Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 1992 ; 16(1): 92-5.

[Acute hepatitis caused by wild germander. Hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. Two cases]

Pauwels A, Thierman-Duffaud D, Azanowsky JM, Loiseau D, Biour M, Levy VG.

While interest in herbal therapy is clearly increasing in Western countries, there are few available data about hepatotoxicity of herbal remedies. We report on two women who had severe acute hepatocellular liver injury occurring within one to two months of treatment with Wild Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys L.), a herbal medicine for losing weight. Clinical course was favorable after the treatment was discontinued. Involuntary rechallenge in one case resulted in reappearance of symptoms of liver injury. When a patient presents with unexplained hepatic abnormalities, it may be worthwhile to consider non-orthodox self-treatment with herbal remedy as a potential cause. Only systematic observation will provide a clear picture of the incidence of liver injury caused by herbal medicines.