New Study Uncovers Liver Dangers in 6 Common Herbal Supplements

Many Americans turn to herbal supplements in hopes of improving their health, seeking alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals due to their “natural” origins. However, even these seemingly benign supplements can pose significant health risks, particularly to liver health. A recent study has shed light on popular herbal supplements that may contribute to liver damage. Below, we delve into six of these supplements and the potential risks they carry.

Turmeric

Turmeric, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, is a staple in many households. Despite its benefits, the new study indicates that this golden spice can be potentially hepatotoxic, meaning it has properties that could harm the liver.

Lead author Alisa Likhitsup, MD, MPH, cautions that “how these products cause liver damage is not yet known but it is likely due to metabolism that occurs in the liver after the products were consumed.”

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract, popular for its antioxidant effects and weight loss benefits, is widely consumed. Despite its reputation, the extract has been flagged as potentially damaging to the liver.

“Chemical analyses of HDS products associated with confirmed liver toxic effects show frequent discrepancies between product labels and detected ingredients,” the study notes.

Ashwagandha

Often lauded for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, ashwagandha is another herbal supplement that may pose risks to liver health. As with the other supplements, more research is needed to fully understand how it interacts with the liver.

“Potentially hepatotoxic botanical products are the products that contain plant-based ingredients which have been implicated as potential causes of liver damage,” says Dr. Likhitsup.

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. Despite its natural origins, it can still lead to liver complications, suggesting that even supplements derived from food products aren’t always safe.

The study highlighted that as of 2022, over 80,000 herbal and dietary supplements could be purchased without the need for a prescription or FDA approval, which includes red yeast rice.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is frequently used to manage menopausal symptoms. Nevertheless, this botanical remedy has been associated with liver toxicity, making it a risky option for those seeking natural treatments.

Researchers noted that the prevalence of these hepatotoxic supplements among adults suggests a need for greater awareness and possibly more stringent regulations.

Unknown Botanicals

Aside from these well-known supplements, there are numerous other botanical products that might also be harmful to the liver.

“We hope our results will increase awareness among patients and providers about these potentially liver toxic ingredients being consumed regularly among Americans and the dietary supplement products available in the market are not strictly regulated,” Dr. Likhitsup concluded.

It’s crucial to approach herbal supplements with the same caution as pharmaceuticals. Despite their “natural” branding, they carry potential risks that are often underestimated. Always consult healthcare professionals before introducing new supplements into your regimen to ensure they are appropriate and safe for your specific health needs.

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