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Pei Y, Liu Z, Yu D, Zhang X, Sun W, Chen X, Feng X, Li X. Molecular quantification of herbs (Herb-Q): a pyrosequencing-based approach and its application in Pinellia ternata. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:663-672. [PMID: 39059835 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60636-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Variations in herb dosage due to species adulteration and dosing inaccuracies can substantially affect clinical safety and efficacy. Accurate species quantification remains challenging, as current methods often yield inconsistent results. This study introduces a novel pyrosequencing-based technique, termed herb molecular quantification (Herb-Q), designed to precisely quantify herbal products. We evaluated its effectiveness using Pinellia ternata and five of its adulterants. Initially, we assessed commonly used DNA barcodes with sequences from a public database, identifying two candidate regions, Maturase K (matK) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), for screening specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci, allowing for species-specific identification. These loci were validated by amplifying and sequencing genomic material from collected samples. Our validation studies showed that Herb-Q demonstrated excellent linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and detection limits. We established quantitative standard curves with high R2 values (> 0.99) to enable precise species quantification, which were combined with external standards to provide clear and accurate visual quantification results. The average bias in quantifying the tuber of P. ternata was 2.38%, confirming that Herb-Q can accurately identify and quantify herbal product constituents. Moreover, the entire quantification process took less than 4 h. This study presents a novel, rapid method for accurately quantifying species in herbal products and advances the application of DNA barcoding from species identification to quantitative detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Pei
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ziyi Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Dade Yu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Bijie Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bijie 551700, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Health Industry of Bijie, Bijie Medical College, Bijie 551700, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Xiwen Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA. Current issues in phytomedicine research - Conundrum on the chemistry of ashwagandha and its biological effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117871. [PMID: 38325672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, United States; Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, United States.
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Philips CA, Theruvath AH. A comprehensive review on the hepatotoxicity of herbs used in the Indian (Ayush) systems of alternative medicine. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37903. [PMID: 38640296 PMCID: PMC11029936 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac Abby Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India
| | - Arif Hussain Theruvath
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, India
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Philips CA, Theruvath AH, Ravindran R, Augustine P. Complementary and alternative medicines and liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0417. [PMID: 38563584 PMCID: PMC10990366 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac Abby Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Arif Hussain Theruvath
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Resmi Ravindran
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced G.I Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
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Philips CA, Valsan A, Theruvath AH, Ravindran R, Oommen TT, Rajesh S, Bishnu S, Augustine P. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury-A case series from India and literature review. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0270. [PMID: 37756041 PMCID: PMC10531359 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac A. Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center for Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
- Department of Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, The Liver Institute, Center for Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Arif H. Theruvath
- Department of Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Resmi Ravindran
- Department of Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Tharun T. Oommen
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center for Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
- Gastroenterology & Advanced GI Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in GI Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Sasidharan Rajesh
- Interventional Hepatobiliary Radiology, Center of Excellence in GI Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Saptarshi Bishnu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Astha Medical Centre, Koshbagan, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
| | - Philip Augustine
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center for Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
- Gastroenterology & Advanced GI Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in GI Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
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Kumar P, Banik SP, Goel A, Chakraborty S, Bagchi M, Bagchi D. A critical assessment of the whole plant-based phytotherapeutics from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal with respect to safety and efficacy vis-a-vis leaf or root extract-based formulation. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023; 33:698-706. [PMID: 37533233 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2242933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, popularly known as Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is well acclaimed for its health-enhancing effects, including its potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-tumorigenic properties. The prime biological effectors of these attributes are a diverse group of ergostane-based steroidal lactones termed withanolides. Withanones and withanosides are distributed differentially across the plant body, whereas withanolides and withanones are known to be more abundant in leaves, while withanosides are found exclusively in the roots of the plants. Standardized W. somnifera extract is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)-affirmed, however, moderate to severe toxic manifestations may occur at high dosages. Withaferin A, which also happens to be the primary bioactive ingredient for the effectiveness of this plant. There have been contrasting reports regarding the distribution of withaferin A in W. somnifera. While most reports state that the roots of the plant have the highest concentrations of this phytochemical, several others have indicated that leaves can accumulate withaferin A in proportionately higher amounts. A comprehensive survey of the available reports suggests that the biological effects of Ashwagandha are grossly synergistic in nature, with many withanolides together mediating the desired physiological effect. In addition, an assorted formulation of withanolides can also neutralize the toxic effects (if any) associated with withaferin A. This mini-review presents a fresh take on the recent developments regarding the safety and toxicity of the plant, along with a critical assessment of the use of roots against leaves as well as whole plants to develop therapeutic formulations. Going by the currently available scientific evidence, it is safe to infer that the use of whole plant formulations instead of exclusively root or leaf recipes may present the best possible option for further exploration of therapeutic benefits from this novel medicinal plant.HighlightsTherapeutic potential of withanolides owes to the presence of α,β unsaturated ketone which binds to amines, alcohols, and esters and 5β, 6β epoxy group which react with side chain thiols of proteins.At concentrations above NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level), the same mechanisms contribute towards toxicity of the molecule.Although withanosides are found exclusively in roots, whole plants have higher contents of withanones and withanolides.Whole plant-based formulations have other metabolites which can nullify the toxicity associated with roots.Extracts made from whole plants, therefore can holistically impart all therapeutic benefits as well as mitigate toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar
- R&D Department, Chemical Resources (CHERESO), Panchkula, Haryana, India
| | - Samudra P Banik
- Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, India
| | - Apurva Goel
- Regulatory Department, Chemical Resources (CHERESO), Panchkula, Haryana, India
| | - Sanjoy Chakraborty
- Department of Biological Sciences, New York City College of Technology/CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Debasis Bagchi
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, and Dept of Psychology, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USA
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Bokan G, Glamočanin T, Mavija Z, Vidović B, Stojanović A, Björnsson ES, Vučić V. Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Ayurvedic Ashwagandha as Assessed for Causality by the Updated RUCAM: An Emerging Cause. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1129. [PMID: 37631044 PMCID: PMC10459262 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) caused by herbal supplements, natural products, and products used in traditional medicine are important for differential diagnoses in patients with acute liver injury without an obvious etiology. The root of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to promote health and longevity. Due to various biological activities, ashwagandha and its extracts became widespread as herbal supplements on the global market. Although it is generally considered safe, there are several reported cases of ashwagandha-related liver injury, and one case ended with liver transplantation. In this paper, we review all reported cases so far. Additionally, we describe two new cases of ashwagandha hepatotoxicity. In the first case, a 36-year-old man used ashwagandha capsules (450 mg, three times daily) for 6 months before he developed nausea, pruritus, and dark-colored urine. In the second case, a 30-year-old woman developed pruritus after 45 days of using ashwagandha capsules (450 mg). In both cases, serum bilirubin and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were increased. The liver injury pattern was hepatocellular (R-value 11.1) and mixed (R-value 2.6), respectively. The updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) (both cases with a score of seven) indicated a "probable" relationship with ashwagandha. Clinical and liver function improvements were observed after the discontinuation of ashwagandha supplement use. By increasing the data related to ashwagandha-induced liver injury, these reports support that consuming ashwagandha supplements is not without its safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Bokan
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Z.M.)
| | - Tanja Glamočanin
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Z.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zoran Mavija
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Z.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Bojana Vidović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Stojanović
- Bežanijska Kosa Clinical Hospital Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Einar S. Björnsson
- Landspitali University Hospital, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Vesna Vučić
- Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Lubna S, Ahmad R. Clinical and biochemical understanding of Zinc interaction during liver diseases: A paradigm shift. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 77:127130. [PMID: 36641955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential and the second most abundant trace element after Iron. It can apply antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activity. It is assumed to be indispensable for cell division, cellular differentiation and cell signalling. Zinc is essential for proper liver function which is also the site of its metabolism. Depleted Zn concentrations have been observed in both acute and chronic hepatic diseases. It is reported that Zn deficiency or abnormal Zn metabolism during majority of liver diseases is attributed to deficient dietary intake of Zn, augmented disposal of Zn in the urine, activation of certain Zn transporters, and expression of hepatic metallothionein. Undoubtedly, Zn is involved in generating many diseases but how and whether it plays role from acute to fulminant stage of all chronic liver diseases remains to be cleared. Here, we will discuss the role of Zn in development of different diseases specifically the involvement of Zn to understand the aetiology and intricate mechanism of dynamic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiba Lubna
- Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001, India
| | - Riaz Ahmad
- Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001, India.
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Tóth M, Benedek AE, Longerich T, Seitz H. Ashwagandha-induced acute liver injury: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7078. [PMID: 36937644 PMCID: PMC10014511 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury became one of the most important liver disorders and diagnostic challenge for clinicians and pathologists. Here, we report a rare case of ashwagandha-induced acute liver injury. The patient developed jaundice 2 weeks after starting ashwagandha intake and recovered within 5 months after withdrawal without any specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Tóth
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
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Lubarska M, Hałasiński P, Hryhorowicz S, Mahadea DS, Łykowska-Szuber L, Eder P, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kaźmierczak I. Liver Dangers of Herbal Products: A Case Report of Ashwagandha-Induced Liver Injury. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3921. [PMID: 36900932 PMCID: PMC10002162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, cases of liver damage caused by ashwagandha herbal supplements have been reported from different parts of the world (Japan, Iceland, India, and the USA). Here, we describe the clinical phenotype of suspected ashwagandha-induced liver injury and the potential causative mechanism. The patient was admitted to the hospital because of jaundice. In the interview, it was reported that he had been taking ashwagandha for a year. Laboratory results showed an increase in total bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), (gamma-glutamyl transpherase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and ferritin. Based on clinical symptoms and additional tests, the patient was diagnosed with acute hepatitis and referred to a facility with a higher reference rate to exclude drug-induced liver injury. An R-value was assessed, indicative of hepatocellular injury. The result of the 24 h urine collection exceeded the upper limit of normal for copper excretion in urine twice. The clinical condition improved after intensive pharmacological treatment and four plasmapheresis treatments. This case is another showing the hepatotoxic potential of ashwagandha to cause cholestatic liver damage mixed with severe jaundice. In view of several documented cases of liver damage caused by ashwagandha and the unknown metabolic molecular mechanisms of substances contained in it, attention should be paid to patients reporting the use of these products in the past and presenting symptoms of liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lubarska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemysław Hałasiński
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Szymon Hryhorowicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Dagmara Santabye Mahadea
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Liliana Łykowska-Szuber
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Eder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Dobrowolska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Iwona Krela-Kaźmierczak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, University of Medical Sciences Poznan, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
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11
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Gurley BJ, McGill MR, Koturbash I. Hepatotoxicity due to herbal dietary supplements: Past, present and the future. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 169:113445. [PMID: 36183923 PMCID: PMC11404749 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dietary supplements (DS) constitute a widely used group of products comprising vitamin, mineral, and botanical extract formulations. DS of botanical or herbal origins (HDS) comprise nearly 30% of all DS and are presented on the market either as single plant extracts or multi-extract-containing products. Despite generally safe toxicological profiles of most products currently present on the market, rising cases of liver injury caused by HDS - mostly by multi-ingredient and adulterated products - are of particular concern. Here we discuss the most prominent historical cases of HDS-induced hepatotoxicty - from Ephedra to Hydroxycut and OxyELITE Pro-NF, as well as products with suspected hepatotoxicity that are either currently on or are entering the market. We further provide discussion on overcoming the existing challenges with HDS-linked hepatotoxicity by introduction of advanced in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and microphysiological system approaches to address the matter of safety of those products before they reach the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill J Gurley
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Mitchell R McGill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
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12
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Pusec CM, Wolsky R, Llerena C, Sura P. A Case of Supplement-Induced Hepatitis. Cureus 2022; 14:e30433. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Philips CA, Ahamed R, Rajesh S, George T, Mohanan M, Augustine P. Comprehensive review of hepatotoxicity associated with traditional Indian Ayurvedic herbs. World J Hepatol 2020; 12:574-595. [PMID: 33033566 PMCID: PMC7522561 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i9.574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac Abby Philips
- The Liver Unit and Monarch Liver Lab, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India.
| | - Rizwan Ahamed
- Gastroenterology and Advanced GI Endoscopy, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
| | - Sasidharan Rajesh
- Division of Hepatobiliary Interventional Radiology, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
| | - Tom George
- Division of Hepatobiliary Interventional Radiology, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
| | - Meera Mohanan
- Anesthesia and Critical Care, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced GI Endoscopy, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Center, Kochi 682028, Kerala, India
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Björnsson HK, Björnsson ES, Avula B, Khan IA, Jonasson JG, Ghabril M, Hayashi PH, Navarro V. Ashwagandha-induced liver injury: A case series from Iceland and the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Liver Int 2020; 40:825-829. [PMID: 31991029 PMCID: PMC8041491 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Several dietary supplements containing ashwagandha are marketed in the US and Europe, but only one case of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) due to ashwagandha has been published. The aim of this case series was to describe the clinical phenotype of suspected ashwagandha-induced liver injury. METHODS Five cases of liver injury attributed to ashwagandha-containing supplements were identified; three were collected in Iceland during 2017-2018 and two from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) in 2016. Other causes for liver injury were excluded. Causality was assessed using the DILIN structured expert opinion causality approach. RESULTS Among the five patients, three were males; mean age was 43 years (range 21-62). All patients developed jaundice and symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, pruritus and abdominal discomfort after a latency of 2-12 weeks. Liver injury was cholestatic or mixed (R ratios 1.4-3.3). Pruritus and hyperbilirubinaemia were prolonged (5-20 weeks). No patient developed hepatic failure. Liver tests normalized within 1-5 months in four patients. One patient was lost to follow-up. One biopsy was performed, showing acute cholestatic hepatitis. Chemical analysis confirmed ashwagandha in available supplements; no other toxic compounds were identified. No patient was taking potentially hepatotoxic prescription medications, although four were consuming additional supplements, and in one case, rhodiola was a possible causative agent along with ashwagandha. CONCLUSIONS These cases illustrate the hepatotoxic potential of ashwagandha. Liver injury is typically cholestatic or mixed with severe jaundice and pruritus, but self-limited with liver tests normalizing in 1-5 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | | | | | | | - Victor Navarro
- Einstein Healthcare Network, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
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