- A New Jersey woman was hospitalized for liver damage after taking high doses of turmeric.
- Research has associated popular herbal supplements like turmeric with liver toxicity and damage.
- Experts say in most cases, these risks only occur if you’re taking high doses of these supplements.
Popular dietary supplements like turmeric have been increasingly linked to liver damage when the recommended dosage is exceeded.
Katie Mohan, a 57-year-old woman in New Jersey, began taking large quantities of turmeric after seeing an Instagram post from a doctor promoting its anti-inflammatory benefits.
After a few weeks, Mohan developed abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue. “I just did not feel well generally,” she told NBC News. “I also noticed that despite drinking a lot of water every day, that my urine was darker.”
Mohan read about the potential for liver damage from herbal supplements in an NBC News report published in May. She had been taking as much as 2,250 milligrams of turmeric per day. “A light bulb went off in my head and I said, Oh, my gosh! I wonder if this is what’s wrong with me.”
Mohan’s liver enzyme levels were around 60 times the limit considered healthy, according to a blood panel she received at an urgent care, NBC reports. She was hospitalized for six days and treatment helped her liver to regenerate.
Herbal supplements are largely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means they are not held to the same high standards for testing and safety as pharmaceutical drugs.
There are currently few guidelines regarding safe turmeric consumption, but the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 0–3 mg of turmeric per kilogram of body weight per day is acceptable.
Still, the rise in popularity of herbal supplements has experts concerned over the potential long-term health effects, particularly liver damage.
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Here’s what you need to know about the reported benefits of turmeric and other popular supplements that have been linked to liver damage.
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These properties can help with conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
“Turmeric’s antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress,” explained Samael Tejada, a functional medicine expert and founder of Liquivida. “It also supports digestive health, is believed to enhance cognitive function, and even potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers.”
However, he says high doses of turmeric supplements have been
Green tea extract is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is rich in antioxidants known as catechins.
Tejada said its high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
“It’s believed to improve metabolism and aid in weight loss, improve brain function, including memory loss and focus, reduce cholesterol levels, and may have potential anticancer properties for certain cancers,” he notes.
Tejada noted that
“Ashwagandha can help reduce serum cortisol levels, which can lead to people getting better, more restful sleep,” says Pedram Kordrostami, MD, founder and CEO of supplement company Omre.
“Ashwagandha’s ability to calm the brain is mostly due to the compounds it contains. Considered an adaptogen, ashwagandha is a kind of herb that, when consumed, helps the body deal with stress,” he explains.
Kordrostami said the potential benefits will be more pronounced in people who experience insomnia.
Kordrostami said potential risks to the liver are rare, but the effects can range from mild to moderate.
Severe liver injury has been
Black cohosh is a plant native to North America that has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes.
Tejada said its potential benefits include managing symptoms associated with menopause and hormonal imbalances and reducing hot flashes, night sweats, changes in mood, and sleep disturbances.
Black cohosh is also used to help manage menstrual cycles and alleviate PMS symptoms, but research is inconclusive about the purported benefits.
“Several case reports have linked black cohosh use to liver damage, including cases of hepatitis and liver failure, necessitating liver transplants,” Tejada noted.
Risks include jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and acute hepatitis.
“The cause is not entirely understood but may involve individual susceptibility, dosage, duration of use, or contamination of supplements. Women with a history of liver disorders should be particularly cautious,” he cautioned.
Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit that is commonly used as a weight loss supplement.
Tejada said it contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is believed to help suppress appetite and block an enzyme in the body used to store fat.
“It’s known for potential weight loss benefits, improved cholesterol levels, reduced appetite, increased stamina, and reduced fatigue, making it popular among athletes,” he explained. Of course, research is inconclusive about these benefits.
However, the potential liver risks may outweigh the benefits.
“Reports of acute liver failure and hepatitis-like symptoms have been associated with Garcinia cambogia, often in individuals who combine it with other weight loss supplements,” Tejada noted.
“Severe cases can lead to the need for liver transplantation, possibly related to the supplement’s chemical properties or interactions with other supplements.”
Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine made by fermenting rice with a type of mold called Monascus purpureus.
“It contains compounds known as monacolins, which are similar to statins and may help lower cholesterol levels,” Tejada explained. “It may also improve heart health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some
But as with other herbal supplements, there are risks.
“Red yeast rice may cause elevated liver enzymes, liver inflammation, and, in rare cases, acute liver failure,” Tejada noted. “The risk increases with higher doses and prolonged use, especially when combined with other statins or hepatotoxic drugs.”
A note about herbal supplements
Always check with your healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement to discuss the possible risks and benefits. Herbal supplements may interact with other medications you’re taking.
