Four cases of toxic Liver injury associated with Dictamnus dasycarpus

doi:2008.14.2.206

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 14(2); 2008 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2008;14(2): 206-212.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3350/kjhep.2008.14.2.206

Four cases of toxic Liver injury associated with Dictamnus dasycarpus

Jong Soon Jang, M.D., Eui Geun Seo, M.D., Cheol Han, M.D., Hee Bok Chae, M.D., Soon Je Kim, M.D.1, Jae Dong Lee, M.D.1, Joon Ho Wang, M.D.1

Departments of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju, Korea

ABSTRACT

We report four cases of toxic hepatitis that occurred after taking a decoction made by boiling down the root of Dictamnus dasycarpus. The four patients had a median age of 60 years, common symptoms of jaundice and general weakness, and stated that they had not consumed alcohol for at least 5 years. The markers of hepatitis A, B, and C were all negative in the patients. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed common bile ducts with normal diameters. Two of the cases were a mother and daughter, and the other two were sporadic. All of them had consumed a decoction made by boiling down the root of Dictamnus dasycarpus five or six times daily until several days before admission. Dictamnus dasycarpus induced liver injury presenting with a benign course lasting less than 1 month after cessation of the causative agent. We suggest that this natural product can cause acute hepatitis in rural areas. (Korean J Hepatol 2008;14:206-212)

KeyWords: Dictamnus dasycarpus; Herbal medicine; Toxic liver injury