Herbal hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern medicine: actual key issues and new encouraging steps

Plants are natural producers of chemical substances, providing potential treatment of human ailments since ancient times. Some herbal chemicals in medicinal plants of traditional and modern medicine carry the risk of herb induced liver injury (HILI) with a severe or potentially lethal clinical course, and the requirement of a liver transplant. Discontinuation of herbal use is mandatory in time when HILI is first suspected as diagnosis. Although, herbal hepatotoxicity is of utmost clinical and regulatory importance, lack of a stringent causality assessment remains a major issue for patients with suspected HILI, while this problem is best overcome by the use of the hepatotoxicity specific CIOMS (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences) scale and the evaluation of unintentional reexposure test results. Sixty five different commonly used herbs, herbal drugs, and herbal supplements and 111 different herbs or herbal mixtures of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are reported causative for liver disease, with levels of causality proof that appear rarely conclusive. Encouraging steps in the field of herbal hepatotoxicity focus on introducing analytical methods that identify cases of intrinsic hepatotoxicity caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and on omics technologies, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and assessing circulating micro-RNA in the serum of some patients with intrinsic hepatotoxicity. It remains to be established whether these new technologies can identify idiosyncratic HILI cases. To enhance its globalization, herbal medicine should universally be marketed as herbal drugs under strict regulatory surveillance in analogy to regulatory approved chemical drugs, proving a positive risk/benefit profile by enforcing evidence based clinical trials and excellent herbal drug quality.

Introduction

Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyruses describe medicinal use of plants for various ailments as early as 3.000 BC and thereby long before recorded history (Major, 1954; IARC Monographs, 2002). Starting at around that time, herbal traditional medicine originating from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India influenced Byzantine, Greek, Latin, and Indian herbal medicine, thereby establishing principles of Ayurveda in India and developing traditional occidental herbal medicine, which subsequently became popular in numerous European and other Western countries (Major, 1954; IARC Monographs, 2002; Raghavendra et al., 2009; NIH, 2013). Indigenous cultures such as African, North American, Middle and South American, Australian, and South Pacific islandic also used herbs in their healing rituals (IARC Monographs, 2002). In other parts of the world, herbal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emerged (IARC Monographs, 2002; Raghavendra et al., 2009) and influenced the traditional Oriental herbal medicine in Japan (IARC Monographs, 2002), called Kampo medicine (Nishimura et al., 2009), and other Asian countries such as Korea with its herbal traditional Korean medicine (Park et al., 2012). With TCM originating in China and Ayurveda in India, two most ancient yet living traditions of herbal medicine presently remain and experience some extension over the globe (Patwardhan et al., 2005). Although, most other ancient herbal medicine cultures vanished or are restricted to local use without potential globalization, many countries use herbal medicines (WHO, 2002, 2013).

The worldwide use of medicinal herbs has increased over the past years (WHO, 2002, 2013; Ekor, 2014), but their regulatory surveillance differ among countries due to lack of harmonization (WHO, 2005; Ekor, 2014). The world market for herbal medicines based on traditional knowledge is estimated at US$60,000 million annually (WHO, 2002), according to a UN report dating back to 2000 (UN, 2000). Alone in the United States, the total estimated herb retail sales in all channels rose from $4230 million in 2000 to $6032 million in 2013, corresponding to 42.6% overall and to 3.3% on an annual basis according to the data of the American Botanical Council (Lindstrom et al., 2014). These figures compare to the increased use of complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM), since an estimated $27 billion was spent by consumers of CAM in the United States in 1997 (Eisenberg et al., 1998) and $33.9 billion in 2007 (Nahin et al., 2009), equaling a rise of 25.5%. These figures considered all CAM related expenditures spent out of pocket on visits to CAM practitioners and purchases of CAM products, classes, and materials in the United States in 2007, with $14.5 billion spent on the purchase of nonvitamin, nonmineral, and natural products (Nahin et al., 2009); the widespread use of herbal medicine exerts a high economic power in our society with special financial benefits for herb producers, providers, and healers. Considering this enormous economic impact and the resulting expenditures, the question is whether these high costs as burden for the consumers and the society are warranted. In addition, herbal medicine is increasingly exposed to major pressure due to concerns of efficacy, safety (NIH, 2014a), and adverse reactions (Podsadzki et al., 2013; Ekor, 2014) such as liver injury (NIH, 2014a).

In this review article, we critically analyze actual key issues of herbal hepatotoxicity by herbal products of traditional and modern medicine and discuss future developments. The expressions of herbal hepatotoxicity and herb induced liver injury (HILI) are used synonymously. Some similarities of HILI exist with DILI (drug induced liver injury) (Teschke et al., 2013f).

Methods

Data Sources and Searches

We used the PubMed to identify publications on herbal hepatotoxicity and HILI which each provided hits of around 279.000 and 1.840.000. Our search was then further qualified and extended using additional keywords denoting herbal modern medicine and herbal TCM, providing additional hits. The first 100 hits of publications in each category were considered.

Study Selection

The focus of our search was on publications in English language, but relevant reports of other languages also were considered. The retrieved publications included case reports, case series and review articles and were analyzed whether they were appropriate and relevant for the topic of this article. Publications also were manually searched for additional publications not yet identified.

Data Extraction and Quality Assessment

Prior to our analysis, the publications were assessed regarding their scientific and clinical quality. Publications of relevance and good quality were preferred and considered for evaluation.

Key Issues

Herbal products in traditional and modern medicine are commonly perceived by the general population as well tolerated and devoid of major adverse reactions. One of the most important goals in clinical practice is to offer patients an efficient therapy for their ailment(s), without harming their health. However, efficacy and safety by the use of herbs in traditional and modern medicine are features that may apply to some herbs and patients but certainly not to others. Similar shortcomings are known from conventional chemical drugs, which also are not effective in all patients. The risk of rare adverse reactions occurring in various organs including the liver relates to both, herbs (NIH, 2014a) and synthetic drugs (NIH, 2014b).

Hepatotoxicity Case Reports

General Aspects

Basic knowledge of hepatotoxicity by drugs and numerous other chemicals was summarized by Hyman Zimmerman in his pioneering book 25 years ago, briefly mentioning already some herbs as culprits and referencing a few case reports of herbal hepatotoxicity (Zimmerman, 1999). Since then, many more HILI cases emerged, which previously were reported (Pittler and Ernst, 2003b) and recently analyzed in publications on herbal TCM preparations (Teschke, 2014; Teschke et al., 2014c, 2015b), other commonly used herbal products (Teschke et al., 2013f), and herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) (Halegoua-De Marzio et al., 2013; Teschke et al., 2013d; Navarro et al., 2014; Robles-Diaz et al., 2015).

Epidemiology

Epidemiology data of hepatotoxicity cases in connection with herbal use are crucial to assess, both in traditional and modern medicine. Actually, the true prevalence of herbal hepatotoxicity is the total number of HILI cases in the population at a given time (Teschke et al., 2013f). It represents an estimate of how common herbal hepatotoxicity is within a population and at a fixed time. Conversely, the incidence of herbal hepatotoxicity is expressed as the total number of new HILI cases during a certain period of time, divided by the number of individuals in the population initially at risk. Therefore, incidence differs from prevalence measuring new HILI cases; for chronic liver injury, these values may change.

Incidence commonly provides information about the risk of acquiring HILI, whereas prevalence signifies how widespread HILI is. The true prevalence and incidence of HILI (Navarro, 2009) and HDS (Navarro et al., 2014; Robles-Diaz et al., 2015) is unknown. Global epidemiology considerations of prevalence and incidence refer to all herbs contained in herbal drugs and herbal supplements, whereas specific epidemiology is restricted to one single herb. Global epidemiology data therefore may be used for health economy assessment whereas specific epidemiology data pertain to herbal product safety. For this purpose, true global prevalence and incidence of HILI still has to be determined through cohort studies or case control-studies, a difficult approach. For an appropriate assessment of the risks from a specific herbal product, there is lack of quantitative data for consumption of herbal products, number of HILI patients, and the population at risk. In addition, herbal product authentication is missing in most cases of suspected HILI and impedes causality assessment for the incriminated herb (Teschke et al., 2013f). Case underreporting and overdiagnosing also prevent determination of the true incidence; future studies will have to address these issues in order to provide firm data of prevalence and incidence in HILI.

For DILI by synthetic drugs, respective data are available: the estimated annual incidence rate of DILI at a coordinating center in Spain was 34.2 ± 10.7 cases per 10⁶ inhabitants (Andrade et al., 2005), and in a French study it was 13.9 ± 9 per 10⁶ inhabitants per year (Sgro et al., 2002).

Compilation of Hepatotoxicity Cases

For herbal TCM with potential liver injury, we identified 44 different TCM herbs and 21 herbal TCM mixtures, published in case reports and case series as provided by appropriate references (Table 1). These referenced reports present clinical case details, summarized in part also earlier (Teschke, 2014). The 12 most common Chinese herbal medicines with hepatotoxicity detailed in a recent review (Ma et al., 2014) are also included in the present compilation (Table 1).

TABLE 1

Table 1. Compilation of reported cases with suspected hepatotoxicity by herbal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Other herbs and herbal products unrelated to TCM showed reported potential hepatotoxicity for 111 items (Table 2), presented as an update of an earlier compilation (Teschke et al., 2012h). Most of the actual 111 items identified single herbs, rarely mixtures with HDS as examples with various ingredients (Table 2). Numerous other HDS with assumed potential hepatotoxicity are listed in compilations of other reports published just recently (Bunchorntavakul and Reddy, 2013; Navarro et al., 2014; Robles-Diaz et al., 2015) and hence were not included in the present compilation (Table 2).

TABLE 2

Table 2. Compitalion of commonly used herbs and herbal products with reported hepatotoxicity.

In the past, some review articles focused exclusively on HILI by TCM herbs and herbal preparations (Ma et al., 2014; Teschke, 2014; Teschke et al., 2014c, 2015b) as a primarily neglected topic, which was otherwise considered as part of overall assessments on herbal hepatotoxicity in few publications (Zimmerman, 1999; Abdualmjid and Sergi, 2013; Bunchorntavakul and Reddy, 2013), including an official and well updated NIH statement (NIH, 2014a).

Symptomatology

Clinical symptoms of herbal hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern medicine are variable and described in published case reports, case series, and regulatory presented spontaneous reports as referenced (Tables 1, 2). Symptoms are mostly unspecific and sometimes difficult to direct to the liver, which delays early recognition of the unfolding liver injury (Teschke et al., 2013f, 2014c; Ma et al., 2014). Clinical signs may emerge alone or in combination with other features, while jaundice is the symptom initially best recognized by the patient, facilitating the search for advice by the primary care physician. In detail, patients with herbal TCM hepatotoxicity experience fatigue (67.3%), jaundice (60.3%), anorexia (58.0%), nausea (35.9%), and fever (19.3%), but signs such as rash, pruritus, and pale stools have also been reported (Ma et al., 2014). In another study of 16 cases of Greater Celandine (GC) with established HILI, symptoms were present in 15 cases (Teschke et al., 2012a). Single or multiple symptoms were anorexia (n = 3), fatigue (n = 5), nausea (n = 6), vomiting (n = 2), dyspepsia (n = 1), bloating (n = 1), abdominal discomfort (n = 1), right upper quadrant pains (n = 1), epigastric pains (n = 1), unspecified abdominal pains (n = 1), fever (n = 1), dark urine (n = 3), pale stool (n = 1), pruritus (n = 3), and jaundice (n = 15) (Teschke et al., 2012a). For reasons of transparency, narrative case details and clinical data of patients with assumed HILI should be provided in tabular form, as done previously (Teschke et al., 2008a, 2011a, 2012a,b,d,e; Teschke, 2010a) and shown for GC hepatotoxicity as example (Table 3). Detailed information also allows characterization of HILI by a single herb such as GC (Table 4).

TABLE 3

Table 3. Compilation of narrative case details and clinical data of patients with HILI by Greater Celandine (GC) and established causality.

TABLE 4

Table 4. Preferred documentation as example: clinical characteristics of GC hepatotoxicity.

Although, clinical features are quite similar in HILI cases by traditional and modern medicine (Chau et al., 2011; Teschke et al., 2013f; Ma et al., 2014), there is one exception that relates to the hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), formerly hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD); this special liver injury is caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) contained in various TCM herbs, with its major diagnostic features of abdominal distension and pain, ascites, malaise, hepatomegaly, and body weight gain due to ascites and edema caused by fluid accumulation (Wang and Gao, 2014). Jaundice was most frequent with 84.8% in 100/118 cases of PA induced HSOS by Tu San Qi (Gynura segetum), ascites with 99.2% (121/122 cases, and hepatomegaly with 92.0% (104/113 cases) (Lin et al., 2011; Gao et al., 2012).

In a typical HILI case unrelated to PAs, the chronology of symptoms may follow a particular stepwise pattern, as described for HILI caused by Indian Ayurvedic herbs through an excellent observation by a patient under treatment for her vitiligo (Teschke and Bahre, 2009). Her symptoms started with pruritus, followed by loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, light stool, until finally jaundice was recognized by her family physician; this sequence of symptoms stretched over almost 4 months under continued herbal medication.

Patients with HILI may be asymptomatic with increased values observed by chance, monosymptomatic, or polysymptomatic. Latency period describes the interval between initiation of herb use and time of onset, evidenced by emerging symptoms or increased liver values. Liver injury by herbal TCM develops slowly with clinical symptoms appearing between 1 week and 1 month (Ma et al., 2014), or up to 150 days (Chau et al., 2011); with a longer latency period of 5–260 weeks for green tea extracts (GTE) (Mazzanti et al., 2009; Teschke et al., 2014a); or 1 week–24 months for other herbs such as kava (Teschke et al., 2008a); and 28–134 days for Greater Celandine (GC) (Teschke et al., 2011a). Finally, published HILI symptoms (Chau et al., 2011; Teschke et al., 2013a; Ma et al., 2014) are similar to those of DILI (Andrade et al., 2004; Liss and Lewis, 2009).

Clinical Course

The clinical course of HILI is variable with details provided in most publications as referenced (Tables 1, 2). For HILI cases, some details of treatment modalities by herbal products of traditional and modern medicine are provided, with focus on daily and cumulative dose, treatment duration, latency period, and reexposure duration (Table 5). With cessation of herbal use, clinical signs usually vanish along with improvements or normalization of initially increased liver values, as illustrated by few examples (Verucchi et al., 2002; Vanderperren et al., 2005; Teschke and Bahre, 2009; Furukawa et al., 2010; Valente et al., 2010; Yang et al., 2010). A well described dechallenge of liver values in suspected HILI is one of the key items to suspect causality for a particular herb. Patients with HILI caused by herbal TCM or modern herbal medicine commonly experience an acute type of liver injury, which is self-limited upon withdrawal of the offending herb with an overall good prognosis. Whether herbs may cause chronic forms of HILI has not yet been evaluated in detail (García-Cortés et al., 2008). However, persistence of increased liver values raises the question whether these are due to a preexisting liver disease present prior to herbal use rather than to HILI (Picciotti et al., 1998). The acute type of HILI rarely may progress to acute liver failure (Stadlbauer et al., 2005; Fong et al., 2010). This is a serious condition that may require a liver transplant and eventually leads to death (Perharic-Walton and Murray, 1992; Yoshida et al., 1996; Haller et al., 2002; Adachi et al., 2003; Estes et al., 2003; Yuen et al., 2006; Sohn et al., 2008; Fong et al., 2010). Between 1992 and 2008; in Seoul (Korea) alone, 24 patients underwent liver transplantation due to toxic hepatitis caused by herbal TCM (Sohn et al., 2008), causing concern in view of poorly documented efficacy of herbal TCM (Manheimer et al., 2009; Teschke, 2014).

TABLE 5

Table 5. Some chracteristics of daily and cumulative doses, treatment duration, latency period, and reexposure period of cases with hepatotoxicity by herbs of traditional and modern medicine.

Cessation of herbal use is the only therapeutic approach for HILI patients. Other options including evidence based therapy for treating patients with HILI are lacking, but on a case basis treatment was reported with glycyrrhizin (Inoue et al., 2011), ursodesoxycholic acid (Jorge and Jorge, 2005; Inoue et al., 2011), or corticosteroids (Weinstein et al, 2012).

Hepatotoxicity Criteria

HILI case assessment mandates clear hepatotoxicity criteria for disease characterization including causality assignment (Teschke et al., 2013f, 2014b). Laboratory-based criteria of HILI are best defined by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or alkaline phosphatise (ALP) values, expressed as N in multiples of the upper limit of their normal range (Figure 1). For ALT, recommendations initially were at >2N (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993) and currently are at >5N (Björnsson et al., 2012; Teschke et al., 2014c,d) or at 3N if total bilirubin values exceed 2N (Aithal et al., 2011); for ALP, values of >2N are considered diagnostic (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993; Aithal et al., 2011). Restricting the ALT criteria to >5N will eliminate unspecific ALT increases and substantiate causality at a high level of probability (Björnsson et al., 2012). Considering patients with ALT values of >2N will initially also include numerous cases with nonspecific increases, which then require thorough assessment and stringent exclusion of causes unrelated to the used herb(s). For low threshold values, the rate of alternative diagnoses is high (Teschke et al., 2013g), findings that are plausible and not unexpected (Teschke et al., 2014e). Other values such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are not required, unless to be used as substitute for ALT if not available.

FIGURE 1

Figure 1. Strategy for assessing HILI cases according to details presented previously (Teschke et al., 2013f). Abbreviations: ALP, alkaline phosphatase; ALT.

Concern emerges whenever hepatotoxicity is assumed even if liver values were only marginally increased, not reported, or not assessed. These problems are not uncommon for cases of assumed HILI, presented for instance by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) (Mahady et al., 2008) relating to both black cohosh (BC) (Teschke, 2010c; Teschke et al., 2011d,e; Teschke and Schulze, 2012) and green tea extracts (Sarma et al., 2008; Liss and Lewis, 2009); by the WHO, relating to kava (WHO, 2007a; Teschke and Wolff, 2009); the German regulatory agency BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) (BfArM, 2002, 2005) relating to kava (Schmidt et al., 2005; Teschke et al., 2008a); or the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association (DCGMA, 2011) relating to Pelargonium sidoides (PS) (Teschke et al., 2012b,e). In published case reports receiving the benefit of appropriate peer reviews, the presented HILI cases commonly provide high values of aminotransferases and/or ALP and basic data support of potential hepatotoxicity, as shown also for some cases with a positive reexposure test results (Teschke et al., 2014b). In other HILI case series, however, criteria were not or incompletely documented; neglecting these aspects in effect invalidates the causality assessment.

In spontaneous reports of regulatory agencies, a clear hepatotoxicity definition was provided by EMA (2007) but not by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) (Mahady et al., 2008; Sarma et al., 2008), the German BfArM (2002), or the WHO (2007a). For instance, EMA mentions cases with assumed HILI by BC but clarifies that a causal attribution cannot be made with the required certainty in face of missing liver values (EMA, 2007). Consequently, missing regulatory hepatotoxicity definitions represent confounding variables and result in false high signal cases due to regulatory case overreporting and overdiagnosing (Teschke et al., 2013f).

For reasons of transparency and assessment of case data quality, each HILI case series should provide tabulated information of available or missing case details, as done in various reports (Teschke et al., 2011a, 2012b,e) and shown as example (Table 6) (Teschke, 2010c).

TABLE 6

Table 6. Preferred documentation as example: overview of known information regarding all 69 patients with primarily suspected but not established HILI by black cohosh (BC).

HILI Case Characteristics

Hepatotoxicity classification is mandatory in cases of assumed HILI to facilitate further evaluation of reexposure results and CIOMS assessments (Teschke et al., 2013f). Based on specific laboratory constellations, differentiation of the hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed form of hepatotoxicity is feasible by comparing serum activities of ALT and ALP at the time HILI diagnosis is first suspected (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993; Teschke et al., 2014d). Enzyme activity is expressed as a multiple of the upper limit of the normal range (N), and the ratio (R) of ALT/ALP is calculated. Liver injury is classified as hepatocellular, if ALT > 2N alone or R = 5; cholestatic, when there is an increase of ALP > 2N alone or when R = 2; of the mixed type if ALT > 2N, ALP is increased, and 2 < R < 5 (Figure 1). In a HILI case series of herbal TCM consisting of 27 patients, the pattern of liver injury was hepatocellular in 82% of the cases, cholestatic in 11%, and mixed in 7% (Chau et al., 2011).

Liver Histology

Liver biopsy in HILI and DILI cases requires special attention in any clinical hepatology setting, balancing benefits and risks for the patient (Teschke and Frenzel, 2014). Published and spontaneous HILI reports often contain detailed histological descriptions of liver biopsy findings, mostly associated with pictures obtained by microscopy. This erroneously implies that liver biopsy is an essential part of routine case assessments (BfArM, 2002; Teschke et al., 2008a, 2011a, 2012a,b,f,g; Teschke, 2010c). Histology data were also presented by narrative HILI case reports lacking even any causality for a particular herb (Teschke et al., 2012f,g). This raises the question whether a liver biopsy is justified, considering also that there were no histological findings recognized as specific for all hepatotoxicity cases (Ramachandran and Kakar, 2009). Liver biopsy in chronic hepatotoxicity cases to define prognosis in the absence of an expected specific therapy option remains debatable (Teschke and Frenzel, 2014).

To evaluate liver histology findings, a retrospective case analysis of pathological changes in HILI selectively caused by one single herb with established causality appears the best approach. For instance, HILI cases of kava and GC have such an established causality track. In 12 GC HILI patients with a probable or highly probable causality grading for GC, prevailing histological features included hepatitis, single or confluent liver cell necrosis, inflammation, rarely fibrosis, and cholestasis (Teschke et al., 2011a, 2012a,e). In eight HILI patients with a highly probable, probable or possible causality for kava, liver histology showed hepatitis, liver cell necrosis, and rarely bile duct proliferation and intrahepatic cholestasis (Teschke et al., 2008a). Therefore, at least for the two herbs GC and kava, the histological features are quite uniform and restricted to two major features, hepatitis and liver cell necroses. These histological characteristics, however, are also found in most other liver diseases unrelated to herbs, obviating liver biopsy in suspected HILI cases due to unspecific results.

Additional insights are provided by the analysis of cases with positive reexposure tests, done unintentionally with the incriminated herb or herbal mixture, and available liver histology results. For instance, in HILI by a herbal mixture of TCM, total liver necrosis prevailed (Perharic-Walton and Murray, 1992); germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) caused hepatocyte necrosis with lobular inflammatory infiltration mainly by mononuclear cells, associated with slightly fibrous portal tracts containing inflammatory cells (Larrey et al., 1992); senna use resulted in liver cell necrosis around the central veins as well as portal and lobular infiltration by lymphocytes, histiocytes, and rare plasma cells (Beuers et al., 1991); chaparral intake was associated with hepatocellular necrosis combined with inflammation, portal tract expansion, mild cholestasis and fibrous septation (Batchelor et al., 1995); and the herbal TCM Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) was considered to cause acidophil bodies, ballooned hepatocytes, lobular inflammatory cell infiltrates including eosinophils, and portal tracts containing mononuclear cells and eosinophils (Yang et al., 2012a). Based on causality established by positive reexposure results, these few examples may provide some insight in morphological liver changes due to herbal use.

Histological features usually are not clinically relevant, but some clinicians still consider a liver biopsy an important part of the diagnostic work-up in suspected hepatotoxicity cases. The question is whether histological results changed the initial diagnosis or benefited the individual patient. In two cases of initially suspected HILI, however, histological findings of giant cell hepatitis were reported and completely ignored (Dunbar and Solga, 2007; Schoepfer et al., 2007), while the clinical course and this particular histological pattern best fitted with an existing severe virus infection with hepatic involvement rather than herbal hepatotoxicity (Teschke and Schwarzenboeck, 2009).

Clearly, the pathologist is not helpful offering diagnoses such as HILI or liver injury compatible with or suggestive for herbal use. Overall, liver histology as a supporting routine method for assessing HILI cases is not recommended, it commonly adds little new specific diagnostic clues as information to the case without benefit for the patient; as an invasive procedure, rare but potentially life threatening complications may occur (Teschke and Frenzel, 2014).

Alternative Causes

Unrecognized alternative diseases are a real clinical problem when caring for patients with initially assumed but later not confirmed HILI. Several hundred liver diseases have to be considered as diagnoses alternative to HILI, to be ruled out under clinical aspects and with specific diagnostic tools. As a reminder for clinicians, a checklist with details for these alternative diagnoses is available (Table 7) (Teschke et al., 2014d). Numerous missed diagnoses were found upon reevaluation of initially assumed HILI cases, with similar problems for DILI (Figure 2) (Teschke et al., 2013g, 2014a). Exclusion of hepatitis E and infections by cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella zoster virus (VZV) should be obligatory rather than facultative (Table 7).

TABLE 7

Table 7. Differential diagnoses of HILI.

FIGURE 2

Figure 2. Missed diagnoses in cases of initially suspected hepatotoxicity by herbs and synthetic drugs. Adapted from a previous report (Teschke et al., 2013f), which provides the respective references for each item presented above. Abbreviations: CMV, cytomegalovirus; EBV, Epstein Barr virus; HSV herpes simplex virus; LKM, liver kidney microsomes; SMA, smooth muscle antibodies; VZV, varicella zoster virus.

Causality Evaluation

Reexposure

Establishing the diagnosis of HILI may be cumbersome in the usual clinical setting, with experts not available in place and in time. Since, convincing biomarkers for all HILI cases are lacking, the gold standard for the diagnosis of hepatotoxicity still is a positive unintentional reexposure test result, if available (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993; García-Cortés et al., 2008; Chalasani and Björnsson, 2010). Details of essential criteria are based on the conclusions of an International Consensus Meeting, as referred previously (Bénichou et al., 1993). Accordingly, required data are baseline ALT levels before reexposure, designed ALTb, and reexposure ALT levels, designed ALTr. The reexposure test is positive, if ALTr = 2ALTb and ALTb is below 5N, with N as the upper limit of the normal value (Table 8). Other variations lead to uninterpretable results. Some HILI reports mentioned a positive reaction upon reexposure, and these cases were further analyzed. Not all reexposure tests could be confirmed, partially due to lack of any details; however, for numerous herbs and herbal preparations of TCM and modern medicine, valid reexposure test results confirmed causality in the assessed HILI cases (Table 9) (Teschke et al., 2014b,d); using these cases, some characteristic features of daily and cumulative doses, divergences between treatment duration and latency period, and reexposure duration are evident (Table 5).

TABLE 8

Table 8. Conditions of unintentional reexposure tests in suspected HILI cases.

TABLE 9

Table 9. Analysis of reported positive reexposure test results in cases of suspected herbal Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) induced liver injury.

CIOMS/RUCAM

Physicians at armlength from the patient with HILI are well advised to consider a pragmatic thorough clinical evaluation in connection with a prospective structured approach assessing causality, providing the diagnosis in time while the disease is unfolding and without delay due to waiting periods for expert rounds' conclusions months thereafter; this is a crucial issue worldwide. We clearly prefer the CIOMS scale (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences), also called RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method), in its original form (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993) or better its update (Tables 10, 11) (Teschke et al., 2013a, 2014d). Discussions focused on strengths and weaknesses of CIOMS, a learning system and not immutable (Andrade et al., 2004; Rochon et al., 2008; Aithal et al., 2011; García-Cortés et al., 2011; Teschke and Wolff, 2011; Teschke and Schulze, 2012; Teschke et al., 2008c, 2013e, 2014d; Lewis, 2014; NIH, 2014b). Outlined suggestions for improvement and refinement are incorporated in the updated CIOMS scale (Tables 10, 11) (Teschke et al., 2013e, 2014d). Included is now the search for additional competing causes such as sepsis; or autoimmune hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B and C, primary biliary cholangitis and sclerosing cholangitis, and genetic liver diseases. HBsAg and HBV-DNA quantification were added to distinguish HBV infection from immunization, as was HCV-RNA to correctly assess HCV infections. Specific diagnostic criteria now include PCR detection and titer changes of the respective antibodies (IgM, IgG) for CMV, EBV, HEV, HSV, and VZV infections. Hepatobiliary sonography was supplemented by color Doppler sonography including assessments of the liver vessels, endosonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC. Alcohol as risk factor is now specified by an intake of >2 drinks per day (>14 units/week) in woman and >3 drinks per day (21 units/week) in men, whereby one drink corresponds to 10 g ethanol. For comparison and method validation, causality has been evaluated in 101 hepatotoxicity cases by both the original and updated CIOMS scales, with identical causality results published in 6 studies (Teschke et al., 2014d). Therefore, the updated CIOMS scale was validated, and there is no need for further validation of the updated CIOMS scale vs. the original CIOMS scale.

TABLE 10

Table 10. CIOMS scale for the hepatocellular type of injury in HILI cases.

TABLE 11

Table 11. CIOMS scale for the cholestatic or mixed type of injury in HILI cases.

A selective compilation shows that numerous international registries and regulatory agencies as well as associated groups actually apply CIOMS for HILI and DILI cases (Table 12), with its advantages over other causality assessing approaches (Teschke et al., 2013a) including the method of DILIN (Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) (Table 13). As opposed to the DILIN method, CIOMS fascinates by its stringent scoring system (Table 13), with its generation of a quantitative assessment (score) to address probability, which is more precise than a simple yes or no (Gunawan and Kaplowitz, 2004). Support for CIOMS was actually provided by Navarro as DILIN member and senior author of a HDS case series by applying CIOMS for causality assessment (Halegoua-De Marzio et al., 2013), whereas CIOMS was not in favor of Lewis, another DILIN member (Lewis, 2014). Although, connected with an actual commentary on a single HILI case report that did not undergo any formal causality assessment, Navarro also correctly acknowledged that CIOMS/RUCAM is the most frequently referenced scoring system (Fenkel and Navarro, 2011). This assumption supports earlier systematic analyses of 2008 (Tajiri and Shimizu, 2008). Of 61 DILI reports that were reviewed in the PubMed database over the last decade, showing that CIOMS was the most used scale. In a recent confirmative study of 573 HILI cases (Table 14), CIOMS again was the most used method applied in 275 cases (48.0%) (Teschke et al., 2013g), in line with mainstream opinion (Tables 12, 14) (Wai, 2006; Aithal et al., 2011; NIH, 2014a,b; Björnsson et al., 2012, 2013. The CIOMS scale was widely used for hepatotoxicity assessments in epidemiological studies, clinical trials, case reports, case series, regulatory analyses, and genotyping studies, as referenced in detail recently (Teschke et al., 2013f).

TABLE 12

Table 12. Selective compilation of international registries and regulatory agencies, and associated groups applying the CIOMS scale for causality evaluation in suspected HILI and DILI cases.

TABLE 13

Table 13. Core elements of the updated CIOMS scale vs. DILIN method.

TABLE 14

Table 14. Compilation of causality assessment methods used in suspected HILI cases.

CIOMS is structured, quantitative, and specific and validated for hepatotoxicity, and considers all its core elements (Tables 10, 11) (Teschke et al., 2014d). It was developed by an international expert panel and validated by cases with positive reexposure tests as gold standard, showing good sensitivity (86%), specificity (89%), positive predictive value (93%), and negative predictive value (78%) (Bénichou et al., 1993). Of note, the scales for the hepatocellular and the cholestatic (± hepatocellular) type of injury differ slightly (Tables 10, 11).

The CIOMS scale was conceptualized and developed in consensus meetings organized at the request of the Council for International Organizations of Medial Sciences (CIOMS) (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993), aiming to overcome experts' previous problems with unstructured and unquantified evaluations lacking defined and scored items,resulting in debated causality assignments. This CIOMS scale represented a breakthrough in DILI and HILI causality assessment methods and extended, specified, and quantified preceding versions (Danan, 1988; Bénichou, 1990). The basis for CIOMS was provided by eight experts in hepatology from 6 countries and included J. P. Benhamou (France), J. Bircher (Germany), G. Danan (France), W. C. Maddrey (USA), J. Neuberger (UK), F. Orlandi (Italy), N. Tygstrup (Denmark), and H. J. Zimmerman (USA) (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993). These experts in the field evaluated DILI cases for case characteristics, hepatotoxicity criteria, liver injury pattern, and reexposure criteria; they standardized DILI case assessment with specific, quantitative items and validated their method with established positive reexposure DILI case results (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993). CIOMS was developed for assessment of a single drug containing a synthetic product and may be used for a single herb containing multiple chemical constituents, but does not allow causality attribution to a single constituent.

CIOMS provides a differentiating range of causality grades for the responsible agent(s) and clearly delineates liver specific criteria for challenge, dechallenge, exclusion of unrelated diseases, and comedication (Bénichou et al., 1993; Danan and Bénichou, 1993). It even takes into account atypical chronology with +1 point for challenge periods of <5 days or > 90 days, whereas the period of 5–90 days renders +2 points (Table 10). It is well adapted for cases with missing data. Physicians suspecting herbal hepatotoxicity can easily use CIOMS, results are readily available within a few minutes.

To facilitate valid actual assessment and possible external reevaluation, CIOMS scale data should be provided individually point by point for each patient (Tables 10, 11), along with the list of alternative diagnoses to be excluded (Table 7). In publications of HILI cases and for submission to regulatory agencies as spontaneous reports, the completed CIOMS scale with all items including individual and final scores should be supplied to ensure data transparency, as published before (Teschke et al., 2008a, 2011a,d,e, 2012b,d,h; Teschke and Bahre, 2009; Teschke, 2010a,c) and presented as example, using the CIOMS scale of the hepatocellular type of injury (Table 15).

TABLE 15

Table 15. Preferred documentation as example: Tabulated causality assessment of 15 patients with primarily suspected HILI by Pelargonium sidoides (PS).

Thus, we strongly recommend for HILI case assessment a sequential approach, starting with thorough clinical evaluations and concomitant prospective causality evaluation by the updated CIOMS scale (Tables 10, 11), followed by optional expert opinion based on scored CIOMS items, if uncertainty remains, and finally for reasons of transparency, appropriate documentation of case details (Tables 3, 6, 7, 15).

DILIN method

With use restricted to its own country, the United States DILIN causality method (Chalasani et al., 2008) does not operate within the international HILI and DILI mainstream domains, as opposed to CIOMS (Table 12). The DILIN method may create problems even in its homeland when physicians are waiting for conclusions of expert circles at times HILI is unfolding. Representing a post-clinical, postponed evaluation rather than a rapid assessment of HILI as a critical disease, the DILIN method will not gain the same international popularity as its counterpart CIOMS (Tables 9, 10, 12), also due to other major shortcomings (Table 13).

Although, various CIOMS criteria (Danan and Bénichou, 1993) have been incorporated in the DILIN method (Rochon et al., 2008), the DILIN group missed the chance to establish the fundaments of a newly conceptualized causality method for DILI and HILI, considering the well known pros ad cons of CIOMS (García-Cortés et al., 2011; Teschke et al., 2013a, 2014d), rather than commenting on few shortcomings of CIOMS at the expense on its own DILIN method (Lewis, 2014). As opposed to the transparent CIOMS results shown by tables with individual scored items (Tables 10, 11) and the applied scale with actual 15 assumed HILI cases (Table 15), the DILIN method lacks both transparency and individual item scorings (Teschke et al., 2013a, 2014d). Results presented as percentage ranges only and not given as clearly defined, individually scored items before are irrelevant. Proving a moderate reliability of their DILIN causality approach is far from concordance (Rochon et al., 2008; Teschke et al., 2014d); expert opinion validation therefore seems to be irrelevant. DILIN should close the present evaluating gap by recommending physicians in clinical practice to use CIOMS a priori to improve causality assessment already at origin of clinical data, while DILIN may later use these CIOMS-based itemized data for own assessment.

Naranjo scale

Causality assessment of hepatotoxicity cases by the Naranjo scale (Naranjo et al., 1981) with its known shortcomings is problematic (Table 13), although favored by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) (Mahady et al., 2008) but rejected by the United States DILIN group (Lewis, 2014) and other groups (García-Cortés et al., 2011). This scale relates toxic drug reactions to general pharmacological drug actions rather than specifically to idiosyncratic reactions like hepatotoxicity; it contains drug concentrations and monitoring, dose relationship including decreasing dose, placebo response, cross-reactivity, and confirmation of the ADR using unidentified objective evidence, which are irrelevant for HILI (Naranjo et al., 1981; Teschke and Wolff, 2011; Teschke and Schulze, 2012). The hepatotoxicity unspecific feature of the Naranjo scale is unacceptable in suspected HILI cases, its results are heavily disputed (Liss and Lewis, 2009; Mahady et al., 2008; Sarma et al., 2008; Teschke, 2010c; Teschke and Wolff, 2011; Teschke et al., 2011d,e; Teschke and Schulze, 2012); this also pertains to a shortened version with only 5 of the original 10 items (Teschke and Schulze, 2012). Lack of hepatotoxicity specificity of the Naranjo algorithm was associated with missing definition of liver ADR, unclear time frame and latency period, undefined time frame for dechallenge, lacking risk factor definition, insufficient evaluation of alternative diagnoses, inappropriate assessment of comedication; and missing definition of a positive rechallenge test (Naranjo et al., 1981; Teschke and Schulze, 2012). This scale also was considered insensitive, allowing a possible causality even in the absence of essential data by virtue of the patient simply having taken the suspected agent (Liss and Lewis, 2009; Sarma et al., 2008). The Naranjo scale as modified by USP (Mahady et al., 2008) did not exclude alternative causes such as idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic or cardiac hepatopathy, other preexisting liver diseases, DILI, and drug-induced rhabdomyolysis (Sarma et al., 2008; Teschke, 2014; Teschke et al., 2011d,e). It therefore appears that the USP approach (Mahady et al., 2008) is an invalid tool for causality assessment in suspected HILI, leading to the conclusion that quality of causality assessment is more important than quantity of counted cases, not vice versa (Teschke et al., 2012g). Use of this method has raised concern about judgment validity by the USP regarding cases of hepatotoxicty by green tea (Liss and Lewis, 2009; Teschke and Schulze, 2012).

WHO method

The WHO method in short consists of both the WHO scale and the global introspection by experts (WHO, 2000b) and was applied for assessing causality in cases of kava hepatotoxicity by the WHO (2007a) and of PS hepatotoxicity as erroneously assumed by the German regulatory agency BfArM and the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association (DCGMA, 2011), but the value of this hepatotoxicity unspecific method was heavily debated (Stammschulte and Gundert-Remy, 2012; Teschke et al., 2012b,c,d) and judged obsolete before (Teschke and Wolff, 2011), considering its known shortcomings (Table 13). In general, global introspection represents a strategy in evaluating the likelihood of drug causality for adverse reactions (Kramer, 1986). Surprisingly, this method also has never been validated for any ADRs (Teschke et al., 2012c); as early as 1986, global introspection by experts has been shown to be neither reproducible nor valid (Kramer, 1986). Both the questions and the answers are ambiguous (Teschke and Wolff, 2011). Specifically, the assessor considers factors that might causally link one or more drugs to an observed ADR, lists all factors, weighs their importance, and decides the probability of drug causation (Kramer, 1986). No specific check list or level of strength is given.

The WHO scale was not validated by a gold standard, is not quantitative, not specific for hepatotoxicity (WHO, 2000b; Teschke and Wolff, 2011; Teschke et al., 2012b,c,d, 2013b,e). Reliability, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values are unknown. Its scope is also limited since it cannot discriminate between a positive and a negative correlation, thereby stimulating overdiagnosing and overreporting (Teschke et al., 2013b). The WHO method ignores uncertainties in daily dose, temporal association, start, duration, and end of herbal use, time to onset of ADR, and course of liver values after herb discontinuation. Insufficiently considered or ignored are comedications, pre-existing liver diseases, numerous alternative explanations, and exclusion of virus infections by hepatitis A - C, CMV, EBV, HSV, and VZV (Teschke et al., 2012b,d). Similarly, case duplications and retracted cases remained undetected by the WHO method (Teschke et al., 2012a). Despite these flaws, the WHO method was used for causality assessment in herbal hepatotoxicity cases (Elinav et al., 2007; Schoepfer et al., 2007; DCGMA, 2011; Stammschulte and Gundert-Remy, 2012; Teschke et al., 2012b,d); claimed causality for PS was not confirmed after reevaluation in two studies (Teschke et al., 2012b,d).

Other approaches

Other attempts to evaluate causality in assumed HILI cases exist (Hung et al., 2011), also the ad-hoc assessment (Kaplowitz, 2001), which was preferentially used for kava cases by the German regulatory agency (BfArM, 2002) and in detail disputed subsequently (Teschke and Wolff, 2011), and the Karch & Lasagna method applied in some HILI cases of Herbalife^® and considered obsolete recently (Teschke et al., 2013d), due to known shortcomings.

Questionable and Lacking Causality

Although causality was firmly established for various herbal TCM preparations as well as other herbs and herbal products in reported HILI cases (Tables 1, 2) (Teschke et al., 2011a, 2012a,e, 2014a), causality problems emerged with a few herbs and herbal preparations as evidenced by some full length published reports with detailed analyses. Among these are black cohosh with a possible causality grading in one single HILI case (Teschke, 2010c) and lacking causality in another study (Naser et al., 2011), kava with a highly probable causality level in one HILI case confirmed by a positive reexposure test result (Teschke et al., 2008a), and a confirmed causality grading assessed by a positive reexposure test result for a Herbalife^® product in a single HILI case (Teschke et al., 2013d); however, CIOMS/RUCAM based causality for some Herbalife^® products was highly probable in one patient and probable in six patients, as preliminarily reported in abstract form without any case details including case data quality (Halegoua-De Marzio et al., 2013), which was described as poor and scattered before (Teschke et al., 2013c).

With Ba Jiao Lian (Dysosma pleianthum), this TCM herb was not further considered as hepatotoxic (Teschke, 2014; Teschke et al., 2014c, 2015b), since not all diagnostic criteria were fulfilled for cases of hepatotoxicity by this herb (NIH, 2014c; Teschke, 2014). In detail, after herbal use at recommended doses, the patients manifested abnormal liver function tests associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, sensory ataxia, altered consciousness and persistent peripheral tingling or numbness. However, the increase of the aminotransferases was marginal, with preference of AST rather than ALT. The AST increase could reflect isolated damage of the mitochondria around the hepatic central vein or muscular damage, because of the associated increase of creatine phosphokinase, findings not in support for a clinically relevant toxic liver disease (Teschke, 2014). Evidence against a hepatotoxic potential was also provided for Jing Tian San Qi (Sedum aizoon) as another herbal TCM (Teschke, 2014), based on the results of recent studies showing that in patients with HSOS, the hepatotoxic PAs in the herbal TCM Tu San Qi (Gynura segetum) were responsible rather than the misidentified Sedum aizoon lacking these alkaloids (Dai et al., 2006; Gao et al., 2006, 2012; Wu et al., 2008; Lin et al., 2011; Wang and Gao, 2014).

Pathogenetic Aspects of HILI

Any HILI case report should describe details to ensure a pathogenetic case classification, using appropriate criteria that characterize two major forms of HILI (Figure 1). One of these is named idiosyncratic, the other one intrinsic (Zimmerman, 1999; Teschke et al., 2008a). The idiosyncratic form of injury is unpredictable and independent of the dose; its metabolic and immunologic subtypes require special attention in clinical practice (Figure 1). Conversely, the intrinsic form of liver injury is predictable and dose dependent (Figure 1). Although, valid data are lacking, it appears that most HILI cases are of the idiosyncratic rather than the intrinsic form.

Idiosyncratic Form

As an example, clinical assessment characterized kava hepatotoxicity as an idiosyncratic liver injury linked to a metabolic aberration in unusually susceptible humans, providing an overall low incidence of kava hepatotoxicity in the normal population (Teschke et al., 2008a). This rarity of kava hepatotoxicity was also considered in the recent kava trial and evaluated as a positive risk/benefit constellation (Court, 2014), opposing previous regulatory assumptions to the contrary (BfArM, 2002). In accordance with other HILI cases of the idiosyncratic form of injury, human kava hepatotoxicity is not reproducible in experimental animals. Therefore, results of preclinical assessments with kava in experimental studies showing lack of liver toxicity are not transferrable to humans with another susceptibility setting and are not suitable to ensure safe use in humans. Since experimental reproducibility is missing, the lack of an experimental model prevents analytical evaluations directed to a proposed molecular mechanism of kava hepatotoxicity. Regarding human kava hepatotoxicity, characteristics of the metabolic subtype of the idiosyncratic form of injury prevail, based on the variable duration of exposure of 1week up to 12 months, associated with a weak dose dependency (Teschke et al., 2008a). Overall, most plants are fairly well tolerated by humans, whether used as normal food, herbal drugs, or HDS.

The pathophysiology of idiosyncratic HILI in humans is difficult to assess due to lack of experimental reproducibility and hence missing existence of an experimental animal model of HILI. There are abundant studies related to effects of herbs on animals or in vitro cell systems, but uncertainty exists whether these experimental results are transferable to human idiosyncratic HILI conditions. However, pathogenetic aspects are well assessable for HILI cases of the intrinsic form, due to available animal models with experimental hepatotoxicity and the possibility of transferring their results to human conditions.

Intrinsic Form

Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) hepatotoxicity is a typical liver injury of the intrinsic form, since it is dose dependent and reproducible in mice (Larrey and Faure, 2011). Due to its experimental reproducibility in animals, the molecular pathogenesis of Germander hepatotoxicity can easily be studied in experimental hepatotoxicity and transferred to human Germander hepatotoxicity. Germander components are neoclerodane diterpenoids that are oxidized by the cytochrome P450 3A isoform into reactive metabolites. These deplete hepatic stores of glutathione and cytoskeleton associated protein thiols, form plasma membrane blebs, and cause apoptosis contributing to liver cell necrosis (Larrey et al., 1992; Larrey and Faure, 2011).

PAs are other good examples for the intrinsic form of liver injury, which again is clearly dose dependent, thereby predictable, and hence preventable. For herbs containing PAs, each consumer of these herbs is at a dose dependent risk developing HSOS as a specific entity of liver disease (Smith and Desmond, 1993; Sperl et al., 1995; Stillman et al., 1977; Fu et al., 2004). PA containing plants are probably the most common poisonous plants affecting not only humans but also livestock and wildlife, with more than 6.000 plants containing PAs and about 3% of the world's flowering plants containing PAs (Fu et al., 2004). Some of these plants have caused toxic liver disease, recognized as epidemics and sometimes primarily assigned to viral hepatitis and not necessarily to toxic plants (Tandon et al., 1976a,b, 2008). Human embryotoxicity caused by PAs has been described in a newborn whose mother drank one cup of a tea containing PAs per day throughout pregnancy (Roulet et al., 1988; Fu et al., 2004). Some PA containing plants such as Crotalaria species (Bush tea, Rattlebox), Ilex paraguarensis (Mate tea), Symphytum species (Comfrey), Senecio species (Groundsel), Heliotropium species, and Compositae species (Indian herbs) that caused HILI are tabulated (Table 2). These herbs also injure cattle and house animals (Fu et al., 2004) and cause experimental hepatotoxicity in animals (Lin et al., 2011). PAs can be quantified in the serum of patients with HSOS (Lin et al., 2011; Larrey and Faure, 2011). The pathogenesis of PA hepatotoxicity has been elucidated in experimental studies, which showed the involvement of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 in the activation of PAs (Larrey and Faure, 2011).

Finally, herbal TCM products containing more than 19 g dose of Radix bupleuri may increase the hepatotoxicity risk (Lee et al., 2011); this dose dependency was confirmed in experimental animals and provided insights into some pathogenetic processes (Liu et al., 2014).

Juristical Considerations

Black Cohosh

Legal aspects of HILI case assessment rarely provide particular juridical and clinical challenges. Two court decisions merit attention, one relates to BC and the other one to kava. In 2005, a report was published representing a case of a 50 year old woman with fulminant liver failure and liver transplantation in assumed connection with the use of BC (Levitsky et al., 2005). A product liability action was filed by the patient after her recovery (Nebraska, 2006).

The decision of the judge answered the question whether in the specific case under discussion sufficient evidence establishes the herb as a generally or individually specific cause for the observed liver disease; for black cohosh, both aspects of causation were denied. General causation refers to the previously established hepatotoxicity by the same herb, but this was denied because of lack of convincing data. Specific causation refers to the case under discussion; this was also refuted on grounds of conflicting case data, poor case data quality, and numerous confounding variables (Nebraska, 2006). Our clinical diagnosis in this case was herpetic hepatitis and liver disease unrelated to BC or comedicated drugs, and CIOMS based assessment led to an excluded causality for both BC and comedicated drugs (Teschke and Schwarzenboeck, 2009): For this case of BC overdose, conclusions for an update of 22.12.2006 were provided (EMA, 2007): Worst case causality scoring would be possible, if comments of the expert would not be taken into account; because of the clinical experience of the expert and the requested obligatory causality in front of an American court, preference is given keeping the causality at a probable level (EMA, 2007). The conclusions of EMA are cloudy, difficult to reconcile, and ignore presented details, since the judge actually excluded both involved experts from expert testimony as to causation according to Daubert, rule 702 (Nebraska, 2006). As explained in detail, this rule requires that an expert be qualified to render a testimony on the subject, and that his testimony be reliable and relevant. None of the experts obviously met these and other required qualifications. Following the trial, USP reduced the causality for BC in this case from a probable to a possible level (Mahady et al., 2008). An erratum clarified the case conditions (Levitsky et al., 2008). Our clinical diagnosis in this case was herpetic hepatitis and liver disease unrelated to BC or comedicated drugs; CIOMS based assessment led to an excluded causality for both BC and comedicated drugs (Teschke and Schwarzenboeck, 2009). In retrospect, this court case calls for a thorough transparent documentation of HILI cases, associated with an unbiased expert opinion.

Kava

Kava was in the focus of another trial in connection with its marketing withdrawal by the German regulatory agency BfArM (Schmidt, 2014). Almost 12 years after the German regulatory agency BfArM issued an intermediate withdrawal of marketing authorization for products containing extracts of kava (Piper methysticum, Piperaceae) root and/or rhizoma (BfArM, 2002), the case has been reviewed by the German administrative court in Cologne (Court, 2014). According to the court's ruling on June 11, 2014, there was no justification for the ban of kava medicinal products issued by the German BfArM (Schmidt, 2014). The court ruled that based on available evidence, the benefit/risk ratio of kava medicinal products was confirmed as positive and must be considered as positive (Court, 2014), with credit given for previous reports (Schmidt, 2014) assessing causality in cases of assumed kava hepatotoxicity with the CIOMS scale (Teschke et al., 2008a, 2010; Teschke and Wolff, 2009; Teschke, 2010a). Credit was also given (Court, 2014) to the work of others (Sarris et al., 2013). Their double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial was performed with a well defined noble kava drug that is on the market in Australia, showing both efficacy of kava in patients treated for their generalized anxiety disorders and lack of overt adverse reactions (Sarris et al., 2013), confirming kava efficacy based on a previous Cochrane study (Pittler and Ernst, 2003a). As a consequence of the court's ruling, German kava products have been formally restored to their market status on June 2002. As an update, BfArM appealed the court's ruling on June 30, 2014, but justification for the appeal has not yet been published (Schmidt, 2014). Clearly, the ruling is a major breakthrough, as it strengthens the legal certainty and predictability of regulatory decisions for herbal medicinal product manufacturers in general. It is also a call for the BfArM and other regulatory agencies to present transparent and appropriate clinical documentations of future HILI cases to be evaluated by clinically well trained regulatory assessors and external experts in the field, to be more self-critically, not to dismiss expert views to the contrary a priori, and providing rather than refuting original HILI case data in anonymous form to interested requesting scientists to assist in case evaluations.

Essentials of Herbal Product Quality

Herb Authentication and Product Identification

Good quality of herbal drugs and other herbal products is prerequisite for safe human use (Table 16) (Teschke et al., 2013c). However, shortcomings of herbal products are well documented, both in herbal TCM and herbal modern medicine. Herbal authentication was an issue for BC (Sarma et al., 2008; Health Canada, 2010) and various TCM herbs (Haller et al., 2002; Teschke, 2014; Teschke et al., 2014b). There also was considerable debate whether kava products used by patients with kava hepatotoxicity might have been of poor quality including inappropriate herb authentication. This led to a comprehensive assessment and a proposal for a Kava Quality Standardization Code (Teschke and Lebot, 2011). Actually, several guidelines exist already for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), applicable to medicinal plants and herbal medicines to ensure their product quality (WHO, 2000a, 2003, 2006, 2007b). Despite these official precautionary recommendations for quality improvements, batch and product variability is not unusual (Lebot, 2006; Schmidt, 2007; Teschke and Lebot, 2011; Teschke et al., 2013c). Violation of GAP or GMP rules also will result in herbal products that lack efficacy, safety, or both.

TABLE 16

Table 16. Proposal for international harmonization: requirements for regulatory approved herbal drugs.

When plants are considered for human use as ingredients of a herbal drug and dietary supplement, a clear definition and identification of plant family, subfamily, species, subspecies, and variety is mandatory, best done by a professional classical botanical description for any herb. Neglect may cause variation in plant family and species, contributing to the overall batch and product variability. Appropriate information should be provided by the manufacturers in the consumer's leaflet, thereby being available to the physician who suspects liver injury induced by a herbal product. The leaflet requires the name of the herbal product and the manufacturer's address who will provide additional information upon request. Therefore, all essential data of herb identification and the herbal product should be available before reporting HILI case details as spontaneous reports to the regulatory agencies or as case report publication. However, pitfalls are evident already at this stage of case evaluation.

In kava drug hepatotoxicity as an example, herb identification problems were evident. The manufacturers did not provide details on kava variety identification, so this specific information was missing in all spontaneous reports and case report publications (BfArM, 2002; Schmidt, 2007; WHO, 2007a; Teschke et al., 2008a; Teschke, 2010a,b, 2011). In the South Pacific region of origin, several hundred kava varieties exist—also called kava cultivars—and are grouped into noble, medicinal, and Two-Day varieties (Lebot, 2006; Schmidt, 2007; Teschke and Lebot, 2011; Teschke et al., 2011b). They differ in their kavalactone composition and their pleasant and unwanted, possibly toxic effects. In cases of suspected hepatotoxicity, it remained unclear which kava variety had to be incriminated. Interestingly, regulatory approval of kava drugs neither considered different kava varieties nor required respective labeling (BfArM, 2002). Thus, kava hepatotoxicity remains unexplained.

Other problems of herb or product identification have been described in detail in various cases of initially suspected herbal hepatotoxicity (EMA, 2007; WHO, 2007b; Mahady et al., 2008; Teschke et al., 2011a,b,d,e). Incomplete herb description complicates accurate association of herbs with liver injury and allows only general assumptions (Teschke, 2010c; Teschke et al., 2013e,f). Besides overall herb descriptions, the brand name of the herbal product has been provided in only a few case reports, and data for manufacturer, plant part, and extraction solvent normally was fragmentary (Teschke et al., 2011e, 2013c). For instance, the rate of undetermined herbal products was 10/16 cases (63%) among published case reports (Teschke et al., 2011e). This high rate questions the validity of any causality attribution. Additional problems arise from herbal mixtures, in which individual ingredients are not specified (Teschke, 2010c; Teschke et al., 2011d,e). Again, case reports have been published as HILI even if the patients were not sure whether they used a herbal product at all (Teschke et al., 2011e).

