Hidden Risks of Alternative Medicines: A Case of Boldo-Induced Hepatotoxicity.
- 1a Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Medicina III , Amadora , Portugal.
- 2b Faculdade de Ciências Médicas , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal.
- 3c Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal.
Abstract
The alternative medicines are commonly used, especially herbal
ones. Among them, boldo is traditionally used for symptomatic treatment
of dyspepsia and mild gastrointestinal spasmodic disorders.
Nevertheless, the number of reported cases of possible hepatotoxicity of
some of these products has increased, including one report of
boldo-induced hepatitis. We present the case of a 72-year-old female
patient who has developed jaundice and increased serum levels of liver
enzymes, after repeated consumption of boldo leaves infusion, during 2
weeks. After exclusion of common causes of hepatobiliary pathology,
boldo-induced hepatotoxicity was considered probable. Interrupting of
ingestion led to clinical and laboratorial recovery. This case proves
the value of research in the alternative medicines' use. Ingestion of
boldo, particularly in elderly patients with biliary tract disorders,
may be the cause of otherwise unexplained jaundice or abnormal values of
liver enzymes.
KEYWORDS:
boldo; drug-induced hepatitis; hepatotoxicity; herbal medicines
