Medical specialists report rising instances of serious liver injury associated with widely used botanicals such as ashwagandha and turmeric.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Physicians are raising concerns about an increase in serious liver injuries linked to commonly used herbal supplements, including ashwagandha and turmeric, as millions of Americans continue to consume botanicals marketed for stress relief, inflammation control and general wellness.
Hepatologists say cases of drug-induced liver injury, a condition traditionally associated with prescription medications, are increasingly connected to dietary supplements. The liver, responsible for processing substances consumed by the body, can become inflamed when overwhelmed by certain compounds.
Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic root promoted for reducing stress and anxiety, has drawn particular scrutiny. Clinical reports have documented patients who developed jaundice, severe itching and abdominal pain within weeks or months of typical use. A 2020 case study identified five patients who exhibited signs of liver injury after taking the supplement.
Dr. Robert Fontana, a professor of medicine at the University of Michigan, said trends show a growing proportion of liver injury cases tied to herbal and dietary supplements. “When we look at it over time, the proportion of cases attributed to herbal and dietary supplements is definitely going up,” Fontana said.
Turmeric and green tea extract have also been identified as compounds with potential liver toxicity. Dr. Alisa Likhitsup, a transplant hepatologist at the University of Michigan, estimates that approximately 15.6 million Americans daily consume substances considered potentially toxic to the liver.
Data from Fontana’s Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) found herbal supplements were implicated in 20% of documented drug-induced liver injury cases, with some estimates reaching as high as 43%.
The scale of the issue is difficult to measure. Unlike prescription medications, supplements are not required to undergo pre-market safety testing by the Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are not obligated to prove safety or purity before products are sold, and adverse event reporting is voluntary. As a result, specialists say the true number of injuries may be underreported.
The National Institutes of Health’s liver toxicity database classifies ashwagandha as “likely a cause of clinically apparent liver injury.”
Individual cases have underscored the risks. Fernanda Thompson, a Florida mother, began taking turmeric during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to boost her immunity. After experiencing unexplained low white blood cell counts and an enlarged liver for several years, she discontinued the supplement. “Six months later I did my blood test again and my white blood cell count was normal,” Thompson said. Her physician advised her “don’t take it again.”
Experts describe many of these reactions as idiosyncratic, meaning they occur unpredictably and may be influenced by genetic susceptibility. “We do find unique genetic susceptibility factors among people who get liver injury,” Fontana said. He explained that even small doses can trigger harm in vulnerable individuals.
A 2022 study found that cases of liver failure requiring transplant due to herbal supplements have increased eightfold over 25 years. Although the percentage of users who experience severe injury remains relatively small, the widespread use of supplements amplifies the potential public health impact. “When you magnify [herbal supplement use] up by the whole U.S. population, it’s quite alarming,” Fontana said.
Naveen Kathuria, a former health technology executive, said he developed jaundice and severe illness within months of using ashwagandha for sleep and stress management. “I never really thought through how supplements can impact your body,” he said after recovering. He has since stopped taking supplements.
Dr. Elisabeth Plotner, a preventive medicine fellow at the University of California, San Diego, cautioned consumers against assuming botanical products are inherently harmless. “Natural does not always mean safe,” Plotner said.
Medical professionals advise individuals to consult a physician before beginning any supplement, particularly those with existing liver conditions. Experts also recommend selecting products verified by third-party testing organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation to reduce the risk of contamination.
The global supplement market is projected to reach $170 billion by 2034, reflecting strong consumer demand for plant-based wellness products. As reports of liver injury continue to surface, physicians say increased awareness and medical consultation remain essential to reducing preventable harm.
Source: Natural News
Original article
Comments