in the care cascade and propose mitigating strategies and future directions.

A comprehensive review on the hepatotoxicity of herbs used in the Indian (Ayush) systems of alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine-related liver injuries are increasing globally. Alternative medicine, as an inclusive healthcare practice, is widely accepted in developing and underdeveloped countries. In this context, the traditional systems of medicine in India have been at the forefront, catering to the preventive and therapeutic spectrum in the absence of conclusive evidence for benefits and lack of data on safety. Contrary to popular belief, it is evident that apart from adverse events caused by contamination and adulteration of alternative medicines, certain commonly used herbal components have inherent hepatotoxicity. This narrative review updates our current understanding and increasing publications on the liver toxicity potential of commonly used herbs in traditional Indian systems of medicine (Ayush), such as Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson (Giloy/Guduchi), Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha), Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric), and Psoralea corylifolia L. (Bakuchi/Babchi). This review also highlights the importance of the upcoming liver toxicity profiles associated with other traditional herbs used as dietary supplements, such as Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Garcinia cambogia Desr., Cassia angustifolia Vahl (Indian senna), and Morinda citrofolia L. (Noni fruit). Fortunately, most reported liver injuries due to these herbs are self-limiting, but can lead to progressive liver dysfunction, leading to acute liver failure or acute chronic liver failure with a high mortality rate. This review also aims to provide adequate knowledge regarding herbalism in traditional practices, pertinent for medical doctors to diagnose, treat, and prevent avoidable liver disease burdens within communities, and improve public health and education.

Complementary and alternative medicines and liver disease

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) include conventional medical treatments. Patients worldwide use CAM at alarming rates; thus, reports of CAM-related DILI have been on the rise. The clinical presentations include asymptomatic liver test abnormalities, acute hepatitis with or without jaundice, acute cholestatic liver disease (bland or with hepatitis), acute liver failure, severe hepatitis with features of portal hypertension, and acute decompensation of known or unknown cirrhosis that can lead to acute-on-chronic liver failure. Acute hepatitis with or without necrosis, hepatocellular and canalicular cholestasis, herb-induced or CAM-triggered autoimmune hepatitis, granulomatous hepatitis, severe steatohepatitis, and vanishing bile duct syndrome are common liver biopsy findings in CAM-DILI. The presence of preexisting liver disease predicts severe liver injury, risk of progression to liver failure, and decreased transplant-free survival in patients with CAM-DILI. This review discusses global epidemiology and trends in CAM-DILI, clinical presentation, assessment and outcomes, commonly emerging threats in the context of hepatotoxic herbs, pragmatic assessment of "liver beneficial" herbs and health care myths, patient communication, regulatory framework, and future directions on research in CAM.

Etiological Spectrum of Cirrhosis in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally and in India. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the etiological spectrum and changing trends of cirrhosis in India.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases, including Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase. We included original studies that reported the etiology of cirrhosis in the Indian population.

RESULTS

We included 158 studies (adults: 147, children: 11). The overall pooled estimate of alcohol as a cause of cirrhosis in adults was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.8-46.6%; I2 = 97.8%), followed by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/cryptogenic in 14.4%, 95% CI (11.7-17.3%; I2 = 98.4%), hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 11.5%, 95% CI (9.8-13.3%; I2 = 96.6%), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 6.2%, 95% CI (4.8-7.8%; I2 = 97.2%) of the included patients. The most common cause of cirrhosis in all zones was alcohol-related. Comparison of etiologies over time revealed a reduction in the viral hepatitis-related and an increase in the proportion of alcohol-related and NAFLD/cryptogenic-related cirrhosis. The overall pooled estimates of various etiologies in children were: HBV in 10.7%, 95% CI (4.6-18.7%; I2 = 91.0%), NAFLD/Cryptogenic in 22.3%, 95% CI (9.0-39.2%; I2 = 96.7%), and HCV in 2.0%, 95% CI (0.0-8.5%; I2 = 94.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol is the most common etiology of cirrhosis in adults in India. The proportions of alcohol and NAFLD-related cirrhosis are increasing, and those of viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis are reducing. The results of our meta-analysis will help formulate health policies and the allocation of resources.

