Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis

Med J Aust. 2002 Oct 21;177(8):440-3. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04886.x.

Abstract

Six patients presented with clinical, biochemical and histological evidence of severe hepatitis after taking herbal remedies. One patient required urgent liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure after the brief use of black cohosh. Five patients took a combination of herbs and presented with jaundice, fatigue and pruritus. Healthcare providers and members of the public should be aware of the potential adverse effects of these remedies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / drug therapy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Cimicifuga / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Preparations / adverse effects*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Plant Preparations
  • Prednisone