Q: 32 years old, a health-conscious female with no past medical history is brought to the emergency department (ED) by family with symptoms of mental status change, nausea, vomiting, and severe jaundice. Patient is reported to be a big fan of herbal and dietary supplements and lately doubled her dose of morning and evening tea.
Answer: Acute Liver Failure (ALF) from Green Tea Extracts
Green tea continues to be popular in all cultures across the globe due to its generalized beneficial effects on the human body and for possible weight loss. The concentrated extract of green tea is called Camellia sinensis L. If consumed in high quantities, it may lead to ALF. Unfortunately, green tea extract is present in many other herbal remedies and a patient may be consuming it without knowledge. Overall these products are known as catechin polyphenols. Women are more prone to hepatic injury than men. Individuals, who practiced prolonged fasting hours along with excess consumption of green tea are more prone to develop ALF. Fortunately, with discontinuation, ALF is reversible.
# toxicology
References:
1. Gurley BJ, McGill MR, Koturbash I. Hepatotoxicity due to herbal dietary supplements: Past, present and the future. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 169:113445.
2. Molinari M, Watt KD, Kruszyna T, et al. Acute liver failure induced by green tea extracts: case report and review of the literature. Liver Transpl 2006; 12:1892.
3. Isomura T, Suzuki S, Origasa H, et al. Liver-related safety assessment of green tea extracts in humans: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr 2016; 70:1221.
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