These 6 Popular Herbal Supplements Could Damage Your Liver Health: Study Warns

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For thousands of years, herbs have played a central role in traditional medicine. But their modern resurgence, fueled by platforms like TikTok, has led to a notable increase in the use of herbal supplements. While these products are often labeled as "natural," recent research raises concerns about their potential risks, particularly to liver health.

A recent study from the University of Michigan has revealed that around 15.6 million U.S. adults—about 5% of the population—have taken at least one herbal supplement in the past month that could be harmful to the liver.

The Risk of ‘Natural’ Supplements

Herbal supplements may be marketed as safe because they are derived from plants, but this assumption is misleading. Unlike pharmaceuticals, these products are not subject to stringent U.S. FDA approval before hitting the shelves, meaning they are not thoroughly tested for safety or efficacy.

According to experts, some herbs can interact negatively with prescription medications or even lead to liver damage in some users.

In a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open, University of Michigan researchers analyzed data from over 9,500 U.S. adults, focusing on the consumption of 6 potentially liver-toxic herbal supplements:

• Ashwagandha
• Black cohosh
• Garcinia cambogia
• Green tea extract
• Red yeast rice
• Turmeric or curcumin

Lead researcher Dr. Alisa Likhitsup, a hepatologist at the University of Michigan, explained that these products may trigger liver injury, though the exact mechanism remains unclear.

“It is likely due to the metabolism that occurs in the liver after consumption,” she stated, adding that she had seen patients suffer severe liver damage due to supplements, with some cases requiring emergency liver transplants.

Snippet of the study's abstract.Photo byJAMA Network Open, 2024.

The Scope of the Problem

The study found that 58% of participants had used herbal supplements in the previous 30 days, and 5% had taken one of the six identified as potentially harmful to the liver.

When projected to the entire U.S. population, this translates to roughly 15.6 million adults at risk of liver injury due to these supplements. This figure is comparable to the number of people prescribed drugs known to cause liver damage, such as NSAIDs and cholesterol-lowering medications like simvastatin.

Dr. Likhitsup and her team hope these findings will prompt more awareness of the potential dangers of unregulated supplements. Since dietary supplements often contain multiple ingredients, and over 50% are mislabeled, it’s challenging to conduct research or gauge the full extent of liver risks.

Expert Warnings: The Myth of ‘Natural’ Safety

While it’s easy to assume that natural products are safer, this is not always the case. Dr. Rosario Ligresti, chief of Gastroenterology at Hackensack University Medical Center, cautioned consumers against this assumption.

"Many herbal supplements lack regulatory oversight, and they can interfere with the liver's ability to detoxify harmful substances,” he said. This interference can lead to a buildup of toxins in the liver, which may cause inflammation, cell death, and even liver failure in severe cases.

Dr. Ligresti emphasized that physicians need to have open conversations with their patients about the potential risks associated with these products. Many people believe that because supplements are plant-based, they must be safe, but high doses or combinations with other medications can lead to severe complications.

How to Approach Herbal Supplements Safely

Monique Richard, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, also expressed concern over how supplements are marketed. She noted that influencers, advertising, and even scare tactics contribute to the false narrative that these products can cure illnesses or improve well-being without risk. In reality, the FDA’s oversight is limited, and many supplements are poorly tested, mislabeled, or even dangerous.

For those considering herbal supplements, Richard recommended working closely with healthcare providers, including dietitians, doctors, and pharmacists, to assess individual needs. Instead of relying on supplements, Richard advocates for a “food-first” approach. For example, incorporating turmeric or green tea into your diet as part of meals can be a safer way to reap their potential benefits.

In closing, Richard offered this advice: “Consult trusted healthcare professionals before buying promises in a bottle that could be sabotaging your health, your liver, and your wallet.”

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

Herbal supplements may appear as a natural, safe way to enhance your health, but as the research shows, they are not without risks. Whether influenced by social media or misleading marketing, millions of Americans are using products that could be putting their liver health at serious risk. Before adding any herbal supplement to your routine, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare team to ensure you’re making informed decisions.