Citation

Couturier FJ, Colemont LJ, Fierens H, Verhoeven VM. Clin. Res. Hepatol. Gastroenterol. 2016; 40(4): e38-43.

Affiliation

Academic Center for Primary and Interdisciplinary care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium. Electronic address: veronique.verhoeven@uantwerpen.be.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.clinre.2015.12.016

PMID

26971288

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Herbal products are increasingly used in modern medicine for numerous indications. They are not considered as drugs and thus often not linked to side effects. MATERIAL: A 77-year-old patient presented with silent icterus and biochemical evidence of hepatocellular damage. Because of dyslipidaemia, he was recently prescribed Controchol(®), a food supplement containing red yeast and green tea extracts.

RESULTS: Liver biopsy showed necro-inflammatory destruction of liver parenchym, collapse of reticulin matrix, cholestasis and gall duct damage, compatible with toxic hepatitis. After discontinuation of Controchol(®), there was a gradual normalisation of the liver function tests. Liver injury is a known side effect of both red yeast and green tea extracts. After exclusion of other causes, we therefore concluded our patient had suffered from Controchol(®)-induced toxic hepatitis.

CONCLUSION: Products that are conceived as "natural" alternatives for pharmacological drugs, like food supplements, are not free of side effects per se, and should not be considered as "harmless".

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Language: en