Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum
Gordon J-H Park,* Stephen P Mann†and Meng C Ngu‡
*Department of Gastroenterology, †Department of Anatomical Pathology and ‡Director of Gastroenterology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Correspondence: DrGPark
Copyright Blackwell Science Asia Pty. Ltd.
KEYWORDS
cholestatic hepatitis • hepatitis • herbal • Polygonum multiflorum • Shou-Wu-Pian
ABSTRACT
Abstract Herbal preparations are widely available and generally regarded by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical ailments. We report the first case in Australia of acute hepatitis associated with the Chinese herbal medicine Shou-Wu-Pian, prepared from Polygonum multiflorum. Cholestatic hepatitis developed in a Chinese woman taking this preparation for the greying of her hair, and liver biopsy was consistent with a toxic reaction. Clinical and biochemical resolution occurred following cessation of the drug.