Take Herbal Supplements? Even Green Tea Extract Can Lead to Liver Damage

Take herbal supplements? You might want to listen up.

A new study is warning that new information is showing that some supplements may damage the liver, along with over the counter drugs and even those prescribed by physicians, according to newswise.com.

The rate of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a rare adverse drug reaction which is challenging to diagnose -- and which can lead to jaundice, liver failure and even death -- is increasing more and more.  Experts put it down to the overwhelming use of herbal supplements and other drugs in the last 10 years.

 “A lot of consumers have a preconceived notion that if it’s a natural product, it must be safe. But that is not necessarily the case,” the Web site quotes Herbert Bonkovsky, MD, FACG, co-author of the guidelines. “Most of these products are not well-regulated and have very little oversight. Traces of heavy metals and prescription drugs have even been found in some herbal and dietary supplements. We encourage patients to talk to their doctor about all medications they are taking, and herbal and dietary supplements should be no exception.”

Of the herbal and dietary supplements, green tea extract tops the list as one of the most common dietary supplements associated with DILI injury, newswise reports. Dr. Bonkovsky says that the average cup of green tea has around 50-150 mgs of catechins, a group of polyphenols that are the major active ingredients. In some green tea extract pills, known to help with weight loss and other factors, the levels of such catechins can be over 700 mg. This can be particularly dangerous when the pills are taken multiple times a day.

So should you stop taking all supplements and drugs?  No.  Talk to your doctor about what you are taking, and get his advice.