For GC, case reports assumed causality for hepatotoxicity in all 21 cases, but details on the GC product were fragmentary (Teschke et al., 2012e). Out of these 21 cases, seven patients used a GC monopreparation and four patients a GC polyherbal product, brand names and manufacturers were known in only nine patients. Fears of liability may contribute to the restriction of detailed product specifications by the authors. On the other hand, the regulatory agency did not hesitate to provide all relevant data of GC products from spontaneous cases of GC hepatotoxicity (Teschke et al., 2011a).

Therefore, unless complete data for herbal identification, ingredients, and name of the herbal product are provided in each HILI case, a valid causality assignment is not realistic. Identification problems are evident also in most HDS providing little specific information (Navarro et al., 2014; Robles-Diaz et al., 2015).

Plant Part Specification

Reports on HILI rarely provide details of the plant part used, ignoring specific toxic properties attributable to different parts of a plant. The regulatory recommendation for kava drugs was to use its peeled rhizome (Teschke and Lebot, 2011). In various assumed HILI cases by kava it remained unclear, whether also unpeeled rhizomes, peeled and unpeeled roots, and/or stem peelings were used, hampering evaluation of the causative agent of kava hepatotoxicity (WHO, 2007a; Teschke, 2011). For the U.S. FDA, peeled kava rhizomes were recommended for kava supplements (Teschke and Schulze, 2010), and according to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, the commonly used medicinal kava products are derived from peeled rhizomes (Sarris et al., 2009). Plant part specification can be a major regulatory, agricultural, manufactural, pharmaceutical, and clinical issue (Teschke and Lebot, 2011).

Solvents and Solubilizers

Herbal drugs and supplements are specified as extracts that are either water based or prepared from organic solvents like ethanol or acetone, but regulatory advice is often lacking (Teschke and Lebot, 2011). Thus, herbal extracts will substantially differ in their composition depending on the solvent. In addition, numerous solubilizers like macrogol, craspovidon, mentha oil, methyl acrylic acid polymer and polysorbate polyols may be included in herbal products to facilitate gastrointestinal uptake (Teschke, 2010b). Therefore, solvents and solubilizers may influence the composition of chemicals in the herbal product and selectively affect the bioavailability for the liver as the target organ. These variations hamper causality attribution in suspected HILI cases, leading to the recommendation that kava drugs and supplements should be water based extracts lacking any solvents or solubilizers (WHO, 2007a; Teschke and Schulze, 2010; Teschke et al., 2011b).

Misidentifications, Impurities, and Adulterants

For herbal product quality, not only plant misidentification but also contaminants, impurities and adulterants still remain key problems (Kang-Yum and Oransky, 1992; Espinoza et al., 1995; Gertner et al., 1995; Huang et al., 1997; Ko, 1998; Ernst, 2002; Estes et al., 2003; Lebot, 2006; Schmidt, 2007; Seeff, 2007; WHO, 2007b; Mahady et al., 2008; Navarro, 2009; Teschke et al., 2009, 2011c,e; Health Canada, 2010; Larrey and Faure, 2011; Teschke and Lebot, 2011). Adulterants are not uncommon in herbal TCM mixtures; they usually consist of synthetic drugs to provide or fortify product efficacy. Although rarely addressed by analytical approaches in patients with actually reported HILI, Health Canada was the only regulatory agency with recently reported interest in the analytical assessment of herbal products to evaluate quality, providing evidence for misidentification of herbs in some products and presenting results that the accused herb was not present in the herbal products used by the affected patients (Health Canada, 2010).

It remains to be established to what extent misidentifications, impurities, and adulterants are responsible for individual HILI cases. For instance, possible causality for hepatotoxicity cases of the herbal TCM mixtures Chaso and Onshido was ascribed to N-nitroso-fenfluramine, found as adulterant in these slimming aid products that had been produced in China and sold in Japan (Adachi et al., 2003). However, there is only little clinical or experimental evidence for a potential hepatotoxicity by this adulterant (Kanda et al., 2003a,b; Lau et al., 2004). It rather appears that green tea as ingredient was the causative agent if supplied as extract (Teschke, 2014).

Misidentification may create major clinical challenges and harm dramatically the health of consumers, shown for the following cases (Teschke, 2014). Until 2008, overall 41 cases from China with HSOS, the former HVOD, were reported and causally attributed to the herbal TCM Jing Tian San Qi (Sedum aizoon, syn. Stonecrop) (Wu et al., 2008), but causal attribution to Sedum aizoon was obviously incorrect. Sedum aizoon lacks PAs, and when applied to experimental animals, HSOS did not eme.g., Lin et al., 2011, suggesting that a herb containing PAs likely is reponsible for the reported cases (Wu et al., 2008). In line with this is another hepatotoxicity case from Hong Kong with HSOS that initially also was ascribed to Sedum aizoon, but it turned out to have been caused by the herbal TCM Tu San Qi (Gynura segetum) (Lin et al., 2011). The name and appearance of Sedum aizoon is similar to the one of Gynura segetum, but botanical differentiation was considered possible for the eye of experts (Lin et al., 2011). Comparative studies with both herbs provided clear supportive evidence for Gynura segetum as culprit for additional cases of HSOS as compared to Sedum aizoon. Respective studies in mice showed that Gynura segetum as the PA containing herb but not Sedum aizoon lacking PAs causes experimental HSOS as assessed by liver histology results (Lin et al., 2011). In an earlier experimental study, a model of the hepatic veno-occlusive disease was established by PAs derived from a herb described erronously as Sedum aizoon (Gao et al., 2006), which again does not contain PAs (Lin et al., 2011; Gao et al., 2012; Wang and Gao, 2014). This suggests that the described experimental model (Gao et al., 2006) was due to the action of a herb containing PAs, most likely Gynura segetum (Lin et al., 2011; Gao et al., 2012; Wang and Gao, 2014), rather than to Sedum aizoon lacking PAs (Gao et al., 2012). Based on these well founded considerations, evidence for a hepatotoxic potential of Jing Tian San Qi is lacking. The herbal TCM Sedum aizoon should therefore not be tabulated any more as hepatotoxic herb, as done until recently (Teschke et al., 2012h).

Gynura segetum was involved in other cases of herbal misidentification. In two Chinese women, HSOS emerged, which was induced by PAs of the herbal TCM Gynura segetum (syn. Ju Shan Qi, Ju Ye San Qi, Shan Chi, San Qi Cao, Shan Chi, Shan Chi) (Dai et al., 2006). Additional six cases were earlier suspected (Kumana et al., 1983, 1985); in at least four cases, the culprit was the PA containing herb Heliotropium lasiocarpum rather than Gynura segetum (Culvenor et al., 1986).

New Encouraging Steps

Modern medicine is well established on our globe but provides health facilities only to parts of the population with focus on patients who can afford the expenditures. Challenges of modern medicine include management of chronic disorders and orphan diseases, all at reasonable costs. To achieve this goal, support may come from herbal medicine, but this will require major efforts at various levels. Since abundant plants grow in all countries around the world and are ready to be used for treating human diseases, herbal medicine may have encouraging perspectives to become a global player, provided efficacy is proven and associated risks such as liver toxicity are limited and easily recognizable.

Progress in Developing Valid Diagnostic Biomarkers

Numerous valid clinical biomarkers exist and enable a firm diagnosis of most liver diseases unrelated to HILI and DILI, for instance by assessing specific antibodies of viral hepatitis (Table 7). New encouraging steps with the development of specific biomarkers for HILI are discussed (Larrey and Faure, 2011) in reference to a sensitive and specific assay enabling fthe detection of a reactive pyrrole-protein adduct in the serum of patients with HSOS. This disease was attributed to the Tusanqi preparation made erroneously with Gynura segetum containing PAs instead with Segetum aizoon lacking PAs (Lin et al., 2011). The results of this assay show that the patient actually consumed a herb containing PAs, which are metabolized in the liver to a reactive PA metabolite, reacting with a protein and forming an adduct (Larrey and Faure, 2011). However, this assay does not prove that PAs have caused the hepatotoxicity in this particular patient, needing supportive evidence in the clinical context. Measuring herbal toxins or their metabolites in the serum is useful in HILI cases in a setting of some intoxication, if high levels of the herbal toxin are expected in the serum due to large amounts of the consumed herb, high cumulative doses, or a prolonged degradation of the toxic herbal chemical. These conditions apply to HILI cases of the intrinsic form but not to those of the idiosyncratic form, which accounts for most HILI cases. For idiosyncratic HILI, similar restrictions apply regarding circulating micro-RNA (mRNA), presently investigated in intrinsic DILI and detectable in fluids including the serum (Zhou et al., 2013). Omics technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics might well change but not revolutionize our understanding in the diagnosis of intrinsic hepatotoxicity (Yang et al., 2012b).

Interest in biomarkers to identify idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity risks in individuals who use drugs is continuing. For idiosyncratic DILI, numerous genetic and nongenetic risk factors have been described as possible biomarkers to predict DILI in some individuals (Chalasani and Björnsson, 2010), but whether these are useful to diagnose idiosyncratic HILI is unknown.

Conformed Diagnostic HILI Case Management

At an international level and to provide transparency and comparability, an overall accepted pragmatic stratification of HILI case assessment and data presentation should be adopted and more enforced. Sequential case management and presentation should focus on narrative case details for an overview of clinical features. This kind of information is best provided as table, easily also published even for a high number of cases, as illustrated for 16 HILI cases in a single report (Table 3); this facilitates HILI characterization caused by a single herb such as GC (Table 4). Detailed presentation of established criteria of hepatotoxicity definition, differentiation of hepatocellular, cholestatic, and mixed form of liver injury, and pathogenetic classification should be mandatory (Figure 1). Information of provided or missed case details and diagnostic parameters are valuable tools that signify case data quality and ensure transparency (Table 6). The concept of a sequential diagnostic approach in suspected HILI cases best starts with thorough clinical case assessments, subsequently combined with the use of the updated CIOMS scale (Tables 10, 11) as the mainstream tool (Tables 12, 13), and followed by expert opinion, if uncertainty remains. This worldwide applicable strategy allows transparency and provides a quick basis for final causality assignments of individual HILI cases by calculating individual and final scores of individual CIOMS items (Tables 10, 11, 15). This strategy of diagnostic harmonzation is pragmatic, time and cost saving, and facilitates potential reassessment by other clinicians, scientists, manufacturers, or regulatory agencies.

International Harmonization of Regulatory Efforts and Surveillance

Encouraging efforts are reported from the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), progress is underway to improve regulatory surveillance of TCM herbal products (Zhang et al., 2012). In 2012, the SFDA model of safety monitoring and risk management of TCM drugs was still under exploration, with numerous regulatory and clinical issues. These include information on adulteration and counterfeit TCM drugs and clarification that except for SFDA approved Chinese and Western compound products, the addition of Western drugs into a TCM drug formula is illegal. SFDA has established examination methods and shelf sampling inspection of products in order to protect the safety of patients. It is not described whether SFDA proves causality in suspected HILI by TCM and CIOMS is used in analogy to other international registries and regulatory agencies (Tables 12, 14).

The regulatory situation of herbal medicines has thoroughly been evaluated worldwide for most countries of all continents (WHO, 2005). For herbal supplements, regulatory control varies among countries and commonly is less stringent or missing, whereas regulatory approved herbal drugs in Europe are under strict regulatory surveillance, as are approved synthetic drugs (EMA, 2014; MHRA, 2014). Regulatory efforts regarding herbal medicine products should be advanced, aiming at an identical quality level in all countries. This harmonization is best achieved by regulatory lifting all HDS to the level of herbal drugs, provided new regulations are formulated and strictly followed, and preclinical and clinical safety as well as efficacy is proven. Consumers will benefit from worldwide pharmacovigilance harmonization and quality control standards of herbal drugs (Table 16), deviced as previously outlined for kava quality standards (Teschke and Lebot, 2011).

Sophisticated Evidence Based Trials

China is the country with an extremely high number of published randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) (Wang et al., 2007), evaluating herbal TCM, but their efficacy has rarely been established due to poor study quality (Manheimer et al., 2009; Teschke et al., 2015a,b). There is increasing awareness that valid evidence based clinical trials for any herbal treatment should be mandatory as shown for kava through a Cochrane analysis (Pittler and Ernst, 2003a), associated with a robust risk management and balanced risk/benefit profiles (Tang et al., 1999; Wang et al., 2007; Manheimer et al., 2009; NIH, 2014a,b; Teschke et al., 2015a,b). For Europe, these trials are commonly required by EMA and national regulatory agencies for herbal drug approvement; this established system should be adopted by the WHO for global harmonization.

Promising New Drug Research and Development

Plants are natural producers of chemical substances, enforcing great expectations that in the future more synthetic drugs are developed based on herbal ingredients being effective in human diseases. In fact, for most of history, herbal medicine was the only available medicine. It has also been estimated that one third to one half of currently used drugs were originally derived from plants (Bent, 2008). Encouraging developments are underway (Pelkonen et al., 2014), with focus on herbal TCM (Li et al., 2012; Zhao et al., 2012).

Globalization

With pragmatic modern drug medicine in competition, herbal medicine should contribute some of its items to a modern type of drug medicine as part of globalized health care systems at reasonable costs. On a long run, this approach appears feasible, provided traditional and modern herbal medicine conform to the expectations and needs of patients and consumers (Leonti and Casu, 2013), requiring new steps and improvements based on debated issues outlined above. Globalization of herbal medicine needs unrestricted exchange of herbal drugs among all countries. To ensure worldwide high quality, each herbal medicine should undergo strict regulatory surveillance and be classified as herbal drug according to internationally agreed criteria. Among these are strict adherence to GAP and GMP items, clear definitions of plants, plant parts, and solvents to be used, well defined indications and treatment modalities, proof of evidence based efficacy for the proposed indications, evaluation of adverse reactions, and positive risk/benefit profiles (Table 16). Presently, HDS fulfill these criteria only marginally and need a move to the herbal drug category; otherwise withdrawal from the market will be the alternative. Concern exists that presently limited scientific evidence exists to establish the safety and efficacy of most herbal products (Bent, 2008). Of the top 10 herbs in the United States, five herbs (ginkgo, garlic, St. John's wort, soy, and kava) have scientific evidence suggesting efficacy, but concerns over safety may temper the decision to use these products. Consequently, herbal products are not likely to become an important alternative to standard medical therapies or a global player, unless there are changes to the regulation and standardization of these products (Bent, 2008).

Concluding Remarks

Herbal use is common in traditional and modern medicine and requires more international harmonization to promote herbal medicine to a global player. In analogy to European regulatory settings, herbal medicinal products should be manufactured, marketed, and supervised as regulatory approved drugs similar to synthetic drugs. Certainly, this requires global consent and major efforts but it could open a global market for these drugs. International agreement should be reached on various issues, including best quality of herbal drugs, definition of indications, and proof of therapeutic efficacy by clinical trials, determination of therapy modalities such as posology, and assessment of adverse reactions in line with risk/benefit profiles. Present issues focus on poor herbal product quality, lack of proven efficacy, and rare adverse reactions including hepatotoxicity. These should be better recognized in the future by thorough clinical evaluation associated with the CIOMS scale as the best recognized causality assessing tool worldwide, possibly followed by expert opinion if uncertainty remains.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

References

Abdualmjid, R. J., and Sergi, C. (2013). Hepatotoxic botanicals – an evidenced-based systematic review. J. Pharm. Pharmaceut. Sci. 16, 376–404.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Abu el Wafa, Y., Benaventa Fernandez, A., Talavera Fabuel, A., Perez Ramos, M. A., and Ramos-Clemente, J. I. (2005). Acute hepatitis induced by Camellia sinensis (green tea). An. Med. Interna. 22, 298.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Adachi, M., Saito, H., Kobayashi, H., Horie, Y., Kato, S., Yoshioka, M., et al. (2003). Hepatic injury in 12 patients taking the herbal loss aids Chaso and Onshido. Ann. Intern. Med. 139, 488–492. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-6-200309160-00012

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Aiba, T., Takahashi, T., Suzuki, K., Okoshi, S., Nomoto, M., Uno, K., et al. (2007). Liver injury induced by a Japanese herbal medicine, sairei-to (TJ-114, Bupleurum and Hoelen combination, Chai-Ling-Tang). J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 22, 762–763. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.03373.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Aithal, G. P., Watkins, P. B., Andrade, R. J., Larrey, D., Molokhia, M., Takikawa, H., et al. (2011). Case definition and phenotype standardization in drug-induced liver injury. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 89, 806–815. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2011.58

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Alderman, S., Goldfarb, S., and Malone, D. G. (1994). Cholestatic hepatitis after ingestion of chaparral leaf: confirmation by endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography and liver biopsy. J. Clin. Gastroenterol. 19, 242–247.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Allen, B. R., and Parkinson, R. (1990). Chinese herbs for eczema (letters). Lancet 336:177.

