Turmeric, Green Tea, Ashwagandha, and 3 Other Herbal Supplements That Could Cause Liver Damage

Millions of Americans are turning to herbal supplements to improve their health and well-being. However, recent research has shed light on the potential risks associated with some popular herbal supplements. These are the dangers of certain herbal supplements, including turmeric, green tea extract, ashwagandha, black cohosh, red yeast rice, and Garcinia cambogia, and their potential to cause liver damage.

The Problem with Herbal Supplements

While herbal supplements are often perceived as natural and without harmful side effects, the reality is that these products can pose serious health risks. There are many things that can go wrong with them, including medication interactions, contamination with other substances, and so many more. Not only that, but “natural” doesn’t always mean safe (think about it: Arsenic is a natural substance, this doesn’t mean you should start taking it as a supplement!). The lack of stringent regulation in the supplement industry allows manufacturers to market products without comprehensive human testing, leading to potential dangers for consumers.

Read More: This is The Best Tea For High Blood Pressure, According to a Dietician

The Study

A study published in JAMA Network Open highlighted the alarming increase in the number of drug-induced liver injuries linked to botanical supplements. The supplements studied were green tea extract, turmeric, black cohosh, ashwagandha, red yeast rice, and Garcinia cambogia. The research found that nearly 5% of American adults may be taking one or more of these potentially harmful supplements. (1)

“The [Food and Drug Administration] have really weak laws to regulate the dietary supplement industry as a whole,” study author Dr. Robert John Fontana told Health. “Manufacturers can market things without doing any human testing.” (2) He continued: “People don’t oftentimes trust Western medicine, so they want to take a plant-based thing because they have this mindset that, because it’s natural or botanical, it’s ‘safe…[They think] if some is good for you, more is better.”

How The Study Worked

Dr. Fontana and his team reviewed data from 9,685 people enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from January 2017 to March 2020. The average age of the population group was 47.5, and about 52% of the participants were female. They found that more than 57% of participants reported having taken an herbal or dietary supplement within the past 30 days. What’s more, nearly 5% reported having taken one of the six botanicals in the study. Their report found that most of the people taking these supplements were doing so because of a chronic condition. They were most likely to be white, educated, and wealthy women.

The problem? These supplements are causing health problems rather than solving them. There have been a number of case reports linking botanical supplements to acute liver injury, liver failure, jaundice, and other issues. The issue is that it is hard to know at what levels are these supplements causing problems and why. “Some people are getting hospitalized from acute hepatitis, and very rarely some are super sick and need a liver transplant,” Fontana told Health.

What Are These Supplements, Exactly?

There are too many herbal supplements on the market today to count. Fontana and his team specifically were looking at the most commonly taken herbal supplements that also had reports of causing issues. As already mentioned, these are green tea extract, turmeric (aka curcumin), black cohosh, ashwagandha, red yeast rice, and garcinia cambogia.

All About Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is a popular herbal supplement known for its alleged weight loss and antioxidant benefits. However, it has been implicated in cases of liver toxicity and injury. The increased prevalence of its usage raises concerns about its potential impact on liver health. (3)

All About Turmeric

Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, has gained widespread popularity as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, studies have linked turmeric consumption to drug-induced liver injury, prompting further investigation into its safety and potential risks. (4)

All About Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is often used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but it has also been associated with hepatotoxicity. The lack of stringent regulation and oversight contributes to the potential risks posed by this herbal supplement. (5)

Read More: TikTok Psychopaths: Content Creators Turning to Social Media to Destigmatize Their Personality Disorders

All About Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, an adaptogen with purported stress-relieving and immune-boosting properties, has gained traction as a wellness supplement. Despite its perceived benefits, reports of liver damage associated with its use raise concerns about its safety and efficacy. (6)

All About Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice, commonly taken for its potential cholesterol-lowering effects, has also been linked to instances of liver injury. The need for better understanding of its potential adverse effects highlights the importance of informed decision-making when considering herbal supplements. (7)

All About Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia cambogia, touted for its weight loss benefits, has been implicated in cases of liver injury. The lack of comprehensive testing and regulation in the dietary supplement industry underscores the need for caution when using such products. (8)

Should You Be Taking Herbal Supplements?

Given the potential risks associated with certain herbal supplements, it’s crucial for individuals to weigh the perceived benefits against the documented adverse effects. Consulting healthcare providers and seeking informed guidance can help individuals make well-informed decisions regarding the use of herbal supplements.

How to Talk to Your Doctor about Herbal Supplements

Open dialogue with healthcare providers about the use of herbal supplements is essential for comprehensive healthcare management. It’s important to disclose all supplement usage, as this information is critical for proper assessment and potential identification of any adverse effects.

How to Find Safe Supplements

In light of the challenges posed by the lack of comprehensive regulation, consumers should prioritize sourcing herbal supplements from reputable and trustworthy providers. Additionally, seeking guidance from qualified healthcare professionals can help individuals navigate the complex landscape of herbal supplementation, ensuring informed and safe usage.

The Bottom Line

The potential for liver damage associated with herbal supplements necessitates a more cautious and informed approach towards their usage. As the supplement market continues to expand, it’s imperative for individuals to prioritize safety and informed decision-making when considering the use of herbal supplements. The findings from recent studies underscore the importance of seeking guidance from healthcare providers and exercising caution when incorporating herbal supplements into one’s wellness routine.

Read More: What Are Staghorn Kidney Stones? (Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment)