title: Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder.
abstract: Hepatotoxic effect related to Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder was first described in a patient from Hong Kong in 2004. In 2005, the authors experienced a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with such a preparation. Both patients had taken other therapeutic agents and traditionally boiled Lingzhi without any toxic effect. After switching to taking Lingzhi in powder form for 1-2 months, the hepatotoxic episode occurred in both patients. The toxic role of Lingzhi powder needs close monitoring in the future, especially in combination with other drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Harirak
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wanmuang
authors.forename: Juvady
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leopairut
authors.forename: Chomsri
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kositchaiwat
authors.forename: Winai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wananukul
authors.forename: Sukhum
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bunyaratvej
mesh_terms: D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000506:poisoning*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011208:Powders; D020940:Reishi; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D011208:Powders