Altan, E., Bitik, B., Kalpkci, Y., and Dogan E Altundag, K. (2009). Probable hepatotoxicity related to Nerium oleander extract in a patient with metastatic synovial sarcoma of the knee. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 15, 113. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0459

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Anderson, I. B., Mullen, W. H., Meeker, J. E., Khojasteh-Bakht, S. C., Oishi, S., Nelson, S. D., et al. (1996). Pennyroyal toxicity: Measurement of toxic metabolite levels in two cases and review of the literature. Ann. Intern. Med. 124, 726–734.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Andrade, R. J., Camargo, R., Lucena, M. I., and González-Grande, R. (2004). Causality assessment in drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 3: 329–344. doi: 10.1517/14740338.3.4.329

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Andrade, R. J., Lucena, M. I., Fernández, M. C., Pelaez, G., Pachkoria, K., García-Ruiz, E., et al. (2005). Drug-induced liver injury: an analysis of 461 incidences submitted to the Spanish registry over a 10-year period. Gastroenterology 129, 512–521. doi: 10.1016/j.gastro.2005.05.006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Appelhans, K., Frankos, V., and Shao, A. (2012). Misconceptions regarding association between Herbalife products and liver related case reports in Spain. Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 21, 333–334. doi: 10.1002/pds.3203

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Appelhans, K., Smith, C., Bejar, E., and Henig, Y. S. (2011). Revisiting acute liver injury associated with Herbalife products. World J. Hepatol. 3, 275–277. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v3.i10.275

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bach, N., Thung, S. N., and Schaffner, F. (1989). Comfrey herb tea-induced hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Am. J. Med. 87, 97–99. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9343(89)80492-9

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bae, S. H., Kim, D. H., Bae, Y. S., Lee, K. J., Kim, D. W., Yoon, J. B., et al. (2010). Toxic hepatitis associated with Polygoni multiflori. Korean J. Hepatol. 16, 182–186. doi: 10.3350/kjhep.2010.16.2.182

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bakerink, J. A., Gospe, S. M., Dimand, R. J., and Eldridge, M. W. (1996). Multiple organ failure after ingestion of pennyroyal oil from herbal tea in two infants. Pediatrics 98, 944–947.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Banarova, A., Koller, T., and Payer, J. (2012). Toxic hepatitis induced by Polygonum multiflorum. Vnitr. Lek. 58, 958–962.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Batchelor, W. B., Heathcote, J., and Wanless, I. R. (1995). Chaparral-induced hepatic injury. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 90, 831–833.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Battinelli, L., Daniele, C., Mazzanti, G., Mastroianni, C. M., Lichtner, M., Coletta, S., et al. (2004). New case of acute hepatitis following the consumption of Shou Wu Pian, a Chinese herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. Ann. Intern. Med. 140, 587–588.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Bénichou, C. (1990). Criteria of drug-induced liver disorders. Report of an international consensus meeting. J. Hepatol. 11, 272–276.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Bénichou, C., Danan, G., and Flahault, A. (1993). Causality assessment of adverse reactions to drugs – II. An original model for validation of drug causality assessment methods: case reports with positive rechallenge. J. Clin. Epidemiol. 46, 1331–1336.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Benninger, J., Schneider, H. T., Schuppan, D., Kirchner, T., and Hahn, E. G. (1999). Acute hepatitis induced by Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus). Gastroenterology 117, 1234–1237.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Bent, S. (2008). Herbal medicine in the United States: review of efficacy, safety, and regulation. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 23, 854–859. doi: 10.1007/s11606-008-0632-y

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bessone, F., Hernandez, N., Dávalos, M., Paraná, R., Schinoni, M. I., Lizarzabal M., et al. (2012). Building a Spanish-Latin American network on Drug Induced Liver Injury; much to get from a joint collaborative initiative. Ann. Hepatol 11, 544–549.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Beuers, U., Spengler, U., and Pape, G. R. (1991). Hepatitis after chronic abuse of senna. Lancet 337, 372–373.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

BfArM. (2002). Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, Bonn. Federal Institute for Drugs and Medicinal Products in Germany. Rejection of Drug Risks, Step II. As related to: Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum)-Containing, and Kavain-Containing Drugs, Including Homeopathic Preparations with a Final Concentration up to, and Including D4. June 14, 2002. Available online at: http://www.spc.int/cis/documents/02_0714_BfArM_Kava_Removal.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

BfArM. (2005). Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (German regulatory agency). Bekanntmachung. Abwehr von Gefahren durch Arzneimittel, Stufe II, Anhörung: Schöllkraut-haltige Arzneimittel zur innerlichen Anwendung. May 6, 2005. Available online at:http://www.bfarm.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/1014620/publicationFile/66198/schoellkraut-anhoerung_050505.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Björnsson, E. S., Bergmann, O. M., Björnsson, H. K., Kvaran, R. B., and Olafsson, S. (2013). Incidence, presentation and outcomes in patients with drug-induced liver injury in the general population of Iceland. Gastroenterology 144, 1419–1425. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.02.006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Björnsson, E., and Olsson, R. (2007). Serious adverse liver reactions associated with herbal weight loss supplements. J. Hepatol. 47, 295–297.

Björnsson, E., Jacobsen, E. I., and Kalaitzakis, E. (2012). Hepatotoxicity associated with statins: Reports of idiosyncratic liver injury post-marketing. J. Hepatol. 56, 374–380. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.07.023

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bonkovsky, H. L. (2006). Hepatotoxicity associated with supplements containing Chinese green tea (Camellia sinensis). Ann. Intern. Med. 144, 68–71. Erratum in: Ann Intern Med 144, 380. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-144-1-200601030-00020

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Borum, M. L. (2001). Fulminant exacerbation of autoimmune hepatitis after the use of Ma Huang. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 96, 1654–1655. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2001.03827.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Bottenberg, M. M., Wall, G. C., Harvey, R. L., and Habib, S. (2007). Oral Aloe vera-induced hepatitis. Ann. Pharmacother. 41, 1740–1743. doi: 10.1345/aph.1K132

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bujanda, L., Palacios, A., Silvariño, R., Sánchez, A., and Muñoz, C. (2002). Hepatitis aguda icterica secundaria a kava. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 25, 434–435. doi: 10.1016/S0210-5705(02)70281-1

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Bunchorntavakul, C., and Reddy, K. R. (2013). Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 37, 3–17. doi: 10.1111/apt.12109

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

But, P. P. H., Tomlinson, B., and Lee, K. L. (1996). Hepatitis related to the Chinese medicine Shou-wu-pian manufactured from Polygonum multiflorum. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 38, 280–282.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Caldwell, S. H., Feeley, J. W., Wieboldt, T. F., Featherston, P. L., and Dickson, R. C. (1994). Acute hepatitis with use of over-the-counter herbal remedies. Va. Med. Q. 121, 31–33.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Cárdenas, A., Restrepo, J. C., Sierra, F., and Correa, G. (2006). Acute hepatitis due to shen-min: a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J. Clin. Gastroenterol. 40, 629–632. doi: 10.1097/00004836-200608000-00014

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (1992). Chaparral-induced toxic hepatitis California and Texas. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 268, 3295–3298.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Chalasani, N., and Björnsson, E. (2010). Risk factors for idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury. Gastroenterology 138, 2246–2259. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.04.001

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chalasani, N., Fontana, R. J., Bonkovsky, H. L., Watkins, P. B., Davern, T., Serrano, J., et al., (2008). Causes, clinical features, and outcomes from a prospective study of drug-induced liver injury in the United States. Gastroenterology 135, 1924–1934. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.09.011

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chao, S., Anders, M., Turbay, M., Olaiz, E., Mc Cormack, L., and Mastai, R. (2008). Toxic hepatitis by consumption of Herbalife products: a case report. Acta Gastroenterol. Latinoam. 38, 274–277.

Chau, T. N. (2008). Drug-induced liver injury: an update. Hong Kong Med. Diary 13, 23–26.

Google Scholar

Chau, T. N., Cheung, W. I., Ngan, T., Lin, J., Lee, K. W. S., Poon, W. T., et al. (2011). Causality assessment of herb-induced liver injury using multidisciplinary approach and the Roussel Uclaf Causality assessment Method (RUCAM). Clin. Toxicol. 49, 34–39. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2010.537662

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, G. C., Ramanathan, V. S., Law, D., Funchain, P., Chen, G. C., French, S., et al. (2010). Acute liver injury induced by weight-loss herbal supplements. World J. Hepatol. 2, 410–415. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v2.i11.410

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, M. Y., Cai, J. T., and Du, Q. (2007). Hepatic veno-occlusive disease associated with the use of Gynura segetum. Eur. J. Intern. Med. 18, 609. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2007.03.006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Cheung, W. I., Tse, M. L., Ngan, T., Lin, J., Lee, W. K., Poon, W. T., et al. (2009). Liver injury associated with the use of Fructus Psoraleae (Bol-gol-zhee or Bu-gu-zhi) and its related propriety medicine. Clin. Toxicol. 47, 683–685. doi: 10.1080/15563650903059136

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Christl, S. U., Seifert, A., and Seeler, D. (2009). Toxic hepatitis after consumption of traditional kava preparation. Int. Soc. Trav. Med. 16, 55–56. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2008.00259.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cohen, S. M., Heywood, E., Pillai, A., and Ahn, J. (2012). Hepatotoxicity associated with the use of White Flood, a nutritional supplement. Pract. Gastroenterol. 10, 45–48.

Google Scholar

Colin-Jones, D. G., and Harvey, J. (1982). Mistletoe hepatitis. Br. Med. J. 284, 744–745. doi: 10.1136/bmj.284.6317.744-b

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Conti, E., De Checchi, G., Mencarelli, R., Pinato, S., and Rovere, P. (2008). Lycopodium similiaplex-induced acute hepatitis: a case report. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 20, 469–471. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e3282f1623d

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cortez, E., Boulger, C., and Bernard, A. (2012). Ban Tu Wan hepatotoxicity. BMJ Case Reports doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006438

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Court. (2014). Administrative Coiurt, Cologne, Germany. Court ruling 7 K 2197/12 of May 2010, 2014. Available online at: http://www.justiz.nrw.de/nrwe/ovgs/vg_koeln/j2014/7_K_2197_12_Urteil_20140520.html (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Crijns, A. P., de Smet, P. A., van den Heuvel, M., Schot, B. W., and Haagsma, E. B. (2002). Acute hepatitis after use of herbal preparation with greater celandine (Chelidonium majus). Ned. Tijdschr. Geneeskd. 146, 124–128.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Culvenor, C. C. J., Edgar, J. A., Smith, L. W., Kumana, C. R., and Lin, H. J. (1986). Heliotropium lasiocarpum Fisch and Mey identified as cause of veno-occlusive disease due to herbal tea. Lancet 1, 978.

Dai, H. F., Gao, Y., Yang, M., Yu, C. H., Gu, Z. Y., and Chen, W. X. (2006). Hepatic veno-occlusive disease induced by Gymura segetum: report of two cases. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis. Int. 5, 406–408.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Danan, G. (1988). Consensus meetings on: causality assessment of drug-induced liver injury. J. Hepatol. 7, 132–136.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Danan, G., and Bénichou, C. (1993). Causality assessment of adverse reactions to drugs – I. A novel method based on the conclusions of international consensus meetings: application to drug-induced liver injuries. J. Clin. Epidemiol. 46, 1323–1330.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Dao, T., Peytier, A., Galateau, F., and Valla, A. (1993). Chronic hepatitis due to germander. Gastroenterol. Clin. Biol. 17, 614–615.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Dara, L., Hewett, J., and Lim, J. K. (2008). Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity: a case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements. World J. Gastroenterol. 14, 6999–7004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.6999

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Datta, D. V., Khuroo, M. S., Mattocks, A. R., Aikat, B. K., and Chhuttani, P. N. (1978). Herbal medicines and veno-occlusive disease in India. Postgrad. Med. J. 54, 511–515.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Davies, E. G., Pollock, I., Steel, H. M. (1990). Chinese herbs for eczema. Lancet 336:117.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

DCGMA, Drug Commission of the German Medical Association (Arzneimittelkommission der Deutschen Ärzteschaft). (2011). Hepatitis in connection with Umckaloabo®. Dtsch Ärztebl. 108, C1399–C1400.

De Smet, P. A. G. M., Van Den Eertwegh, A. J. M., Lesterhuis, W., and Stricker, B. H. C. (1996). Hepatotoxicity associated with herbal tablets. BMJ 313, 92.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Denham, A., McIntyre, M., and Whitehouse, J. (2002). Kava – the unfolding story: report on a work-in-progress. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 8, 237–263. doi: 10.1089/10755530260127943

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Dhanasekaran, R., Owens, V., and Sanchez, W. (2013). Chinese skullcap in move free arthritis supplement causes drug induced liver injury and pulmonary infiltrates. Case Reports Hepatol. 965092. doi: 10.1155/2013/965092

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Divinsky, M. (2002). Case report: Jin Bu Huan – not so benign herbal medicine. Can. Fam. Physician 48, 1640–1642.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Duenas Sadornil, C., Fabregas Piugtio, S., and Durandez, R. (2004). Hepatotoxicity due to Camelia sinensis. Med. Clin. (Barc) 122, 677–678. doi: 10.1157/13061393

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Dunbar, K., and Solga, S. F. (2007). Black cohosh, safety, and public awareness. Liver Int. 27, 1017–1018.

Google Scholar

Duque, J. M., Ferreiro, J., Salgueiro, E., and Manso, G. (2007). Hepatotoxicity associated with the consumption of herbal slimming products. Med. Clin. 128, 238–239.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Eisenberg, D. M., Davis, R. B., Ettner, S. L., Appel, S., Wilkey, S., Van Rompay, M., et al. (1998). Trends in alternative use in the United States, 1990-1997: results of a follow-up national study. JAMA 280, 1569–1575.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Ekor, M. (2014). The growing use of herbal medicines: issues relating to adverse reactions and challenges in monitoring safety. Front. Pharmacol. 4:177. doi: 10.3389/fpharm.2013.00177

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Elinav, E., Pinsker, G., Safadi, R., Pappo, O., Bromberg, M., Anis, E., et al. (2007). Association between consumption of Herbalife nutritional supplements and acute hepatotoxicity. J. Hepatol. 47, 514–520. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.06.016

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

EMA. (2007). Assessment of Case Reports Connected to Herbal Medicinal Products Containing Cimicifugae Racemosae Rhizoma (Black Cohosh, Root). Issued May 8, 2007. Available online at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2010/02/WC500074167.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

EMA. (2010). European Medicines Agency. Assessment Report on Chelidonium majus L., herba. Draft. November 25, 2010. Available online at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Public_statement/2011/01/WC500100940.pdf. (Accessed December 30, 2014).

EMA. (2014). Herbal Medicinal Products. Available online at: http://ec.europa.eu/health/human-use/herbal-medicines/index_en.htm (Accessed November 30, 2014).

Engels, M., Wang, C., Matoso, A., Maidan, E., and Wands, J. (2013). Tea not tincture; hepatotoxicity associated with Rooibos herbal tea. ACG Case Rep. J. 1, 58–60. doi: 10.14309/crj.2013.20

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ernst, E. (2002). Adulteration of Chinese herbal medicines with synthetic drugs: a systematic review. J. Intern. Med. 252, 107–113. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2002.00999.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Escher, M., Desmeules, J., Giostra, E., and Mentha, G. (2001). Hepatitis associated with kava, a herbal remedy for anxiety. Br. Med. J. 322, 139. doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7279.139

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Espinoza, E. O., Mann, M. J., and Bleasdell, B. (1995). Arsenic and mercury in traditional Chinese herbal balls. N Engl. J. Med. 333, 803–804.

Google Scholar

Estes, J. D., Stolpman, D., Olyaei, A., Corless, C. L., Ham, J. M., Schwartz, J. M., et al. (2003). High prevalence of potentially hepatotoxic herbal supplement use in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. Arch. Surg. 138, 852–858. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.138.8.852

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Farnsworth, N. R., and Loub, W. D. (1982). Mistletoe hepatitis. Br. Med. J. 283, 1058.

Google Scholar

Federico, A., Tiso, A., and Loguercio, C. (2007). A case of hepatotoxicity caused by green tea. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 43, 474. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.05.010

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Fenkel, J. M., and Navarro, V. J. (2011). Review: herbal and dietary supplement-induced liver injury. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 7, 695–696.

Google Scholar

Fong, T. L., Klontz, K. C., Canas-Coto, A., Casper, S. J., Durazo, F. A., Davern, T. J., et al. (2010). Hepatotoxicity due to Hydroxycut: a case series. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 105, 1561–1566. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2010.5

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fox, D. W., Hart, M. C., Bergeson, P. S., Jarrett, P. B., Stillman, A. E., and Huxtable, R. J. (1978). Pyrrolizidine (Senecio) intoxication mimicking Reye syndrome. J. Pediatr. 93, 980–982.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Fraquelli, M., Colli, A., Cocciolo, M., and Conte, D. (2000). Adult syncytial giant cell chronic hepatitis due to herbal remedy. J. Hepatol. 33, 505–508. doi: 10.1016/S0168-8278(00)80289-5

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fu, P. P., Xia, Q., Lin, G., and Chou, M. W. (2004). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids – genotoxicity, metabolism enzymes, metabolic activation, and mechanisms. Drug Metab. Rev. 36, 1–55. doi: 10.1081/DMR-120028426

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Furukawa, M., Kasajima, S., Nakamura, Y., Shouzushima, M., Nagatani, N., Takinishi, A., et al. (2010). Toxic hepatitis induced by Show-Wu-Pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. Intern. Med. 49, 1537–1540. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.3509

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gao, H., Li, N., Wang, J. Y., Zhang, S. C., and Lin, G. (2012). Definitive diagnosis of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J. Dig. Dis. 13, 33–39. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2011.00552.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gao, X. S., Xiao, S. S., and He, J. F. (2006). Analysis of alkaloids in Sedum aizoon and establishment of hepatic veno-occlusive model in mice. Chin. J. Integr. Trad. Western Med. Digest. 14, 311–313.

Google Scholar

García-Cortés, M., Borraz, Y., Lucena, M. I., Peláez, G., Salmerón, J., Diago, M., et al. (2008). Liver injury induced by “natural remedies”: an analysis of cases submitted to the Spanish Liver Toxicity Registry. Rev. Esp. Enferm. Dig. 100, 688–695.

García-Cortés, M., Stephens, C., Lucena, M. I., Fernández-Castañer, A., Andrade, R. J., on behalf of the Spanish Group for the Study of Drug-Induced Liver Disease. (2011). Causality assessment methods in drug induced liver injury: strengths and weaknesses. J. Hepatol. 55, 683–691. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.02.007

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Garcia-Moran, S., Saez-Royuela, F., Gento, E., Lopez Morante, A., and Arias, L. (2004). Acute hepatitis associated with Camellia tea and Orthosiphon stamineus ingestion. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 27, 559–560. doi: 10.1157/13068145

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Georgia, M. (1988). Hepatotoxicity due to Atractylis gummifera. Clin. Toxicol. 26, 487–493. doi: 10.3109/15563658809038564

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gertner, E., Marshall, P. S., Filandrinos, D., Potek, A. S., and Smith, T. M. (1995). Complications resulting from the use of Chinese herbal medications containing undeclared prescription drugs. Arthritis Rheum. 38, 614–617. doi: 10.1002/art.1780380506

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gloro, R., Hourmand-Ollivier, I., Mosquet, B., Mosquet, L., Rousselot, P., Salamé E., et al. (2005). Fulminant hepatitis during self-medication with hydroalcoholic extract of green tea. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 17: 1135–1137. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200510000-00021

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gono, Y., Odaguchi, H., Hayasaki, T., Suzuki, K., Oikawa, T., Muranushi, A., et al. (2010). Clinical analysis of cases with drug-induced liver injury for Kampo medicine. Kampo Med. 61, 828–833. doi: 10.3937/kampomed.61.828

CrossRef Full Text

Gordon, D. W., Rosenthal, G., Hart, J., Sirota, S., and Baker, A. L. (1995). Chaparral ingestion: the broadening spectrum of liver injury caused by herbal medications. JAMA 273, 489–490.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Gow, P. J., Connelly, N. J., Hill, R. L., Crowley, P., and Angus, P. W. (2003). Fatal fulminant hepatic failure induced by a natural therapy containing kava. Med. J. Aust. 178, 442–443.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Greving, I., Meister, V., Monnerjahn, C., Müller, K. M., and May, B. (1998). Chelidonium majus: a rare reason for severe hepatotoxic reaction. Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 7, S66–S69. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1557(199808)7:1+<S66::AID-PDS349>3.3.CO;2-7

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gunawan, B. and Kaplowitz, N. (2004). Clinical perspectives on xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity. Drug Metab. Rev. 36, 301–312. doi: 10.1081/DMR-120034148

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Halegoua-De Marzio, D., Vega, M., Schifter Weber, J., Aithal, G. P., Andrade, R. J., Bessone, F., et al. (2013). An international effort to assess hepatotoxicity associated with some Herbalife® products. Hepatology 58, 383A–384A.

