Herbal and dietary supplement-induced liver injury in Taiwan: comparison with conventional drug-induced liver injury

Background and aims Whether herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are safer than Western conventional drugs is controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics and risk factors for HDS-induced liver injury (HILI) in Taiwan. Methods This is a 9-year multi-center prospective study conducted in Taiwan from 2011 to 2019. Patients with HILI were compared to those with conventional drug-induced liver injury (CILI). Results A total of 1,297 patients were enrolled, of whom 285 (22.0%) had HILI and 1,012 (78.0%) had CILI. Compared to the CILI group, the HILI group had higher initial serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), peak ALP and bilirubin levels, and higher rates of jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, sepsis and acute liver failure. In addition, the HILI group had a higher mortality rate than the CILI group (12.6 vs. 8.0%, p = 0.016). Hepatitis B carrier status, elevated baseline liver biochemical tests and the use of crude herbs (without processing) were associated with an increased risk of HILI-related mortality (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 2.90 [1.43-5.99], 2.40 [1.01-5.68] and 2.94 [1.45-5.97], respectively). Conclusions HDS are popular and incriminated in more than one-fifth of drug-induced liver injuries in Taiwan. The patients with HILI were more severe than those with CILI in terms of liver biochemical tests, complications and mortality. Hepatitis B carriers, those with elevated baseline liver tests and crude herb users may have a higher risk of HILI-related mortality. The prudent use of HDS is suggested in these high-risk subjects.

Automated summary

The study found that herbal and dietary supplements accounted for more than one-fifth of drug-induced liver injuries in Taiwan, and patients with HILI were more severe and had a higher mortality rate compared to those with CILI. Hepatitis B carriers, individuals with elevated baseline liver tests, and users of crude herbs may face a higher risk of HILI-related mortality. Prudent use of HDS is recommended for these high-risk individuals.