title: Hepatotoxicity Associated with Herbal Tea Containing Kelp.
abstract: A 40-yr-old Sri Lankan female presented to the gastroenterology clinic with jaundice. Further work-up revealed extrahepatic cholestasis with a hepatocellular component; however, subsequent work-up revealed no significant findings. Hospitalization revealed hepatotoxicity associated with ingestion of a homemade herbal tea containing kelp (Laminaria), which was confirmed with further history. Hepatotoxicity associated with herbal tea ingestion is rare, but should be a consideration in patients with unexplained jaundice. Inquiries into dietary or herbal supplements should always be made during routine history taking, as it may be useful in achieving the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC), Fort Sam Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Lavanya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Viswanathan
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, TX.
authors.forename: Anish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patel