Korean J Hepatol.  2008 Jun;14(2):206-212. 10.3350/kjhep.2008.14.2.206.

Four cases of toxic liver injury associated with Dictamnus dasycarpus

• Jang JS
• Seo EG
• Han C
• Chae HB
• Kim SJ
• Lee JD
• Wang JH

• KMID: 760785
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3350/kjhep.2008.14.2.206

Abstract

We report four cases of toxic hepatitis that occurred after taking a decoction made by boiling down the root of Dictamnus dasycarpus. The four patients had a median age of 60 years, common symptoms of jaundice and general weakness, and stated that they had not consumed alcohol for at least 5 years. The markers of hepatitis A, B, and C were all negative in the patients. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed common bile ducts with normal diameters. Two of the cases were a mother and daughter, and the other two were sporadic. All of them had consumed a decoction made by boiling down the root of Dictamnus dasycarpus five or six times daily until several days before admission. Dictamnus dasycarpus induced liver injury presenting with a benign course lasting less than 1 month after cessation of the causative agent. We suggest that this natural product can cause acute hepatitis in rural areas.

Keyword

Dictamnus dasycarpus; Herbal medicine; Toxic liver injury

MeSH Terms

Acute Disease
Aged
Dictamnus/*adverse effects
Female
Hepatitis, Toxic/*diagnosis/etiology/ultrasonography
Humans
Liver Function Tests
Male
Middle Aged
Plant Roots/*adverse effects