Liver Health Supplements: A Hidden Liver Danger?

Rebekah Kuschmider
Rebekah Kuschmider
September 13, 2024
10
min read
Technically reviewed by: 
Peter Jakubowicz
Liver Health Supplements: A Hidden Liver Danger?
Listen to this article

The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. It performs vital functions like removing toxins from the blood, regulating blood sugar levels, and fighting infections.

The liver can regenerate itself after damage, but the organ is also susceptible. Cancer, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease can cause damage that the liver cannot repair. In addition, certain medications and other substances can lead to liver toxicity. 

Can Herbal Supplements Damage the Liver?

Herbal supplements are popular among people seeking to improve or preserve their health. Many believe that supplements, including herbal liver support supplements labeled as "all-natural," "organic," and even "ethically sourced," will always be safe and beneficial for overall health

In truth, many of the phrases used on supplement labels are marketing terms that don't have scientific definitions. Moreover, the health and safety benefits of supplements are not verified by the FDA.

Read on to understand more about the ingredients in many liver health supplements and how to protect your liver health

Garlic

Garlic, in addition to flavoring many foods, may have a wide range of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. Garlic is also believed to aid in managing metabolic disorders by enhancing insulin sensitivity, potentially benefiting individuals with diabetes. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also support overall health. While garlic supplements are generally considered safe for most people, excessive intake—especially in supplement form—can lead to adverse effects, such as liver damage, digestive discomfort, or an increased risk of bleeding, so it's important to follow dosage recommendations [1].

Garlic supplements are popular for their potential health benefits, including boosting immune function and supporting heart health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) 

Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin. Milk thistle supplements have been used as a liver remedy. Research on cell cultures and animal studies shows that silymarin can prevent or ameliorate acute liver injury. 

Milk thistle is a supplement known for supporting liver health, thanks to its antioxidant silymarin, and may help with liver conditions, blood sugar management, and skin health.

Some studies suggest milk thistle may also help manage chronic conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Silymarin's potential benefits may also extend to improving insulin sensitivity and supporting overall metabolic health. However, more human studies are needed to fully confirm these effects.

Ginseng

Ginseng tea contains antioxidants, and it's often taken to increase energy, enhance libido, or promote health and healing. It has no known liver toxicity, but it can cause side effects such as insomnia, nausea, morning diarrhea, headaches, and nose bleeds [3].

Studies have shown that ginseng may improve energy levels and cognitive function [11].

Ginseng has been widely studied for its potential to improve cognitive function, boost energy levels, and reduce inflammation. It has also been traditionally used in Asian medicine to enhance immunity and combat fatigue [11].

Green Tea 

Green tea has been promoted as having health benefits and antioxidant properties due to the presence of polyphenols. Proponents claim that green tea ingredients have the potential to prevent cancer and heart disease, decrease cholesterol, promote weight loss, improve dental health, and manage clostridial diarrhea. 

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and may support heart health, weight management, and reduce inflammation, though excessive use can cause liver toxicity.

You can safely consume the equivalent of 24 cups of green tea daily. Quantities in excess of that, such as the amounts found in certain weight loss supplements, have caused liver damage [4].

Turmeric

Powder from turmeric plants is a common flavoring used in cooking. It contains volatile oils and curcuminoids, which are associated with anti-inflammatory effects [5]. Turmeric supplements are generally considered safe, but there have been reports of liver injury after taking supplements. It's unclear if the dosage was the cause or if there were possible contaminants in the supplements. 

Turmeric, rich in curcumin, is used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting joint health and reducing inflammation, though high doses may cause digestive issues.

Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is commonly used as a flavoring in cooking. It has a role in Ayurvedic medicine in treating gastrointestinal discomfort and rheumatism [6]. Garcinia cambogia is generally safe for the liver but rare cases of liver damage have been reported in people taking such supplements, which may have contained multiple ingredients known to cause liver damage. 

