Chronic hepatitis induced by Jin Bu Huan.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Jin Bu Huan and other Chinese herbal products are widely taken remedies. They have been developed as a natural alternative to traditional drugs in the treatment of various ailments. Their ability to induce several side effects such as acute hepatitis has already been described. We report a case of chronic hepatic damage following administration of Jin Bu Huan Anodyne tablets.

METHODS:

The patient, a 49-year-old man, developed biochemical signs of liver damage 2 months after beginning Jin Bu Huan intake (3 tablets/daily) including biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis with moderate fibrosis. Virological, autoimmune, metabolic or other hepatotoxic causes were excluded. Liver function impairment was resolved by discontinuing Jin Bu Huan intake.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case reinforces the already known hepatotoxicity of this product and should make us think more about the uncontrolled use of alternative products.

• Authors: A Picciotto, N Campo, R Brizzolara, R Giusto, G Guido, N Sinelli, G Lapertosa, G Celle
• Journal: Journal of hepatology (J Hepatol) Vol. 28 Issue 1 Pg. 165-7 (Jan 1998) ISSN: 0168-8278 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 9537855 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Analgesics
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• jin bu huan
• Aspartate Aminotransferases
• Alanine Transaminase

Topics

• Alanine Transaminase (blood)
• Analgesics (adverse effects)
• Aspartate Aminotransferases (blood)
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (adverse effects)
• Hepatitis, Chronic (diagnosis, pathology)
• Humans
• Liver (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged