Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum.
Herbal preparations are widely available and generally regarded by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical ailments. We report the first case in Australia of acute hepatitis associated with the Chinese herbal medicine Shou-Wu-Pian, prepared from Polygonum multiflorum. Cholestatic hepatitis developed in a Chinese woman taking this preparation for the greying of her hair, and liver biopsy was consistent with a toxic reaction. Clinical and biochemical resolution occurred following cessation of the drug.
Park
G J
GJ
Department of Gastroenterology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. gjhpark@hotmail.com
Mann
S P
SP
Ngu
M C
MC
D000208:Acute Disease; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts