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Popular Herbal Supplements Linked to Liver Risks – Should We Be Concerned?

In a new development, researchers at the University of Michigan have raised alarms about the potential liver risks associated with several widely used herbal supplements. These natural remedies, including ashwagandha, green tea extract, turmeric, and Garcinia cambogia, have gained massive popularity, thanks in part to social media platforms like TikTok. However, while touted for their health benefits, these supplements may pose serious health risks—specifically to the liver.

According to the study, recently published in the JAMA Network Open, around 15.6 million U.S. adults (about 5% of the population) reported taking at least one potentially hepatotoxic herbal supplement in the past 30 days. This discovery has raised significant concerns about the lack of regulation and safety testing for many of these products. Some of the supplements identified, such as black cohosh and red yeast rice, have previously been linked to liver damage, yet continue to be sold without stringent oversight.

Dr. Alisa Likhitsup, one of the lead researchers, explained that while herbal products may seem “natural,” that does not equate to safety. “As a practicing hepatologist, I have seen patients who had liver injury from dietary supplements—some of which were fatal and required emergency liver transplants,” she said. The liver is particularly vulnerable due to its role in metabolizing these products, which can lead to dangerous toxin buildup, causing inflammation, cell death, and in severe cases, liver failure.

So, what does this mean for the millions of people turning to herbal supplements? Should we be more cautious about trusting these products to be safe just because they’re derived from plants? While the study’s authors stress the need for more research, the findings suggest that these supplements should be taken with caution—and under professional supervision.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue! Do you use herbal supplements like those mentioned in the study? Are you surprised by the potential risks? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!


Sources:

Wendy Close

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