Unregulated Herbal Products Pose Liver Risk for Americans

liverPhoto byjulien TromeuronUnsplash

The research published in the journal JAMA Network Open revealed that millions of Americans may be consuming herbal remedies with potential liver-damaging ingredients. Approximately 15.6 million U.S. adults were estimated to have used botanical products within the past month, such as turmeric, green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh, known to have hepatotoxic effects.

The lack of regulation in manufacturing and testing of these products poses risks for consumers, as some products were found to contain discrepancies between stated ingredients and actual contents. Data from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) indicated a significant increase in liver injuries attributed to herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) over the years. The researchers emphasized the need for increased regulatory oversight to protect consumers from potential liver damage and other adverse effects associated with these unregulated botanical products.

This study sheds light on the concerning issue of potential liver damage associated with the consumption of herbal remedies in the United States. The prevalence of botanical product use among Americans, coupled with the lack of stringent regulations in the industry, underscores the urgent need for increased oversight to protect public health and safety. With millions of adults turning to botanical products for various health reasons, it is crucial that manufacturers adhere to quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of these remedies.

The findings from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network highlight a worrying trend of liver injuries linked to herbal and dietary supplements over recent years. The discrepancies between labeled ingredients and actual contents in some products pose a serious risk to consumers, emphasizing the importance of transparent labeling and rigorous testing protocols. Moving forward, regulatory agencies and healthcare providers must collaborate to educate the public about potential risks associated with unregulated botanical products and advocate for stricter standards to safeguard against adverse effects on liver health and overall well-being.

Source:

https://www.newsweek.com/health-supplements-turmeric-green-tea-liver-damage-1936581