Toxic Hepatitis Induced by Show-Wu-Pian, a Chinese Herbal Preparation

Herbal preparations are widely available and often regarded by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical ailments. However, some of these products or their metabolites can cause adverse effects such as liver damage. In this case report a 53-year-old female taking Shou-Wu-Pian for 8 months presented with acute hepatitis. Histopathological assessment of liver tissue obtained by biopsy was consistent with a toxic reaction. Clinical and biochemical resolution was brought about following cessation of the drug. It is important for clinicians to consider Chinese herbal preparations as a potential cause of abnormal liver function test results.