ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Herbal products are increasingly used in modern medicine for numerous indications. They are not considered as drugs and thus often not linked to side effects. MATERIAL: A 77-year-old patient presented with silent icterus and biochemical evidence of hepatocellular damage. Because of dyslipidaemia, he was recently prescribed Controchol(®), a food supplement containing red yeast and green tea extracts. RESULTS: Liver biopsy showed necro-inflammatory destruction of liver parenchym, collapse of reticulin matrix, cholestasis and gall duct damage, compatible with toxic hepatitis. After discontinuation of Controchol(®), there was a gradual normalisation of the liver function tests. Liver injury is a known side effect of both red yeast and green tea extracts. After exclusion of other causes, we therefore concluded our patient had suffered from Controchol(®)-induced toxic hepatitis. CONCLUSION: Products that are conceived as "natural" alternatives for pharmacological drugs, like food supplements, are not free of side effects per se, and should not be considered as "harmless".
