Soonchunhyang Med Sci.  2014 Dec;20(2):96-98. 10.0000/sms.2014.20.2.96.

A Case of Toxic Hepatitis by Weight-Loss Herbal Supplement Containing Garcinia cambogia

• Lee JL
• Shin HP
• Jeon JW
• Cha JM
• Joo KR
• Lee JI

• KMID: 2317731
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/sms.2014.20.2.96

Abstract

We report a case of patient with acute toxic hepatitis induced by weight-loss herbal supplement. A patient took natural extract supplement containing Garcinia cambogia for only two days and visited Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong complaining of abdominal discomfort and jaundice. Serum ceruloplasmin level was decreased and hepatic copper levels on liver biopsy specimen were increased. Although, those were mimicking Wilson's disease, pathological findings and clinical manifestations were consistent with drug-induced acute hepatitis. Genetic test was negative for Wilson's disease. After one month of hospitalization, the patient improved and was discharged home in good condition. She was followed up for four months and her symptoms and signs of hepatitis continued to improve steadily with normal liver function tests. Our case emphasizes the importance of taking a caution when taking herbal supplements for the purpose of weight loss. This case also demonstrates the importance of suspicion of medication-related adverse events, even though the duration of taking the materials seems to be too short to affect the patients.

Keyword

Garcinia cambogia; Toxic hepatitis; Weight Loss; Herbals

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Ceruloplasmin
Copper
Drug-Induced Liver Injury*
Garcinia cambogia*
Hepatitis
Hepatolenticular Degeneration
Hospitalization
Humans
Jaundice
Liver
Liver Function Tests
Weight Loss
Ceruloplasmin
Copper