Autoimmune hepatitis associated with the use of black cohosh: a case study.
Herbal remedies generate more than 1.8 billion dollars in annual sales in the United States. Herbal products have been associated with a wide spectrum of hepatic toxicities. With the recent Women's Health Initiative Study demonstrating increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events associated with hormone therapy, many women may resort to herbal remedies for persistent menopause symptoms. We report a case of autoimmune hepatitis likely triggered by the use of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), an agent marketed to treat menopause symptoms. Given this case report, we recommend close monitoring of women using this herbal preparation.
Cohen
Stanley M
SM
University of Chicago, Division of Gastroenterology, Liver Study Unit, Chicago, IL, USA. skimdsmc@aol.com
O'Connor
Anne M
AM
Hart
John
J
Merel
Nina H
NH
Te
Helen S
HS
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D031885:Cimicifuga / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019693:Hepatitis, Autoimmune / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D010936:Plant Extracts