Re: Acute Hepatitis Induced by Kava Kava

[Guest guest]

I have heard that milk thistle loses it's potency if you don't take breaks from

using it. Is there any truth to this?

nmilover <nmilover@...> wrote: Acute Hepatitis Induced by Kava

Kava

C. L. Humberston A1, J. Akhtar A1, E. P. Krenzelok A1

A1 Pittsburgh Poison Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University

of Pittsburgh Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

USA

Abstract:

Background. Herbal preparations are available widely and regarded

generally by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical

ailments. We report a case of acute hepatitis associated with the use of

kava kava, derived from the root of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum.

It is used in the United States as an antianxiety and sedative agent. Case

report. A previously healthy 14-year-old female was admitted to the

hospital with hepatic failure. Initial therapy, including plasmapheresis,

was unsuccessful and she deteriorated. She ultimately required a liver

transplant and now remains well. The liver biopsy showed hepatocellular

necrosis consistent with chemical hepatitis. A work-up for alternative

causes of liver failure was negative. The patient gave a history of taking

a kava kava–containing product for four months. The use of kava kava and

liver failure, is supported by kava kava use, a negative work-up for

alternative causes of liver failure, and histological changes in the

liver. Conclusions. Health care professionals need to be aware of the

possibility of kava kava–induced hepatotoxicity. The toxicity of these

alternative remedies emphasizes the importance of surveillance programs

and quality control in the manufacture of these products. Clinicians must

remain aware of the toxic potential of herbal products and always inquire

about their intake in cases of unexplained liver injury.

References:

This article references 26 older articles...

" and the beat goes on....... " Sonny Bono " It's not the years in your life that

count. It's the life in your years. " Abraham Lincoln

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

HI... I can only give opinion on this. Milk Thistle is great for well

livers to keep them well. I have never seen or heard or read that milk

thistle can help a damaged infected liver. I have heard and read that

people with any type of liver disability or high enzymes or hep a-------z

should NEVER ever ever ever ever take Kava no way no way no way..........

that is all. I can also tell you that the product Liverite

http://www.liveriteproducts.com has helped me and others quite a bit.

They have done one blind study and approved by FDA as liver aid.... now

they are going to begin double blind studies to get it approved as a

treatment for hep............ As for me, I think milk thistle to US

heppers is like taking aspirin......... but for people with relatively

healthy livers and who drink it MILK Thistle can help in protecting the

liver.... but definitely please all of you never ever ever take kava

kava..... sorry that is all I know....... all the best Ron, blessings,

sally

--- Ron Nicodemus <johnnierottton@...> wrote:

> I have heard that milk thistle loses it's potency if you don't take

> breaks from using it. Is there any truth to this?

>

> nmilover <nmilover@...> wrote: Acute Hepatitis Induced by

> Kava Kava

>

> C. L. Humberston A1, J. Akhtar A1, E. P. Krenzelok A1

>

> A1 Pittsburgh Poison Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh,

> University

> of Pittsburgh Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, Pittsburgh,

> Pennsylvania,

> USA

>

> Abstract:

>

> Background. Herbal preparations are available widely and regarded

> generally by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical

> ailments. We report a case of acute hepatitis associated with the use of

> kava kava, derived from the root of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum.

> It is used in the United States as an antianxiety and sedative agent.

> Case

> report. A previously healthy 14-year-old female was admitted to the

> hospital with hepatic failure. Initial therapy, including

> plasmapheresis,

> was unsuccessful and she deteriorated. She ultimately required a liver

> transplant and now remains well. The liver biopsy showed hepatocellular

> necrosis consistent with chemical hepatitis. A work-up for alternative

> causes of liver failure was negative. The patient gave a history of

> taking

> a kava kava–containing product for four months. The use of kava kava and

> liver failure, is supported by kava kava use, a negative work-up for

> alternative causes of liver failure, and histological changes in the

> liver. Conclusions. Health care professionals need to be aware of the

> possibility of kava kava–induced hepatotoxicity. The toxicity of these

> alternative remedies emphasizes the importance of surveillance programs

> and quality control in the manufacture of these products. Clinicians

> must

> remain aware of the toxic potential of herbal products and always

> inquire

> about their intake in cases of unexplained liver injury.

>

> References:

>

> This article references 26 older articles...

>

> " and the beat goes on....... " Sonny Bono " It's not the years in your life

> that count. It's the life in your years. " Abraham Lincoln

>

> __________________________________________________

>