Haller, C. A., Dyer, J. E., Ko, R., and Olson, K. R. (2002). Making a diagnosis of herbal-related toxic hepatitis. West J. Med. 176, 39–44. doi: 10.1136/ewjm.176.1.39

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hardeman, E., van Overbeke, L., Ilegems, S., and Ferrante, M. (2003). Acute hepatitis induced by greater celandine (Chelidonium majus). Acta Gastroenterol. Belg. 71, 281–282.

Google Scholar

Harvey, J., and Colin-Jones, D. G. (1981). Mistletoe hepatitis. Br. Med. J. (Clin. Res. Ed) 282, 186–187.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Health Canada. (2010). Black cohosh products and liver toxicity: update. Can. Adverse React. Newsl. 20, 1–3.

Hoffmann, M., Marbet, U. A., Hurni, A., Bianchi, L., and Göldi, H. (2005). Rezidiv einer medikamentös-toxischen Hepatitis. Schweiz Med. Forum 5, 147–148.

Google Scholar

Horowitz, R. S., Feldhaus, K., Dart, R. C., Stermitz, F. R., and Beck, J. J. (1996). The clinical spectrum of Jin Bu Huan toxicity. Arch. Intern.Med. 156, 899–903.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Hsu, L. M., Huang, Y. S., Tsay, S. H., Chang, F. Y., and Lee, S. D. (2006). Acute hepatitis induced by Chinese hepatoprotective herb xiao-chai-hu-tang. J. Chin. Med. Assoc. 69, 86–82. doi: 10.1016/S1726-4901(09)70119-4

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Huang, W. F., Wen, K. C., and Hsiao, M. L. (1997). Adulteration by synthetic therapeutic substances of traditional Chinese medicines in Taiwan. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 37, 344–350. doi: 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1997.tb04312.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hullar, T. E., Sapers, B. L., Ridker, P. M., Judkins, R. L., Huth, T. S., and Farraye, F. A. (1999). Herbal toxicity and fatal hepatic failure (letter). Am. J. Med. 106, 267–268.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Humberston, C. L., Akhtar, J., and Krenzelok, E. P. (2003). Acute hepatitis induced by kava kava. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 41, 109–113. doi: 10.1081/CLT-120019123

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hung, S. K., Hillier, S., and Ernst, E. (2011). Case reports of adverse effects of herbal medicinal products (HMPs): a quality assessment. Phytomedicine 18, 335–343. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2010.07.007

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hwang, S. H., Park, J. A., Jang, Y. S., Lee, K. M., Lee, D. S., Ahn, B. M., et al. (2001). Case of acute cholestatic hepatitis caused by the seeds of Psoralea-corylifolia. Korean J. Hepatol. 7, 341–344.

Google Scholar

Hyde, F. F. (1981). Mistletoe hepatitis. Br. Med. J. 282, 739.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

IARC Monographs. (2002). Vol. 82. Introduction 1. History of Use Of Traditional Herbal Medicines. Available online at: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol82/mono82-6A.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Inoue, H., Yamazaki, S., Shimizu, M., Uozki, H., Goto, T., Ohnishi, S., et al. (2011). Liver injury induced by the Japanese herbal drug kamishoyosan. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 7, 692–695.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Itoh, S., Marutani, K., Nishijima, T., Matsuo, S., and Itabashi, M. (1995). Liver injuries induced by herbal medicine, Syo-saiko-to (xiao-chai-hu-tang). Dig. Dis. Sci. 40, 1845–1848.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Jang, J. S., Seo, E. G., Han, C., Chae, H. B., Kim, S. J., Lee, J. D., et al. (2008). Four cases of toxic liver injury associated with Dictamnus dasycarpus. Korean J. Hepatol. 14, 206–212. doi: 10.3350/kjhep.2008.14.2.206

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Javaid, A., and Bonkovsky, H. L. (2006). Hepatotoxicity due to extracts of Chinese green tea (Camellia sinensis): a growing concern. J. Hepatol. 45, 334–335. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.05.005

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Jimenez-Saenz, M., Martinez-Sanchez M del, C. (2006). Acute hepatitis associated with the use of green tea infusions. J. Hepatol. 44, 616–617. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2005.11.041

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Jóhannsson, M., Ormarsdóttir, S., and Olafsson, S. (2010). Hepatotoxicity associated with the use of Herbalife. Laeknabladid 96, 167–172.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Jones, F. J., and Andrews, A. H. (2007). Acute liver injury associated with the herbal supplement hydroxycut in a soldier deployed to Iraq. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 102, 2357–2358. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01353_10.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Jorge, O. A., and Jorge, A. D. (2005). Hepatotoxicity associated with the ingestion of Centella asiatica. Rev. Esp.Enferm. Dig. 97, 115–124. doi: 10.4321/S1130-01082005000200006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Joshi, D., Cross, T. J. S., and Wong, V. S. (2007). Acute drug induced hepatitis secondary to a weight loss product purchased over the internet. Nutr. J. 6 :13. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-13

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Jung, K. A., Min, H. J., Yoo, S. S., Kim, H. J., Choi, S. N., Ha, C. Y., et al. (2011). Drug-induced liver injury: twenty five cases of acute hepatitis following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thun. Gut Liver 5, 493–499. doi: 10.5009/gnl.2011.5.4.493

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kakar, F., Akbarian, Z., Leslie, T., Mustafa, M. L., Watson, J., van Egmond, H. P., et al. (2010). An outbreak of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in western Afghanistan associated with exposure to wheat flour contaminated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J. Toxicol. 2010:313280. doi: 10.1155/2010/313280

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kamiyama, T., Nouchi, T., Kojima, S., Murata, N., Ikeda, T., and Sato, C. (1997). Autoimmune hepatitis triggered by administration of an herbal medicine. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 92, 703–704.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Kanat, O., Ozet, A., and Ataegin, S. (2006). Aloe vera-induced acute toxic hepatitis in a healthy young man. Eur. J. Intern. Med. 17, 589. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2006.04.017

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Kanda, T., Yokosuka, O., Okada, O., Suzuki, Y., and Saisho, H. (2003a). Severe hepatotoxicity associated with Chinese diet product “Ohnshidou-Genbi-Kounou.” J. Gastroeneterol. Hepatol. 18, 354–355. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.02952.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kanda, T., Yokosuka, O., Tada, M., Kurihara, T., Yoshida, S., Suzuki, Y., et al. (2003b). N-nitroso-fenfluramine hepatotoxicity resembling chronic hepatitis. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 18, 999–1000. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.03074.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kane, J. A., Kane, S. P., and Jain, S. (1995). Hepatitis induced by traditional Chinese herbs: possible toxic components. Gut 36, 146–147.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Kang, H. S., Choi, H. S., Yun, T. J., Lee, K. G., Seo, Y. S., Yeon, J. E., et al. (2009). A case of acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by Corydalis speciosa Max. Korean J. Hepatol. 15, 517–523. doi: 10.3350/kjhep.2009.15.4.517

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kang, S. H., Kim, J. I., Jeong, K. H., Ko, K. H., Ko, P. G., Hwang, S. W., et al. (2008). Clinical characteristics of 159 cases of acute toxic hepatitis. Korean J. Hepatol. 14, 483–484. doi: 10.3350/kjhep.2008.14.4.483

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kang-Yum, E., and Oransky, S. H. (1992). Chinese patent medicine as a potential source of mercyry poisoning. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 34, 235–238.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Kao, W. F., Hung, D. Z., Tsai, W. J., Lin, K. P., and Deng, J. F. (1992). Podophyllotoxin intoxication: toxic effect of Bajiaolian in herbal therapeutics. Hum. Exp. Toxicol. 11, 480–487.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Kaplowitz, N. (2001). Causality assessment versus guilt-by-association in drug hepatotoxicity. Hepatology 33, 308–310.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Katz, M., and Saibil, F. (1990). Herbal hepatitis: subacute hepatic necrosis secondary to chaparral leaf. J. Clin. Gastroenterol. 12, 203–206.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Kim, S. Y., Yim, H. J., Ahn, J. H., Kim, J. H., Kim, J. N., Yoon, I., et al. (2009). Two cases of toxic hepatitis caused by arrowroot juice. Korean J. Hepatol. 15, 504–509. doi: 10.3350/kjhep.2009.15.4.504

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kim, Y. J., Ryu, S. L., Shim, J. W., Kim, D. S., Shim, J. Y., Park, M. S., et al. (2012). A pediatric case of toxic hepatitis induced by Hovenia dulcis. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. Nutr. 15, 111–116. doi: 10.5223/pghn.2012.15.2.111

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ko, R. J. (1998). Adulterants in Asian patent medicines. N. Engl. J. Med. 339, 847.

Google Scholar

Kramer, M. S. (1986). Assessing causality of adverse drug reactions: global introspection and its limitations. Dug Inf. J. 20, 433–437.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Kumana, C. R., Ng, M., Lin, H. J., Ko, W., Wu, P. C., and Todd, D. (1983). Hepatic veno-occlusive disease due to toxic alkaloid in herbal tea. Lancet 2, 1360–1361.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Kumana, C. R., Ng, M., Lin, H. J., Ko, W., Wu, P. C., and Todd, D. (1985). Herbal tea induced hepatic veno-occlusive disease: quantification of toxic alkaloid exposure in adults. Gut 26, 101–104.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Laird, A. R., Ramchandani, N., deGoma, E. M., Avula, B., Khan, I. A., and Gesundheit, N. (2008). Acute hepatitis associated with the use of an herbal supplement (Polygonum multiflorum) mimicking iron-overload syndrome. Clin. Gastroenterol. 42, 861–862. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181492515

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Laliberté L., and Villeneuve, J. P. (1996). Hepatitis after the use of germander, a herbal remedy. Can. Med. Ass. J. 154, 1689–1692.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Lapi, F., Gallo, E., Giocaliere, E., Vietri, M., Baronti, R., Pieraccini, G., et al. (2010). Acute liver damage due to Serenoa repens: a case report. Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 69, 558–560. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03618.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Larrey, D. (1997). Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. J. Hepatol. 26(Suppl. 1), 47–51.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Larrey, D., and Faure, S. (2011). Herbal medicine hepatotoxicity: a new step with development of specific biomarkers. J. Hepatol. 54, 599–601. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.12.003

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Larrey, D., Vial, T., Pauwels, A., Castot, A., Biour, M., David, M., et al. (1992). Hepatitis after germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) administration: another instance of herbal medicine hepatotoxicity. Ann. Intern. Med. 117, 129–132.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Lau, G., Lo, D. S., Yao, Y. J., Leong, H. T., Chan, C. L., and Chu, S. S. (2004). A fatal case of hepatic failure possibly induced by nitrosofenfluramine: a case report. Med. Sci. Law 44, 252–263. doi: 10.1258/rsmmsl.44.3.252

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lebot, V. (2006). The quality of kava consumed in the South Pacific. HerbalGram 71, 34–37.

Google Scholar

Lee, C. H., Wang, J. D., and Chen, P. C. (2011). Risk of liver injury associated with Chinese herbal products containing Radix bupleuri in 639,779 patients with hepatitis B virus infection. PLoS ONE 6:e16064. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016064

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Leonti, M., and Casu, L. (2013). Traditional medicine and globalization: current and future perspectives in ethnopharmacology. Front. Pharmacol. 4:92. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00092

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Levitsky, J., Alli, T. A., Wisecarver, J., and Sorrell, M. F. (2005). Fulminant liver failure associated with the use of black cohosh. Dig. Dis. Sci. 50, 538–539. doi: 10.1007/s10620-005-2470-7

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Levitsky, J., Alli, T. A., Wisecarver, J., and Sorrell, M. F. (2008). Fulminant liver failure associated with the use of black cohosh. Dig. Dis. Sci. 53, 869. doi: 10.1007/s10620-007-9907-0

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lewis, J. H. (2014). Causality assessment: which is best – expert opinion or RUCAM? Clin. Liver Dis. 4, 4–8. doi: 10.1002/cld.365

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, C., Liang, X. S., and Li, C. Z. (2010). Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome associated with the ingestion of gynura root. Clin. Toxicol. 48, 962–964. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2010.527851

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, J., Lu, C., Jiang, M., Niu, X., Guo, H., Li, L., et al. (2012). Traditional Chinese medicine-based network pharmacology could lead to new multicompound drug discovery. Evid. Based Complement Alternat. Med. 2012:149762. doi: 10.1155/2012/149762

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lin, G., Wang, J. Y., Li, N., Li, M., Gao, H., Ji, Y., et al. (2011). Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome associated with consumption of Gynura segetum. J. Hepatol. 54, 666–673. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.07.031

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lin, T. J., Su, C. C., Lan, C. K., Jiang, D. D., Tsai, J. L., and Tsai, M. S. (2003). Acute poisonings with Breynia officinalis - an outbreak of hepatotoxicity. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 41, 591–594. doi: 10.1081/CLT-120023760

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lin, T. J., Tsai, M. S., Chiou, N. M., Deng, J. F., and Chiu, N. Y. (2002). Hepatotoxicity caused by Breynia officinalis. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 44, 87–88.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Lindstrom, A., Ooyen, C., Lynch, M. E., Blumenthal, M., and Kawa, K. (2014). Sales of herbal dietary supplements increase by 7.9% in 2013, marking a decade of rising sales. HerbalGram 103, 52–56.

Linnebur, S. A., Rapacchietta, O. C., and Vejar, M. (2010). Hepatotoxicity associated with chinese skullcap contained in Move Free Advanced dietary supplement: two case reports and review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy 750, 258e–262e. doi: 10.1592/phco.30.7.750

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liss, G., and Lewis, J. H. (2009). Drug-induced liver injury: what was new in 2008? Expert Opin. Drug. Metab. Toxicol. 5, 843–860. doi: 10.1517/17425250903018904

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liu, Y., Li, Z., Liu, X., and Pan, R. (2014). Review on the toxic effects of radix Bupleuri. Curr. Opin. Complement Altern. Med. 1, 3–7.

Google Scholar

López-Cepero Andrada, J. M., Lerma Castilla, S., Fernandèz Olvera, M. D., and Amaya Vidal, A. (2007). Hepatotoxicity caused by a Noni (Morinda citrifolia) preparation. Esp. Patol. Dig. 99, 179–181.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Ma, X., Peng, J. H., and Hu, Y. Y. (2014). Chinese herbal medicine-induced liver injury. J. Clin. Transl. Hepatol. 2, 170–175. doi: 10.14218/JCTH.2014.00009

CrossRef Full Text

MacGregor, F. B., Abernethy, V. E., Dahabra, S., Cobden, I., and Hayes, P. C. (1989). Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. Br. Med. J. 299, 1156–1157. doi: 10.1136/bmj.299.6708.1156

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mahady, G. B., Low Dog, T., Barrett, M. L., Chavez, M. L., Gardiner, P., Ko, R., et al. (2008). United States Pharmacopeia review of the black cohosh case reports of hepatotoxicity. Menopause 15, 628–638. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31816054bf

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Major, R. H. (1954). History of Medicine Vol. 1. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas Publisher.

Google Scholar

Manheimer, E., Wieland, S., Kimbrough, E., Cheng, K., and Berman, B. M. (2009). Evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration for traditional Chinese Medicine therapies. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 15, 1001–1004. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0414

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Manso, G. (2012). Author's reply. Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 21, 335. doi: 10.1002/pds.3201

CrossRef Full Text

Manso, G., López-Rivas, L., Salgueiro, M. E., Duque, J. M., Jimeno, F. J., Andrade, R. J., et al. (2011). Continuous reporting of new cases in Spain supports the relationship between Herbalife products and liver injury. Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 20, 1080–1087. doi: 10.1002/pds.2180

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Manso, G., López-Rivaz, L., Duque, J. M., and Salgueiro, E. (2008). Spanish reports of hepatotoxicity associated with Herbalife. J. Hepatol. 49, 289–290. Author reply 290–292.

Martinez-Sierra, C., Rendon Unceta, P., and Martin Herrera, L. (2006). Acute hepatitis after green tea ingestion. Med. Clin. (Barc) 127, 119

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Mathieu, N., Bouallegue, L., Mognol, P., Vallot, T., and Soule, J. C. (2005). Hepatic toxicity probably due to X-elles in phytotherapy. Gastroenterol. Clin. Biol. 29, 1188–1189. doi: 10.1016/S0399-8320(05)82193-1

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Mattéi, A., Rucay, P., Samuel, D., Feray, C., Michel, R., and Bismuth, H. (1995). Liver transplantation for acute liver failure after herbal medicine (Teucrium polium) administration (letter). J. Hepatol. 22, 597. doi: 10.1016/0168-8278(95)80458-7

CrossRef Full Text

Mazzanti, G., Menniti-Ippolito, F., Moro, P. A., Cassetti, F., Raschetti, R., Santuccio, C., et al. (2009). Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 65, 331–341. doi: 10.1007/s00228-008-0610-7

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

McDonnell, W. M., Bhattacharya, R., and Halldorson, J. B. (2009). Fulminant hepatic falure after use of the herbal weight-loss supplement Exilis. Ann. Intern. Med. 151, 673–674. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-151-9-200911030-00021

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

McGee, J., Patrick, R. S., Wood, C. B., and Blumgart, L. H. (1976). A case of veno-occlusive disease of the liver in Britain associated with herbal tea consumption. J. Clin. Pathol. 29, 788–794. doi: 10.1136/jcp.29.9.788

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mennecier, D., Saloum, T., Dourthe, P. M., Bronstein, J. A., Thiolet, C., and Farret, O. (1999). Acute hepatitis after phytotherapy. Présse Med. 28, 966.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

MHRA. (2014). Herbal Medicines Regulation: Registered Traditional Herbal Medicines. Available online at: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Howweregulate/Medicines/Herbalmedicinesregulation/RegisteredTraditionalHerbalMedicines (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Millonig, G., Stadlmann, S., and Vogel, W. (2005). Herbal hepatotoxicity: acute hepatitis caused by a Noni preparation (Morinda citrifolia). Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 17, 445–447. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200504000-00009

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Miljkovic, M. M., Dobric, S., Dragojevic-Simic, V. (2011). Consistency between causality assessments obtained with two scales and their agreement with clinical judgments in hepatotoxicity. Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 20, 272–285.

