Chronic hepatitis induced by Jin Bu Huan.
OBJECTIVE
Jin Bu Huan and other Chinese herbal products are widely taken remedies. They have been developed as a natural alternative to traditional drugs in the treatment of various ailments. Their ability to induce several side effects such as acute hepatitis has already been described. We report a case of chronic hepatic damage following administration of Jin Bu Huan Anodyne tablets.


METHODS
The patient, a 49-year-old man, developed biochemical signs of liver damage 2 months after beginning Jin Bu Huan intake (3 tablets/daily) including biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis with moderate fibrosis. Virological, autoimmune, metabolic or other hepatotoxic causes were excluded. Liver function impairment was resolved by discontinuing Jin Bu Huan intake.


CONCLUSIONS
This case reinforces the already known hepatotoxicity of this product and should make us think more about the uncontrolled use of alternative products.
Picciotto
A
A
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy.
Campo
N
N
Brizzolara
R
R
Giusto
R
R
Guido
G
G
Sinelli
N
N
Lapertosa
G
G
Celle
G
G
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000700:Analgesics; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C086355:jin bu huan; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase