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Chaparral ingestion: the broadening spectrum of liver injury caused by herbal medications

Article Abstract:

The case of a 60-year-old woman who was diagnosed with severe chaparral-induced toxic hepatitis illustrates the potential dangers of non-traditional medications. Chaparral is an herbal medicine with antioxidant properties. Toxic hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by a toxin. The woman was hospitalized for treatment of pain in the upper right abdominal area, lack of appetite, and yellow discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Laboratory tests indicated abnormal liver function and a liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acute hepatitis. During the past 10 months, the patient had taken one to two capsules of chaparral per day which increased to six capsules daily approximately three weeks before hospitalization. Her condition continued to deteriorate four weeks after the onset of the illness and she ultimately required a liver transplant. The patient is well and has normal liver functioning 1.5 years after the transplant.

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Medicine, Herbal, Herbal medicine, Toxic hepatitis, Chaparral

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Adverse Events Associated With Ingestion of Gamma-Butyrolactone- Minnesota, New Mexico, and Texas, 1998-1999

Article Abstract:

Consumers should avoid using products containing gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Health claims for this industrial chemical include the ability to induce sleep, release growth hormone, enhance sexual activity and athletic performance, relieve depression, and prolong life. GBL is converted by the body into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a chemical also linked to toxic effects. Between October, 1998 and January, 1999, 41 people became sick after taking products containing GBL. One such product is called Revivarant. Symptoms include hypothermia, abnormally slow heartbeat, central nervous system depression, and uncontrolled movements. The drug is even more toxic when mixed with alcohol. There is no known antidote.

Dietary supplements

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Human Ingestion of Bacillus anthracis-Contaminated Meat--Minnesota, August 2000

Article Abstract:

Researchers report a farm family in Minnesota who ate meat from a cow that was subsequently found to be infected with the bacterium that causes anthrax. Two family members became ill within one to two days after eating the meat. Both recovered without treatment.

Meat, Causes of, Contamination, Anthrax

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