Six Chinese Medicinal Herbs that can Harm the Liver
Although Chinese medicinal herbs can treat diseases and promote health, it is important to be cautious as their misuse can harm the liver. Let's take a look at these six Chinese medicinal herbs:
Which Chinese medicinal herbs can harm the liver? What are the Chinese medicinal herbs that can harm the liver? What are the Chinese medicinal herbs that protect the liver?
Some people believe that Chinese medicinal herbs are completely non-toxic and can even be used as health supplements. However, a recent report on "Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Liver Damage" has drawn attention to the potential hepatotoxicity of these herbs. This reminds us that the wrong use of Chinese medicinal herbs can be dangerous.
In general, drug-induced liver damage has two main mechanisms: direct toxicity of drugs and their metabolites to the liver, and individual-specific reactions to drugs. The first mechanism is mainly related to the type and dosage of the drug, while the second mechanism is mainly related to individual constitution. In daily life, special attention should be paid to the use of the following drugs to avoid liver damage:
1. Polygonum multiflorum
Many people like to take Polygonum multiflorum to nourish their hair and kidneys. However, as its use increases, concerns about its safety have also arisen. As early as 2014, the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) issued an adverse reaction report warning about the risk of liver damage from Polygonum multiflorum. There are two types of Polygonum multiflorum: raw and processed. Processed Polygonum multiflorum has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, nourishing essence and blood, and darkening hair, while raw Polygonum multiflorum can be used to treat malaria and promote bowel movement. If you want to nourish your body or darken your hair, you must choose processed Polygonum multiflorum. If you buy or collect Polygonum multiflorum that has not been processed, it may contain an anthraquinone derivative called emodin, which can be toxic to the body if abused. The main manifestations are liver damage and stimulation of intestinal congestion. Therefore, it is not recommended for healthy individuals to use it indiscriminately. If you have a medical condition, you should also use it under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
2. Cassia angustifolia
When experiencing constipation, many patients choose to use Cassia angustifolia for treatment. Cassia angustifolia does have a good laxative effect, but is more suitable for acute constipation, and a general dosage of 5-6 grams is sufficient. If taken in excess for a long time, the anthraquinone-like active metabolites produced by Cassia angustifolia in the intestines can harm the liver. It is not suitable for those with a spleen and stomach deficiency and symptoms such as aversion to cold and preference for warmth and loose stools. In addition, many patients trust folk remedies and use rhubarb boiled in water to treat constipation. Rhubarb contains substances such as emodin, and a suitable dosage for most people is 1-5 grams per time. Long-term abuse can also lead to liver damage.
3. Artemisia argyi
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Artemisia argyi has the effects of warming the meridians, stopping bleeding, dispersing cold, and regulating menstruation. Some patients use Artemisia argyi tea or Chinese patent medicine like Artemisia Argyi Pill to treat dysmenorrhea, but it should not be used for a long time or in large quantities, or even taken to prevent disease. Studies have found that long-term use of certain volatile oils or water-soluble substances in Artemisia argyi can cause liver damage, and in severe cases, even liver cirrhosis and other diseases may occur. The general recommendation is to start taking it 3-5 days before menstruation. If the symptoms are not relieved after one week of continuous use, you should immediately stop taking it and seek medical attention.
4. Sophora flavescens
Sophora flavescens can clear heat and dampness. Some patients choose to take Sophora flavescens tablets for a long time to treat eczema and chronic vaginitis. However, it should be noted that Sophora flavescens tablets are only suitable for vaginitis and eczema caused by damp-heat accumulation in the lower jiao. Self-medication may delay the condition and even cause liver damage due to excessive dosage. Patients who are instructed to take it for a long time should undergo regular check-ups. Once liver problems occur, the medication should be stopped immediately and necessary treatment measures should be taken.
5. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the fruit of the ginkgo tree and has the effects of moistening the lungs, stopping coughing, and relieving asthma. Some elderly asthma patients like to pick up roadside ginkgo nuts and make tea with them. However, unprocessed ginkgo nuts still contain toxic substances such as ginkgolic acid and amygdalin. Excessive consumption can cause abdominal distension, and in severe cases, liver toxicity and other problems may occur. In general, most of the toxic substances can be removed by stir-frying the ginkgo nuts, reducing their toxicity. It is recommended to soak the peeled ginkgo nuts in water for about an hour and then heat them before consumption. However, adults should not exceed 10 pieces per serving, and children should not exceed 5 pieces. Children under 5 years old should not consume them. People who are prone to bleeding and have a cold body constitution should also avoid using ginkgo nuts.
