Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common liver disease. DILI is the cause of acute jaundice, which is yellow discoloration of eyes or skin, in up to 50 percent of patients. DILI accounts for up to 30 percent of acute hepatitis. Even in the U.S., where the use and distribution of prescription drugs are highly regulated, DILI is still the most common cause of acute liver failure. It is perceivable that the incidence of DILI may be much higher in countries where drugs can be purchased from pharmacies without doctors' approval.
Chinese herbal remedies are widely used in many countries. Many herbs have beneficial effects. However, DILI has been reported with at least 10 herbal species. Jin Bu Huan and Sy0-saiko-to are the most notorious products. It is ironic that Syo-saiko-to is used to supposedly treat hepatitis C virus infection; but there have been reports of DILI associated with this product [Dig Dis Sci 1995 Aug;40(8):1845-8].
Chinese herbal remedies are widely used in many countries. Many herbs have beneficial effects. However, DILI has been reported with at least 10 herbal species. Jin Bu Huan and Sy0-saiko-to are the most notorious products. It is ironic that Syo-saiko-to is used to supposedly treat hepatitis C virus infection; but there have been reports of DILI associated with this product [Dig Dis Sci 1995 Aug;40(8):1845-8].
Liver damage seen in a 24 year-old woman who took Jin Bu Huan for 2 months
The main treatment of DILI is withdrawal of offending drugs.
Only two specific therapies are proven beneficial in treating two specific DILI. These two therapies are:
- N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen toxicity
- L-carnitine for valproic acide toxicity
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