A Rare Cause of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF): Bakuchi-Induced Liver Injury

Psoralea corylifolia Linn (Bakuchi or Babchi), commonly known as purple fleabane, is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. Its seeds, called Fructus Psoraleae, are traditionally used for treating leprosy, vitiligo, and psoriasis in the absence of empirical evidence. We report the first case of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) caused by Bakuchi, a well-documented hepatotoxic agent, in a middle-aged female. Her liver function deteriorated progressively which prompted us to go for a liver biopsy which was consistent with diagnosis of herb-induced liver injury after excluding all competing causes. Fortunately, the patient improved gradually after herb withdrawal and supportive care. Patients with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD) should be aware of risks in using untested herbal formulations. This case emphasizes the need for increased surveillance to formulate guidelines regarding the regulation and informed use of herbal supplements in patients with chronic liver disease.

Ashwagandha-induced liver injury-A case series from India and literature review

BACKGROUND

Ashwagandha herb is commonly used in Ayurveda and a "fad" dietary supplement for a host of indications based on low levels of evidence. Recently, ashwagandha was implicated in multiple reports of herb-induced liver injury (HILI), mainly from the United States. We present the first, and currently largest, series of ashwagandha-HILI from multiple centers in India.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the respective institutional electronic medical records for ashwagandha-HILI. Patients consuming ashwagandha as part of multiherbal formulations or along with other known hepatotoxic supplements or medicines were excluded. All patients underwent a detailed diagnostic workup to exclude competing causes reasonably. Where possible, the implicated herbal formulation was retrieved and subjected to chemical analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 23 patients with liver injury from ashwagandha (January 2019 to December 2022), we report 8 patients with single-ingredient formulation-related HILI. Study cohort was male predominant, and cholestatic hepatitis was the commonest presentation. Five patients had underlying chronic liver disease; 3 presented with acute-on-chronic liver failure, and all 3 died on follow-up. In others, the liver injury was prolonged, nonetheless self-limiting. Liver biopsy revealed cholestatic features predominantly with hepatocellular necrosis and lymphocyte/eosinophil predominant portal-based inflammation. One patient progressed to chronic HILI. Chemical analysis revealed only natural phytochemicals without adulteration or contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

Ashwagandha-HILI presents with cholestatic hepatitis and can lead to the syndrome of acute-on-chronic liver failure with high mortality in those with pre-existing liver disease. Educating the public on avoiding the use of potentially toxic and unrecommended herbal supplements can help mitigate the avoidable liver disease burden in the community.

Clinical outcomes associated with complementary and alternative medicine-related "immunity-boosting" practices in patients with cirrhosis during the COVID-19 pandemic - an observational study

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Ayurvedic herbal supplements and homeopathic immune boosters (IBs) were promoted as disease-preventive agents. The present study examined the clinical outcomes among patients with chronic liver disease who presented with complications of portal hypertension or liver dysfunction temporally associated with the use of IBs in the absence of other competing causes. This single-center retrospective observational cohort study included patients with chronic liver disease admitted for the evaluation and management of jaundice, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy temporally associated with the consumption of IBs and followed up for 180 days. Chemical analysis was performed on the retrieved IBs. From April 2020 to May 2021, 1022 patients with cirrhosis were screened, and 178 (19.8%) were found to have consumed complementary and alternative medicines. Nineteen patients with cirrhosis (10.7%), jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or their combination related to IBs use were included. The patients were predominantly male (89.5%). At admission, 14 (73.75%) patients had jaundice, 9 (47.4%) had ascites, 2 (10.5%) presented with acute kidney injury, and 1 (5.3%) had overt encephalopathy. Eight patients (42.1%) died at the end of the follow up period. Hepatic necrosis and portal-based neutrophilic inflammation were the predominant features of liver biopsies. IB analysis revealed detectable levels of (heavy metals) As (40%), Pb (60%), Hg (60%), and various hepatotoxic phytochemicals. Ayurvedic and Homeopathic supplements sold as IBs potentially cause the worsening of preexisting liver disease. Responsible dissemination of scientifically validated, evidence-based medical health information from regulatory bodies and media may help ameliorate this modifiable liver health burden.

Ayurvedic treatment induced severe alcoholic hepatitis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in a 14-year-old girl

We report a novel and as yet undescribed clinical scenario in a young girl with liver failure, in whom, the liver histopathology was suggestive of alcoholic hepatitis in the background of hepatoportal sclerosis and incomplete septal cirrhosis. An extensive clinical and investigational evaluation revealed chronic consumption of multiple Ayurvedic herbal medications for seizure disease. Six months after stopping herbal medicines, the repeat liver biopsy demonstrated resolution of alcohol-related changes but persistence of classical features of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Analysis of the retrieved agents, including state of the art chemical and toxicology analysis, using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy methods demonstrated multiple organic and inorganic toxins associated with acute alcohol and arsenic poisoning related hepatoportal sclerosis/incomplete septal cirrhosis in the young girl.

Incidence and risk factors of drug-induced liver injury

The epidemiology and aetiology of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) vary across different countries and populations. Overall, DILI is rare in the general population but has become more prevalent in hospitalized patients, especially among patients with unexplained liver conditions. In addition, drugs implicated in DILI differ between Western and Eastern countries. Antibiotics are the leading drugs implicated in DILI in the West, whereas traditional Chinese medicine is the primary cause implicated in DILI in the East. The incidence of herbal and dietary supplements-induced hepatotoxicity is increasing globally. Several genetic and nongenetic risk factors associated with DILI have been described in the literature; however, there are no confirmed risk factors for all-cause DILI. Some factors may contribute to the risk of DILI in a drug-specific manner.

Decursin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by facilitating ferroptosis of hepatic stellate cells

Decursin possesses the potential to alleviate transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. However, the mechanisms by which decursin alleviates hepatic fibrosis remain not fully understood. Our aim is to explore the function of decursin on regulating HSCs activation and hepatic fibrosis. The anti-fibrotic effect of decursin was evaluated by Masson and Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen types I (Col1a1) expression. Ferroptosis was assessed by measuring iron concentration, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) and Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) expression, glutathione (GSH) level, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. We found that decursin treatment decreased CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The primary HSCs isolated from decursin-treated group showed an increased Fe2+, lipid ROS level, and decreased Gpx4 and GSH levels compared with HSCs from model group. Moreover, decursin promoted ferroptosis in activated HSCs in vitro, as evidenced by declined Gpx4 and GSH levels, increased Fe2+, ROS, and Ptgs2 levels compared with control. More important, ferroptosis inhibitor destroyed the anti-fibrosis effect of decursin on HSCs. In summary, these data suggest that decursin has potential to treat hepatic fibrosis.

Tinospora Cordifolia (Giloy)-Induced Liver Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic-Multicenter Nationwide Study From India

Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) is an herbal supplement commonly used in the Indian alternative medicine system Ayurveda. This herb has been promoted to the public in India as an immune booster to prevent novel coronavirus disease 2019. However, small reports have recently shown an association between Giloy use and the development of herb-induced liver injury (HILI) with autoimmune features in some patients. This large retrospective Indian multicenter study spanning 13 centers at nine locations was designed to identify features and outcomes of HILI temporally associated with Giloy use. Chemical and toxicological analyses of retrieved Giloy samples using state-of-the-art methods were also performed. We report 43 patients, of whom more than half were female, with a median time from initial Giloy consumption to symptom onset of 46 days. Patients presented with acute hepatitis, acute worsening of chronic liver disease (CLD, the most common clinical presentation), or acute liver failure. Causality assessment revealed probable liver injury in 67.4%. The most common autoantibody detected was anti-nuclear antibody. Liver biopsy in a subset revealed HILI associated with autoimmune features and hepatocyte and canalicular cholestasis and neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltration. Conclusion: Giloy is associated with acute hepatitis with autoimmune features and can unmask autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in people with silent AIH-related CLD. Further studies on the safety (and efficacy) of untested but heavily promoted herbals in alternative systems of medicine are an unmet need in the interests of public health and are especially important during this global health emergency.

Eight-Fold Increase in Dietary Supplement-Related Liver Failure Leading to Transplant Waitlisting Over the Last Quarter Century in the United States

We investigated the trends in listing and outcomes of drug-induced acute liver failure (DIALF) over the last quarter century in the United States using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. We examined waitlisted patients in the UNOS database between 1995 and 2020 with a diagnosis of DIALF and assessed trends in etiologies, demographic and clinical characteristics, and outcomes over 3 periods: 1995-2003, 2004-2012, and 2013-2020. Patients with DIALF and cirrhosis were classified as drug-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure. Implicated agents including acetaminophen (APAP) and herbal or dietary supplements (HDSs) were ascertained. There were 2146 individuals with DIALF during the study period. The observed demographic trends between the earliest and latest period included fewer pediatric patients (18.8% to 13.5%) but with an increasing number of males in non-APAP DIALF (31.8% to 41.4%) and increased racial diversity in APAP DIALF. Antimicrobials remained the most common non-APAP agents across all periods, but antiepileptics, propylthiouracil, and mushroom poisoning decreased, while HDSs markedly increased from 2.9% to 24.1% of all non-APAP DIALF patients. The overall 5-year post-liver transplantation (LT) patient survival improved significantly over the 3 periods (69.9% to 77.4% to 83.3%) and was evident for both APAP and non-APAP DIALF. Over the last quarter century, there has been an 8-fold increase in HDS-related liver failure necessitating waitlisting for liver transplantation in the United States. There are other important temporal trends during the study period, including improved survival following LT among both APAP and non-APAP DIALF patients.

Herbal and dietary supplement-induced liver injury in Taiwan: comparison with conventional drug-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Whether herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are safer than Western conventional drugs is controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics and risk factors for HDS-induced liver injury (HILI) in Taiwan.

METHODS

This is a 9-year multi-center prospective study conducted in Taiwan from 2011 to 2019. Patients with HILI were compared to those with conventional drug-induced liver injury (CILI).

RESULTS

A total of 1,297 patients were enrolled, of whom 285 (22.0%) had HILI and 1,012 (78.0%) had CILI. Compared to the CILI group, the HILI group had higher initial serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), peak ALP and bilirubin levels, and higher rates of jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, sepsis and acute liver failure. In addition, the HILI group had a higher mortality rate than the CILI group (12.6 vs. 8.0%, p = 0.016). Hepatitis B carrier status, elevated baseline liver biochemical tests and the use of crude herbs (without processing) were associated with an increased risk of HILI-related mortality (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 2.90 [1.43-5.99], 2.40 [1.01-5.68] and 2.94 [1.45-5.97], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

HDS are popular and incriminated in more than one-fifth of drug-induced liver injuries in Taiwan. The patients with HILI were more severe than those with CILI in terms of liver biochemical tests, complications and mortality. Hepatitis B carriers, those with elevated baseline liver tests and crude herb users may have a higher risk of HILI-related mortality. The prudent use of HDS is suggested in these high-risk subjects.

Drug-induced liver injury: Asia Pacific Association of Study of Liver consensus guidelines

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury mimics acute and chronic liver disease. It is under recognized and underrecognised because of the lack of pathognomonic diagnostic serological markers. Its consequences may vary from being asymptomatic to self-limiting illness to severe liver injury leading to acute liver failure. Its incidence is likely to be more common in Asia than other parts of the world, mainly because of hepatotoxicity resulting from the treatment of tuberculosis disease and the ubiquitous use of traditional and complimentary medicines in Asian countries. This APASL consensus guidelines on DILI is a concise account of the various aspects including current evidence-based information on DILI with special emphasis on DILI due to antituberculosis agents and traditional and complementary medicine use in Asia.

Comprehensive review of hepatotoxicity associated with traditional Indian Ayurvedic herbs

With growing antipathy toward conventional prescription drugs due to the fear of adverse events, the general and patient populations have been increasingly using complementary and alternative medications (CAMs) for managing acute and chronic diseases. The general misconception is that natural herbal-based preparations are devoid of toxicity, and hence short- and long-term use remain justified among people as well as the CAM practitioners who prescribe these medicines. In this regard, Ayurvedic herbal medications have become one of the most utilized in the East, specifically the Indian sub-continent, with increasing use in the West. Recent well-performed observational studies have confirmed the hepatotoxic potential of Ayurvedic drugs. Toxicity stems from direct effects or from indirect effects through herbal metabolites, unknown herb-herb and herb-drug interactions, adulteration of Ayurvedic drugs with other prescription medicines, and contamination due to poor manufacturing practices. In this exhaustive review, we present details on their hepatotoxic potential, discuss the mechanisms, clinical presentation, liver histology and patient outcomes of certain commonly used Ayurvedic herbs which will serve as a knowledge bank for physicians caring for liver disease patients, to support early identification and treatment of those who present with CAM-induced liver injury.

Outcomes and Toxicology of Herbal Drugs in Alcoholic Hepatitis - A Single Center Experience from India

Background and Aims: We aimed to study clinical outcomes and liver biopsy features of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) patients on complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and to analyze the retrieved drugs for chemical and toxic components linked to drug-induced liver injury. Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical, biochemical and liver biopsy features of AH patients on CAM with drug-induced liver injury (AH-CAM, n = 27) and compared them to a control group (classical AH, n = 29) on standard of care. Patients without liver biopsy evaluation and other causes for liver disease were excluded. Samples of the CAMs (n = 42) from patients were retrieved and assessed for chemical and toxins. Results: All were males, and significantly worse clinical presentation, biochemical severity, and liver disease scores were notable in patients with AH-CAM. Traditional Ayurvedic-polyherbal formulations were the most commonly used CAM. On liver histology, varying grades of severe-necrosis, severe hepatocellular, canalicular, cholangiolar cholestasis with predominant lymphocytic-portal-inflammation and varying grades of interface-hepatitis were noted in AH-CAM. Analysis of CAMs revealed presence of heavy metals up to 100,000 times above detectable range and adulterants, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohols, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and recreational drugs. On follow up, a significantly higher number of patients with AH on CAM died at end of 1, 3- and-6-months compared to controls (37% vs. 83%, 29% vs. 62%, 18% vs. 52% respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with AH and CAM-related drug-induced liver injury have extremely poor short-term survival in the absence of liver transplantation compared to those patients with AH on evidence-based management. Early transplant referral and educating on and curbing of CAM use in severe liver disease through strict monitoring of unregulated traditional health practices can help ease the burden of liver-related death.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine-related Drug-induced Liver Injury in Asia

The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for treatment of acute and chronic diseases is on the rise world over, especially in Asian countries, and mostly in China and India. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) due to CAM is increasingly reported in the literature from multiple centers all around the world and with large-number patient series published from the West, mostly based on nation-wide DILI networks and multicenter collaboration. Comprehensive DILI networks are lacking among major Asian countries with high incidence of CAM practices. Chinese medical societies dealing with drug toxicity, CAM practice and hepatobiliary disease have adopted an integrated approach to establishing identification, diagnosis and treatment of CAM-related DILI, representing a systematic approach that could be iterated by other countries for improving patient outcomes. In this exhaustive review, we provide published data on CAM-related DILI in Asia, with detail on incidences along with analysis of patient population and their clinical outcomes. Concise and clear discussion on commonly implicated CAM agents in major Asian countries and associated chemical and toxicology analyses as well as descriptions of liver biopsy findings are discussed with future directions.