Aloe-induced toxic hepatitis.
Aloe has been widely used in phytomedicine. Phytomedicine describes aloe as a herb which has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-aging effects. In recent years several cases of aloe-induced hepatotoxicity were reported. But its pharmacokinetics and toxicity are poorly described in the literature. Here we report three cases with aloe-induced toxic hepatitis. A 57-yr-old woman, a 62-yr-old woman and a 55-yr-old woman were admitted to the hospital for acute hepatitis. They had taken aloe preparation for months. Their clinical manifestation, laboratory findings and histologic findings met diagnostic criteria (RUCAM scale) of toxic hepatitis. Upon discontinuation of the oral aloe preparations, liver enzymes returned to normal level. Aloe should be considered as a causative agent in hepatotoxicity.
Yang
Ha Na
HN
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.
Kim
Dong Joon
DJ
Kim
Young Mook
YM
Kim
Byoung Ho
BH
Sohn
Kyoung Min
KM
Choi
Myung Jin
MJ
Choi
Young Hee
YH
D000504:Aloe / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects
D010936:Plant Extracts