Herbal Medications and Liver Disease

Herbal medications are a part of standard eastern medicine. Today, more patients and an increasing number of physicians are using single herbs and combinations in western medicine. Although these preparations are believed to have some medicinal value, there is also a risk of toxicity.

The following herbs have been described to cause a variety of liver problems ranging from hepatitis to liver failure and should not be consumed if you have liver disease (1,2). If you are being treated with interferon, herbs should not be taken unless under strict supervision. Make sure you discuss the potential reactions and interactions with both Western and Chinese medicine practitioners before taking any medication or herbal remedy. Although universally liver-toxic substances are identifiable in the laboratory, liver hypersensitivity problems are not predictable. One person may experience no negative side effect from a medicinal substance; another may have organ failure. Read More