Google Scholar

Miskelly, F. G., and Goodyer, L. I. (1992). Hepatic and pulmonary complications of herbal medicine (letter). Postgrad. Med. J. 68, 935. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.68.805.935

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mohabbat, O., Younos, M. S., Merzad, A. A., Srivastava, R. N., Sediq, G. G., and Aram, G. N. (1976). An outbreak of hepatic veno-occlusive disease in north-western Afghanistan. Lancet 308, 269–271. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(76)90726-1

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mokhobo, K. P. (1976). Herb use and necrodegenerative hepatitis. S. Afr. Med. J. 50, 1096–1099.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Molinari, M., Watt, K. D., Kruszyna, T., Nelson, R., Walsh, M., Huang, W. Y., et al. (2006). Acute liver failure induced by green tea extracts: case reports and review of the literature. Liver Transpl. 12, 1892–1895. doi: 10.1002/lt.21021

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Moro, P. A., Cassetti, F., Giugliano, G., Falce, M. T., Mazzanti, G., Menniti-Ippolito, F., et al. (2009). Hepatitis from Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.): review of literature and report of a new case. J. Ethnopharmacol. 124, 328–332. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.036

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mostefa-Kara, N., Pauwels, A., Pines, E., Biour, M., and Levy, V. G. (1992). Fatal hepatitis after herbal tea (letter). Lancet 340, 674. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(92)92209-X

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Motoyama, H., Enomoto, M., Yasuda, T., Fujii, H., Kobayashi, S., Iwai, S., et al. (2008). Drug-induced liver injury caused by a herbal medicine, bofu-tsu-sho-san. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi 105, 1234–1239.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Mrzljak, A., Kosuta, I., Skrtic, A., Kanizaj, T. F., and Vrhovac, R. (2013). Drug-induced liver injury associated with Noni (Morinda citrifolia) juice and phenobarbital. Case Rep. Gastroenterol. 7. 19–24. doi: 10.1159/000343651

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nadir, A., Agrawal, S., King, P. D., and Marshall, J. B. (1996). Acute hepatitis associated with the use of a Chinese herbal product, ma-huang. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 91, 1436–1438.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Nadir, A., Reddy, D., and Van Thiel, D. H. (2000). Cascara sagrada-induced intrahepatic cholestasis causing portal hypertension: case report and review of herbal hepatotoxicity. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 95, 3634–3637. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03386.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nahin, R. L., Barnes, P. M., Stussman, B. J., and Bloom, B. (2009). Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007. National Health Statistics Reports; no. 18. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr018.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Nam, S. W., Baek, J. T., Lee, D. S., Kang, S. B., Ahn, B. M., and Chung, K. W. (2005). A case of acute cholestatic hepatitis associated with the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (Boh-Gol-Zhee). Clin. Toxicol. 43, 589–5891. doi: 10.1081/CLT-200068863

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Naranjo, C. A., Busto, U., Sellers, E. M., Sandor, P., Ruiz, I., Roberts, E. A., et al. (1981). A method for estimating the probability of adverse drug reactions. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 30, 239–245. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1981.154

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Naser, B., Schnitker, J., Minkin, M. J., de Arriba, S. G., Nolte, K. U., and Osmers, R. (2011). Hepatotoxicity suspected by black cohosh: No evidence by metaanalysis of randomized controlled clinical trials for isopropanolic black cohosh extract. Menopause 18, 366–375. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181fcb2a6

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Navarro, V. J. (2009). Herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Semin. Liver Dis. 29, 373–382. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1240006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Navarro, V. J., Barnhart, H., Bonkovsky, H. L., Davern, T., Fontana, R. J., Grant, L., et al. (2014). Liver injury from herbals and dietary supplements in the U.S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Hepatology 60, 1399–1408. doi: 10.1002/hep.27317

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Navarro, V. J., Bonkovsky, H. L., Hwang, S. I., Vega, M., Barnhart, H., and Serrano, J. (2013). Catechins in dietary supplements and hepatotoxicity. Dig. Dis. Sci. 58, 2682–2690. doi: 10.1007/s10620-013-2687-9

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nebraska. (2006). Nebraska Judgement of 8. September 2006. Available onlie at: http://ahpa.org/portals/0/pdfs/06_0908_Blackcohosh_NebraskaDistrictCt.pdf (Accessed 30 December 3 2014).

NIH. (2013). National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine (NCCAM). Traditional Chinese medicine: An introduction. Last Updated October 2013. Available online at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm (Accessed December 30, 2014).

NIH. (2014a). National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine (NCCAM). LiverTox. Drug record. Overview: Herbals and dietary supplements. introduction. Last Updated 04 November 2014. Available online at: http://livertox.nih.gov/Herbals_and_Dietary_Supplements.htm (Accessed December 30, 2014).

NIH. (2014b). National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). LiverTox. Agents included in LiverTox by drug class. Last Updated 4 November 2014. Available online at: http://livertox.nih.gov/drugliverinjury.html (Accessed December 30, 2014).

NIH. (2014c). National Institutes of Health (NIH) and LiverTox: Drug Record. Ba Jiao Lian (Dysosma pleianthum). Last Updated19 May 2014. Available online at: http://livertox.nih.gov/BaJiaoLian.htm (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Nishimura, K., Plotnikoff, G. A., and Watanabe, K. (2009). Kampo medicine as an integrative medicine in Japan. JMAJ 52, 147–149.

Google Scholar

Panis, B., Wong, D. R., Hooymans, P. M., De Smet, P. A. G. M., and Rosias, P. R. (2005). Recurrent toxic hepatitis in a Caucasian girl related to the use of Shou-Wu-Pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. J. Pediat. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 41, 256–258. doi: 10.1097/01.MPG.0000164699.41282.67

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Park, G. J. H., Mann, S. P., and Ngu, M. C. (2001). Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 16, 115–117. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2001.02309.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Park, H. L., Lee, H. S., Shin, B. C., Liuk, J. P., Shang, Q., Yamashita, H., et al. (2012). Traditional medicine in China, Korea, and Japan: a brief introduction and comparison. Evid. Based Complement Alternat. Med. 2012:429103 doi: 10.1155/2012/429103

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Patwardhan, B., Warude, D., Pushpangadan, P., and Bhatt, N. (2005). Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine: a comparative overview. Evid. Based Complement Alternat. Med. 2, 465–473. doi: 10.1093/ecam/neh140

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pelkonen, O., Xu, O., and Fan, T. P. (2014). Why is research on herbal medicinal products important and how can we improve quality? J Tradit. Complement Med. 4, 1–7. doi: 10.4103/2225-4110.124323

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Perharic-Walton, L., and Murray, V. (1992). Toxicity of traditional Chinese herbal remedies. Lancet 340, 674.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Peyrin-Biroulet, L., Petitpain, N., Kalt, P., Ancel, D., Petit-Laurent, F., Trechot, P., et al. (2004). Probable hepatotoxicity from epigallocatecol gallate used for phytotherapy. Gastroenterol. Clin. Biol. 28, 404–406. doi: 10.1016/S0399-8320(04)94944-5

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Picciotti, A., Campo, N., Brizzolara, R., Giusto, R., Guido, G., Sinelli, N., et al. (1998). Chronic hepatitis induced by Jin Bu Huan. J. Hepatol. 28, 165–167. doi: 10.1016/S0168-8278(98)80217-1

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pittler, M. H., and Ernst, E. (2003a). Kava Extract for Treating Anxiety (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003a; Issue 1: CD003383. Wiley Interscience. Available online at: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2):CD003383. (Accessed December 30, 2014. doi: 10.1002/14651858

CrossRef Full Text

Pittler, M. H., and Ernst, E. (2003b). Systematic review: hepatotoxic events associated with herbal medicinal products. Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 18, 451–471. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01689.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Podsadzki, P., Watson, L. K., and Ernst, E. (2013). Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin. Med. 13, 7–12. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.13-1-7

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Popat, A., Shear, N. H., Malkiewicz, I., Stewart, M. J., Steenkamp, V., Thomson, S., et al. (2001). The toxicity of Callilepis laureola, a South African traditional herbal medicine. Clin. Biochem. 34, 229–236. doi: 10.1016/S0009-9120(01)00219-3

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rabe, C., Musch, A., Schirrmacher, P., Kruis, W., and Hoffmann, R. (2005). Acute hepatitis induced by an aloe vera preparation: a case report. World J. Gastroenterol. 11, 303–304. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i2.303

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Raghavendra, H. L., Yogesh, H. S., Gopalakrishna, B., Chardrashkhar, V. M., Sathish Kumar, B. P., and Kumar, V. (2009). An overview of herbal medicine. Int. J. Pharmaceut. Sci. 1, 1–20.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Ramachandran, R., and Kakar, S. (2009). Histological patterns in drug-induced liver disease. J. Clin. Pathol. 62, 481–492. doi: 10.1136/jcp.2008.058248

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Reuben, A., Koch, D. G., Lee, W. M., and the Acute Liver Failure Study Group. (2010). Drug-induced acute liver failure: results of a U.S. multicenter, prospective study. Hepatology 52, 2065–2076. doi: 10.1002/hep.23937

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ridker, P. M., and McDermott, W. V. (1989). Comfrey herbs tea and hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Lancet 333, 657–658. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(89)92154-5

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Ridker, P. M., Ohkuma, S., McDermott, W. V., Trey, C., and Huxtable, R. J. (1985). Hepatic venoocclusive disease associated with the consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing dietary supplements. Gastroenterology 88, 1050–1054

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Rifai, K., Flemming, P., Manns, M. P., and Trautwein, C. (2006). Severe drug hepatitis caused by Chelidonium majus. Internist 47, 749–751. doi: 10.1007/s00108-006-1617-8

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Robles-Diaz, M., Gonzalez-Jimenez, A., Medina-Caliz, I., Stephens, C., García-Cortes, M., García-Muñoz, B., et al. (2015). Distinct phenotype of hepatotoxicity associated with illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids. Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 41, 116–125.

Google Scholar

Rochon, J., Protiva, P., Seeff, L. B., Fontana, R. J., Liangpunsakul, S., Watkins, P. B., et al. (2008). Reliability of the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method for assessing causality in drug-induced liver injury. Hepatology 48, 1175–1183. doi: 10.1002/hep.22442

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rohde, J., Jacobsen, C., and Kromann-Andersen, H. (2011). Toxic hepatitis triggered by green tea. Ugeskr Laeger 173, 205–220.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Roselle, H., Ekatan, A., Tzeng, J., Sapienza, M., and Kocher, J. (2008). Symptomatic hepatitis associated with the use of herbal Red Yeast Rice. Ann. Intern. Med. 149, 516–517. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-149-7-200810070-00021

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Roulet, M., Laurini, R., Rivier, L., and Calame, A. (1988). Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in newborn Infant of a woman drinking herbal tea. J. Pediatr. 112, 433–436. doi: 10.1016/S0022-3476(88)80330-5

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Russmann, S., Barguil, Y., Cabalion, P., Kritsanida, M., Duhet, D., and Lauterburg, B. H. (2003). Hepatic injury due to traditional aqueous extracts of kava root in New Caledonia. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 15, 1033–1036. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200309000-00015

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sangsuwan, C., Udompanthurak, S., Vannasaeng, S., and Thamlikitkul, V. (2004). Randomized controlled trial of Tinospora crispa for additional therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J. Med. Assoc. Thai 87, 543–546.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Sarma, D. N., Barrett, M. L., Chavez, M. L., Gardiner, P., Ko, R., Mahady, G. B., et al. (2008). Safety of green tea extract: a systematic review by the US Pharmacopeia. Drug Saf. 31, 469–484. doi: 10.2165/00002018-200831060-00003

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sarris, J., Kavanagh, D. J., Byrne, G., Bone, K. M., Adams, J., and Deed, G. (2009). The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS): a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial using an aqueous extract of Piper methysticum. Psychopharmacology 205, 399–407. doi: 10.1007/s00213-009-1549-9

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sarris, J., Stough, C., Bousman, C. A., Wahid, T., Murray, G., Teschke, R., et al. (2013). Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J. Clin. Psychopharmacol. 33, 643–648. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318291be67

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Schmidt, M. (2007). Quality criteria for kava. HerbalGram 73, 45–49.

Google Scholar

Schmidt, M. (2014). German court ruling reverses kava ban; German regulatory authority appeals decision. HerbalGram 103, 38–42.

Schmidt, M., Morgan, M., Bone, K., and McMillan, J. (2005). “Kava: a risk-benefit assessment,” in The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, eds M. Mills and K. Bone K (St. Louis: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone), 155–221.

Schoepfer, A. M., Engel, A., Fattinger, K., Marbet, U. A., Criblez, D., Reichen, J., et al. (2007). Herbal does not mean innocuous: ten cases of severe hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements from Herbalife products. J. Hepatol. 47, 521–526. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.06.014

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Schulze, J., Raasch, W., and Siegers, C. P. (2003). Toxicity of kava pyrones, drug safety and precautions - a case study. Phytomedicine 10(Suppl. IV), 68–73. doi: 10.1078/1433-187X-00300

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Seeff, L. B. (2007). Are herbals as safe as their advocates believe? J. Hepatol. 50, 13–16.

Seybold, U., Landauer, L., Hillebrand, S., and Goebel, F. D. (2004). Senna-induced hepatitis in a poor metabolizer. Ann. Intern. Med. 141, 650–651. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-141-8-200410190-00024

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sgro, C., Clinard, F., Ouazir, K., Chanay, H., Allard, C., Guilleminet, C., et al. (2002). Incidence of drug-induced hepatic injuries: a French population-based study. Hepatology 36, 451–455. doi: 10.1053/jhep.2002.34857

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sheikh, N. M., Philen, R. M., and Love, L. A. (1997). Chaparral-associated hepatotoxicity. Arch. Intern. Med. 157, 913–919. doi: 10.1001/archinte.1997.00440290099011

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shim, M., and Saab, S. (2009). Severe hepatotoxicity due to Hydroxycut: a case report. Dig. Dis. Sci. 54, 406–408. doi: 10.1007/s10620-008-0353-4

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Skoulidis, F., Alexander, G. J., and Davies, S. E. (2005). Ma huang associated acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 17, 581–584. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200505000-00017

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Smith, B. C., and Desmond, P. V. (1993). Acute hepatitis induced by the ingestion of the herbal medication chaparral. Aust. N. Z. J. Med. 23, 526. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1993.tb01846.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Smith, L. W., and Culvenor, C. C. J. (1981). Plant sources of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J. Nat. Prod. 44, 129–152. doi: 10.1021/np50014a001

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sohn, C. H., Cha, M. I., Oh, B. J., Yeo, W. H., Lee, J. H., Kim, W., et al. (2008). Liver transplantation for acute toxic hepatitis due to herbal medicines and preparations. J. Korean Soc. Clin. Toxicol. 6, 110–116.

Google Scholar

Sperl, W., Stuppner, H., Gassner, I., Judmaier, W., Dietze, O., and Vogel, W. (1995). Reversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing herbal tea. Eur. J. Pediatr. 154, 112–116. doi: 10.1007/BF01991912

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stadlbauer, V., Fickert, P., Lackner, C., Schmerlaib, J., Krisper, P., Trauner, M., et al. (2005). Hepatotoxicity of NONI juice: report of two cases. World J. Gastroenterol. 11, 4758–4760.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Stadlbauer, V., Weiss, S., Payer, F., and Stauber, R. E. (2008). Herbal does not at all mean innocuous: the sixth case of hepatotoxicity associated with Morinda citrifolia (Noni). Am. J. Gastroenterol. 103, 2406–2407. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.02010_8.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stammschulte, T., and Gundert-Remy, U. (2012). Letter to the Editor. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 64:342.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text

Starakis, I., Siagris, D., Leonidou, L., Mazakopakis, E., Tsamandas, A., and Karatza, C. (2006). Hepatitis caused by the herbal remedyTeucrium polium L. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 18, 681–683. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200606000-00016

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stevens, T., Qadri, A., and Zein, N. N. (2005). Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement hydroxycut. Ann. Intern. Med. 14, 477–478. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-142-6-200503150-00026

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stickel, F., Droz, S., Patsenker, E., Bögli-Stuber, K., Aebi, B., and Leib, S. L. (2009). Severe hepatotoxicity following ingestion of Herbalife nutritionally supplements contaminated with Bacillus subtilis. J. Hepatol. 50, 111–117. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.08.017

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stickel, F., Pöschl, G., Seitz, K. H., Waldherr, R., Hahn, E. G., and Schuppan, D. (2003). Acute hepatitis induced by Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus). Scand. J. Gastroenterol. 38, 565–568. doi: 10.1080/00365520310000942

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stillman, A. S., Huxtable, R., Consroe, P., Kohnen, P., and Smith, S. (1977). Hepatic veno-occlusive disease due to pyrrolizidine (Senecio) poisoning in Arizona. Gastroenterology 73, 349–352.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Stirpe, F. (1983). Mistletoe hepatitis. Br. Med. J. 1, 29.

Strahl, S., Ehret, V., Dahm, H. H., and Maier, K. P. (1998). Necrotising hepatitis after taking herbal remedies. Dtsch. Med. Wschr. 123, 1410–1414. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1024196

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sullivan, J. B., Rumack, B. H., Thomas, H., Peterson, R. G., and Bryson, P. (1979). Pennyroyal oil poisoning and hepatotoxicity. JAM A 242, 2873–2974. doi: 10.1001/jama.1979.03300260043027

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tajiri, K., and Shimizu, Y. (2008). Practical guidelines and early management of drug-induced liver injury. W. J. Gastroenterol. 14, 6774–6785. doi: 10.3748/wig.14.67774

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Takegoshi, K., Tohyama, T., Okuda, K., Suzuki, K., and Ohta, G. (1986). A case of Venoplant-induced hepatic injury. Gastroenterol. Jpn. 21, 62–65.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Talari, P., Talari, G., Gundareddy, V., Vemula, P., and Barmecha, J. (2010). Acute Hepatitis Associated with the Chinese Herbal Product Bai Shi Wan. Available online at: http://www.toothpicks.info/rc2/posters/2010/Internal_Medicine/Talari_P_Acute_hepatitis_asscciated.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Tandon, B. N., Tandon, H. D., Tandon, R. K., Narndranathan, M., and Joshi, Y. K. (1976a). An epidemic of veno-occlusive disease of the liver in central India. Lancet 308, 272. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(76)90727-3

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tandon, H. D., Tandon, B. N., and Mattocks, A. R. (2008). An epidemic of veno-occlusive disease of the liver in Afghanistan. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 70, 607–613.

Google Scholar

Tandon, R. K., Tandon, B. N., and Tandon, H. D. (1976b). Study of an epidemic of venoocclusive disease in India. Gut 17, 849–855. doi: 10.1136/gut.17.11.849

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tang, J. L., Zhan, S. Y., and Ernst, E. (1999). Review of randomised controlled clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine. BMJ 319, 160–161. doi: 10.1136/bmj.319.7203.160

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tarantino, G., Di Minno, M. N. D., Pezullo, M. G., Pezzullo, L. S., Milone, F., Milone, M., et al. (2009). Drug-induced liver injury due to “natural products” used for weight loss: a case report. World J. Gastroenterol. 15, 2414–2417. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2414

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R. (2010a). Kava hepatotoxicity: a clinical review. Ann. Hepatol. 9, 251–265.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R. (2010b). Kava hepatotoxicity: pathogenetic aspects and prospective considerations. Liver Int. 30, 1270–1279. doi: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02308.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R. (2010c). Black cohosh and suspected hepatotoxicity - inconsistencies, confounding variables, and prospective use of a diagnostic causality algorithm: a critical review. Menopause 17, 426–440. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181c5159c

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R. (2011). Special report. Kava and the risk of liver toxicity: past, current, and future. Am. Herbal Prod. Assoc. 26, 1–17.

Teschke, R. (2014). Traditional Chinese Medicine induced liver injury. J. Clin. Translat. Hepatol. 2, 80–94. doi: 10.14218/JCTH.(2009).2014.00003

CrossRef Full Text

Teschke, R., and Bahre, R. (2009). Severe hepatotoxicity by Indian Ayurvedic herbal products: a structured causality assessment. Ann. Hepatol. 8, 258–266.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Frenzel, C. (2014). Drug induced liver injury: do we still need a routine liver biopsy for diagnosis today? Ann. Hepatol. 13, 121–126.

Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Lebot, V. (2011). Proposal for a Kava Quality Standardization Code. Food Chem. Toxicol. 49, 2503–2516. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.06.075

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Schulze, J. (2010). Risk of kava hepatotoxicity and the FDA consumer advisory. JAMA 304, 2174–2175. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1689

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Schulze, J. (2012). Suspected herbal hepatotoxicity: requirements for appropriate causality assessment by the US Pharmacopeia. Drug Saf. 12, 1091–1097. doi: 10.1007/BF03261996

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Schwarzenboeck, A. (2009). Suspected hepatotoxicity by cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma (black cohosh, root): critical analysis and structured causality assessment. Phytomedicine 16, 72–84. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.09.009

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Wolff, A. (2009). Kava hepatotoxicity: regulatory data selection and causality assessment. Dig. Liv. Dis. 41, 891–901. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2009.04.003

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., and Wolff, A. (2011). Regulatory causality evaluation methods applied in kava hepatotoxicity: are they appropriate? Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 59, 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2010.09.006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Bahre, R., Genthner, A., Fuchs, J., Schmidt-Taenzer, W., and Wolff, A. (2009). Suspected black cohosh hepatotoxicity-challenges and pitfalls of causality assessment. Maturitas 63, 302–314. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.05.006

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Eickhoff, A., and Schulze, J. (2013a). Drug and herb induced liver injury in clinical and translational hepatology: causality assessment methods, quo vadis? J. Clin. Translat. Hepatol. 1, 59–74. doi: 10.14218/JCTH.2013.D002X

CrossRef Full Text

Teschke, R., Eickhoff, A., Wolff, A., Frenzel, C., and Schulze, J. (2013b). Herbal hepatotoxicity and WHO global introspection method. Ann. Hepatol. 12, 11–21.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Glass, X., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2012a). Greater Celandine hepatotoxicity: a clinical review. Ann. Hepatol. 11, 838–848.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Glass, X., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2013c). Herbal hepatotoxicity: a critical review. Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 75, 630–636. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04395.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2012b). Spontaneous reports of primarily suspected herbal hepatotoxicity by Pelargonium sidoides: was causality adequately ascertained? Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 63, 1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.02.009

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2012c). Suspected herbal hepatotoxicity: the pharmacovigilance dilemma with disputed and obsolete evaluation methods. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 64, 343–344. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.06.010

CrossRef Full Text

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2013e). Herbal hepatotoxicity: challenges and pitfalls of causality assessment methods. World J. Gastroenterol. 19, 2864–2882. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i19.2864

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Schulze, J., Schwarzenboeck, A., and Eickhoff, A. (2013d). Herbalife hepatotoxicity: evaluation of cases with positive reexposure tests. World J. Hepatol. 5, 353–363. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i7.353

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Wolff, A., Eickhoff, A., and Schulze, J. (2014a). Drug induced liver injury: accuracy of diagnosis in published reports. Ann. Hepatol. 13, 248–255.

Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Frenzel, C., Wolff, A., Herzog, J., Glass, X., Schulze, J., et al. (2012d). Initially purported hepatotoxicity by Pelargonium sidoides: the dilemma of pharmacovigilance and proposals for improvements. Ann. Hepatol. 11, 500–512.

Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Fuchs, J., Bahre, R., Genthner, A., and Wolff, A. (2010). Kava hepatotoxicity: comparative study of two structured quantitative methods for causality assessment. J. Clin. Pharm. Ther. 10, 545–563. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01131.x

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Gaus, W., and Loew, D. (2003). Kava extracts: safety and risks including rare hepatotoxicity. Phytomedicine 10, 440–446. doi: 10.1078/0944-7113-00314

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Genthner, A., Wolff, A., Frenzel, C., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2014b). Herbal hepatotoxicity: analysis of cases with initially reported positive reexposure tests. Dig. Liv. Dis. 46, 264–269. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2013.10.020

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Glass, X., and Schulze, J. (2011a). Herbal hepatotoxicity by Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus): causality assessment of 22 spontaneous reports. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 61, 282–291. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.08.008

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Glass, X., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2012e). Suspected Greater Celandine hepatotoxicity: liver specific causality evaluation of published case reports from Europe. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 24, 270–280. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e32834f993f

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Qiu, S. X., Xuan, T. D., and Lebot, V. (2011b). Kava and kava hepatotoxicity: requirements for novel experimental, ethnobotanical, and clinical studies based on a review of the evidence. Phytother. Res. 25, 1262–1274. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3464

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Sarris, J., and Lebot, V. (2011c). Contaminant hepatotoxins as culprits for hepatotoxicity – fact or fiction? Phytother. Res. 27, 472–474. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4729

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Sarris, J., and Schweitzer, I. (2012f). Kava hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern use: the presumed Pacific kava paradox hypothesis revisited. Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 73, 170–174. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04070.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schmidt-Taenzer, W., and Wolff, A. (2011d). Spontaneous reports of assumed herbal hepatotoxicity by black cohosh: is the liver unspecific Naranjo scale precise enough to ascertain causality? Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 20, 567–582. doi: 10.1002/pds.2127

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schmidt-Taenzer, W., and Wolff, A. (2012g). USP suspected herbal hepatotoxicity: quality of causality assessment is more important than quantity of counted cases, not vice versa. Pharmacoepidemiol. Drug Saf. 21, 336–338. doi: 10.1002/pds.3209

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schulze, J., Schwarzenboeck, A., Eickhoff, A., and Frenzel, C. (2013g). Herbal hepatotoxicity: suspected cases assessed for alternative causes. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 25, 1093–1098. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283603e89

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schwarzenboeck, A., and Akinci, A. (2008b). Kava hepatotoxicity: a European view. N.Z. Med. J. 121:1283.

Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schwarzenboeck, A., and Hennermann, K. H. (2008a). Kava hepatotoxicity: a clinical survey and critical analysis of 26 suspected cases. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 20, 1182–1193. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283036768

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schwarzenboeck, A., and Hennermann, K. H. (2008c). Causality assessment in hepatotoxicity by drugs and dietary supplements. Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 66, 758–766. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2008.03264.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schwarzenboeck, A., Eickhoff, A., Frenzel, C., Wolff, A., and Schulze, J. (2013f). Clinical and causality assessment in herbal hepatotoxicity. Expert Opin. Drug Saf. 12, 339–366. doi: 10.1517/14740338.2013.774371

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Schwarzenboeck, A., Schmidt-Taenzer, W., Wolff, A., and Hennermann, K. H. (2011e). Herb induced liver injury presumably caused by black cohosh: a survey of initially purported cases and herbal quality specifications. Ann. Hepatol. 11, 249–259.

Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Wolff, A., Frenzel, C., and Schulze, J. (2014c). Review article: herbal hepatotoxicity - an update on traditional Chinese medicine preparations. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 40, 32–50. doi: 10.1111/apt.12798

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Wolff, A., Frenzel, C., Eickhoff, A., and Schulze, J. (2015a). Herbal traditional Chinese medicine and evidence base for gastrointestinal disorders. World J. Gastroenterol.

Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Wolff, A., Frenzel, C., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2012h). Herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Liver Int. 32, 1543–1556. doi: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2012.02864x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Wolff, A., Frenzel, C., Schwarzenboeck, A., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2014d). Drug and herb induced liver injury: Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences scale for causality assessment. World J. Hepatol. 6, 17–32. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i1.17

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Zhang, L., Long, H., Schwarzenboeck, A., Schmidt-Taenzer, W., Genthner, A., et al. (2015b). Traditional Chinese medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Ann. Hepatol. 14, 7–19.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Teschke, R., Zhang, L., Melzer, L., Schulze, J., and Eickhoff, A. (2014e). Green tea extract and the risk of drug-induced liver injury. Expert Opin. Drug Metab. Toxicol. 10, 1663–1676. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2014.971011

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tsuda, T., Yashiro, S., Gamo, Y., Watanabe, K., Hoshino, T., Oikawa, T., et al. (2010). Discrepancy between clinical course and drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests in a case of saireito-induced liver injury accompanied by Sjögren syndrome. J. Altern. Complement. Med. 16, 501–505. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0183

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

UN. (2000). United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Systems and National Experiences for Protecting Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices. Background Note by the UNCTAD Secretariat. Geneva. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2000 (Document Reference TD/B/COM.1/EM.13/2). p.18. Available online at: http://unctad.org/en/Docs/c1em13d2.en.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Valente, G., Sanges, M., Campione, S., Bellevicine, C., De Franchis, G., Sollazzo, R., et al. (2010). Herbal hepatotoxicity: a case of difficult interpretation. Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci. 14, 865–870. doi: 10.1016/S1590-8658(10)60350-7

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vallance, W. B. (1955). Pennyroyal poisoning: a fatal case. Lancet October 22, 850.

Vanderperren, B., Rizzo, M., Angenot, L., Haufroid, V., Jadoul, M., and Hantson, P. (2005). Acute liver failure with renal impairment related to the abuse of Senna anthraquinone glycosides. Ann. Pharmacother. 39, 1353–1357. doi: 10.1345/aph.1E670

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vautier, G., and Spiller, R. C. (1995). Safety of complementary medicines should be monitored. BMJ 311, 633. doi: 10.1136/bmj.311.7005.633b

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Verheist, X., Burvenich, P., Van Sassenbroeck, D., Gabiel, C., Lootens, M., and Baert, D. (2009). Acute hepatitis after treatment for hair loss with oral green tea extracts (Camellia sinensis). Acta Gastroenterol. Belg. 72, 262–264.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Verucchi, G., Calza, L., Attard, L., and Chiodo, F. (2002). Acute hepatitis induced by traditional Chinese herbs used in the treatment of psoriasis. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 17, 1342–1343. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2002.02887.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wai, C. T. (2006). Presentation of drug-induced liver injury in Singapore. Singapore Med. J. 47, 116–120.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Wainwright, J., and Schonland, M. M. (1977). Toxic hepatitis in black patients in Natal. S. Afr. Med. J. 51, 571.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Wainwright, J., Schonland, M. M., and Candy, H. A. (1977). Toxicity of Callilepis laureola. S. Afr. Med. J. 52, 313–315.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Wang, G., Mao, B., Xiong, Z. Y., Fan, T., Chen, X. D., Wang, L., et al. (2007). The quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese Medicine: a survey of 13 randomly selected journals from mainland China. Clin. Ther. 29, 1456–1467. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.07.023

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wang, J. Y., and Gao, H. (2014). Tusanqi and hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. J. Dig. Dis. 15, 105–107. doi: 10.1111/1751-2980.12112

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Weinstein, D. H., Twaddell, W. S., Raufman, J. P., Philosophe, B., and Mindikoglu, A. L. (2012). SlimQuick®-associated hepatotoxicity in a woman with alpha-1 antitrypsin heterozygosity. World J. Hepatol. 4, 154–157.

Google Scholar

Weise, B., Wiese, M., Plötner, A., and Ruf, B. R. (2002). Toxic hepatitis after intake of kava-kava. Verdauungskrankheiten 4, 166–169

Weston, C. F. M., Cooper, B. T., Davies, J. D., and Levine, D. F. (1987). Veno-occlusive disease of the liver secondary to ingestion of comfrey. Br. Med. J. (Clin. Res. Ed) 295, 183. doi: 10.1136/bmj.295.6591.183

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

WHO. (2000a). General Guidelines for Methodologies on Research and Evaluation of Traditional Medicine. Available online at http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2000/ (Accessed December 30, 2014). WHO_EDM_TRM_2000.1.pdf?ua=1 Last accessed 30 November 2014

WHO. (2000b). World Health Organization. The use of the WHO-UMC system for standardised case causality assessment. WHO Collaboratoring Centre for International Drug Monitoring (Uppsala Monitoring Centre, UMC), Database 2000. Available online at: http://who-umc.org/Graphics/24734.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

WHO. (2002). World Health Organization. WHO Traditional Medicines Strategy 2002-2005. Geneva: WHO. Available online at: http://www.wpro.who.int/health_technology/book_who_traditional_medicine_strategy_2002_2005.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

WHO. (2003). Guideline on good agricultural and collection practices (GACP) for medicinal plants. Geneva, WHO. Available online at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2003/9241546271.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

WHO. (2005). Regulatory Situation of Herbal Medicines. A Worldwide Review. Edited by X. Zhang. Available online at:http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/whozip57e/whozip57e.pdf. (Accessed December 30, 2014).

WHO. (2006). Technical Report Series, No. 937, 2006. Annex 3. Supplementary Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices for the Manufacture of Herbal Medicines. Available online at:http://infocollections.org/medregpack/documents/d0099/d0099.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

WHO. (2007a). World Health Organization. Assessments of the Risk of Hepatotoxicity with Kava Products. Geneva: WHO Document Production Services.

WHO. (2007b). Guidelines for Assessing Quality of Herbal Medicines with Reference to Contaminants and Residues. Available online at: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s14878e/s14878e.pdf (Accessed December 30, 2014).

WHO. (2013). World Health Organization. WHO Traditional Medicines Strategy 2014-2023. Geneva: WHO. Available online at: http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/traditional/trm_strategy14_23/en/ (Accessed December 30, 2014).

Woolf, G. M., Petrovic, L. M., Rojter, S. E., Wainwright, S., Villamil, F. G., Katkov, W. N., et al. (1994). Acute hepatitis associated with the Chinese herbal product Jin Bu Huan. Ann. Intern. Med. 121, 729–735. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-121-10-199411150-00001

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wu, G. L., Yu, G. Y., and Chen, J. (2008). Clinical analysis of hepatic veno-occlusive disease induced by Sedum aizoon. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 33, 2402–2404.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Yang, H. N., Kim, D. J., Kim, Y. M., Kim, B. H., Sohn, K. M., Choi, M. J., et al. (2010). Aloe-induced toxic hepatitis. J. Korean Med. Sci. 25, 492–495. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2010.25.3.492

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yang, L., Aronsohn, A., Hart, J., and Jensen, D. (2012a). Herbal hepatotoxicity from Chinese skullcap: a case report. World J. Hepatol. 4, 231–233. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i7.231

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yang, X., Salminen, W. F., and Schnackenberg, L. K. (2012b). Current and emerging biomarkers of hepatotoxicity. Curr. Biomarker Find 2, 43–55.

Google Scholar

Yoshida, E. M., McLean, C. A., Cheng, E. S., Blanc, P. D., Somberg, K. A., Ferrell, L. D., et al. (1996). Chinese herbal medicine, fulminant hepatitis, and liver transplantation. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 91, 2647–2648.

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | Google Scholar

Yu, E. L., Sivagnanam, M., Ellis, L., and Huang, J. S. (2011). Acute hepatotoxicity after ingestion of Morinda citrifolia (Noni Berry) juice in a 14-year-old boy. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 52, 222–224. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181eb69f0

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yüce, B., Gülberg, V., Diebold, J., and Gerbes, A. L. (2006). Hepatitis induced by Noni juice from Morinda citrifolia: a rare cause of hepatotoxicity or the tip of a iceberg? Digestion 73, 167–170. doi: 10.1159/000094524

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yuen, M. F., Tam, S., Fung, J., Wong, D. K. H., Wong, B. C. Y., and Lai, C. L. (2006). Traditional Chinese Medicine causing hepatotoxicity in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a 1-year prospective study. Aliment Pharmacol. Ther. 24, 1179–1186. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03111.x

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhang, L., Yan, J., Liu, X., Ye, Z., Yang, X., Meyboom, R., et al. (2012). Pharmacovigilance practice and risk control of Traditional Chinese Medicine drugs in China: current status and future perspective. J. Ethnopharmacol. 140, 519–525. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.01.058

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhao, L., Nicholson, J. K., Lu, A., Wang, Z., Tang, H., Holmes, E., et al. (2012). Targeting the human genome-microbiome axis for drug discovery: inspirations from global systems biology and traditional Chinese medicine. J. Proteome Res. 11, 3509–3519. doi: 10.1021/pr3001628

PubMed Abstract | Full Text | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhou, Y., Qin, S., and Wang, K. (2013). Biomarkers of drug-induced liver injury. Curr. Biomarker Find 3, 1–9.

Zimmerman, H. J. (1999). Hepatotoxicity. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.