liver and gallbladder disorders
Liver Injury Caused by Drugs
Medicinal herbs and the liver
Some medicinal herbs (parts of plants used for health benefits) contain substances that can damage the liver. The liver is a prime target for damage because it processes everything that enters the mouth and is swallowed. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids:Hundreds of herbs contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may damage the liver. These herbs include borage, comfrey, and certain Chinese herbs, such aszi cao(groomwell),kuan dong hua(coltsfoot),qian li guang(liferoot), andpei lan(Eupatorium). Some herbs used to make teas contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Sometimes milk, honey, and cereals are contaminated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are then consumed unknowingly. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids can damage the liver gradually if small amounts are consumed for a long time. Damage can occur more quickly if a large amount is consumed. The hepatic veins may become clogged, Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome of the Liver . Affected people have abdominal pain and may vomit. Fluid accumulates in the abdomen and legs. Eventually, scar tissue in the liver ( Cirrhosis of the Liver ), Other herbs:Liver damage may also result from herbs such asAtractylis gummifera,Camellia sinensis(used to make green and black teas), celandine (in the poppy family), chaparral,Garcinia cambogia(a supplement used to support weight loss),green teaextract (used for weight loss and disease prevention), germander,jin bu huan, kava,ma huang(Ephedra), mistletoe, pennyroyal oil (used to make teas), andsyo-saiko-to(a mixture of herbs). In general, liver doctors recommend avoiding all herbal supplements because of the lack of safety testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the fact that many of these substances can cause liver damage and even liver failure, even in people who do not have any preexisting liver disease. 