Garcinia Cambogia, known for its potential weight loss benefits, may suppress appetite, but its effectiveness is debated, and high doses can cause digestive issues or liver toxicity.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is used in traditional remedies to treat stress, fatigue, pain, skin diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and epilepsy [7]. It has recently gained popularity as a dietary supplement to increase energy.

Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement with potential liver-protective properties, known for reducing stress and inflammation. However, in rare cases, it has been linked to liver toxicity, so caution is advised with prolonged use or high doses.

Taken in large doses, it can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, there have been limited reports of liver damage in people taking ashwagandha supplements [8].

St John's Wort

St. John's Wort supplements are made from the flowers and leaves of the St. John's wort plant. It's a common herbal treatment for depression. It's generally considered safe, but it can have interactions with birth control pills, antiretroviral agents, anticoagulants, and some psychotropic medications.9 It doesn't have any known liver health dangers. 

Though commonly used for mood disorders, St. John’s Wort can interfere with liver enzymes, possibly leading to liver toxicity, especially with prolonged or excessive use.

Holistic Health Monitoring with Urinox-10

Home testing can offer a convenient way to monitor your liver health. The Diagnox URINOX-10 multiparameter urine dipstick test checks urine for the presence of protein, blood, bilirubin, ketones, and glucose. Abnormalities in these levels can be associated with liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Your doctor can help you get additional testing to diagnose potential liver conditions.

Clear information is the most valuable resource you can have on your side.
Stay in the loop!
Thank you for subscribing. Stay informed, stay healthy!
Oops! There was a problem with your submission. Please check your email address and try again.

Disclaimer:

Many herbs, including several on this list, might pose risks for individuals with specific liver conditions, even though they offer potential benefits. Overusing or becoming overly reliant on supplements can harm the liver. 

A recent study published in JAMA revealed that 4.7% of U.S. adults take at least one of six botanical supplements that could be toxic to the liver, with turmeric being the most frequently used [10].

Some herbs have been linked to liver damage and other issues, so it's essential to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating any herbal supplements, including those listed here, into your diet.

References

[1] S. V. Rana, R. Pal, K. Vaiphei, and K. Singh, "Garlic hepatotoxicity: safe dose of garlic," Tropical Gastroenterology: Official Journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 26-30, 2006. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Milk Thistle," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2020, Jan 21. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Ginseng," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2018, Mar 14. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Green Tea," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2020, Nov 20. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Turmeric," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2024, Jun 1. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[6] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Garcinia Cambogia," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2019, Feb 13. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "Ashwagandha," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2019, May 2. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[8] M. Lubarska, P. Hałasiński, S. Hryhorowicz, D. S. Mahadea, Ł. Łykowska-Szuber, P. Eder, A. Dobrowolska, and I. Krela-Kaźmierczak, "Liver dangers of herbal products: A case report of ashwagandha-induced liver injury," International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 20, no. 5, p. 3921, 2023. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20053921. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[9] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, "St. John's Wort," in LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Online]. Updated 2020, Mar 28. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[10] A. Likhitsup, V. L. Chen, and R. J. Fontana, "Estimated exposure to 6 potentially hepatotoxic botanicals in US adults," JAMA Network Open, vol. 7, no. 8, pp. e2425822, 2024. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25822. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

[11] A. Johnson, "Therapeutic uses and benefits of ginseng," Journal of Herbal Supplements, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 123-130, 2019. [Accessed 3 September 2024].

About the Author
Rebekah Kuschmider

Rebekah has been writing about culture, health, and politics since 2010. She has a masters degree in Arts Policy and Administration from The Ohio State University. Her work has been seen at WebMD, The Candidly, MedicineNet, YourTango, Ravishly, Babble, Scary Mommy, Salon, Role Reboot, The Good Men Project, SheSaid, Huffington Post, and Mamamia. She is a former cohost of the weekly podcast The More Perfect Union. Rebekah lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, and a dog who sheds a lot.

About the Reviewer
This blog was
Technically reviewed by: 
Peter Jakubowicz
Have a Question?

Questions are great. Drop us a note and we promise to get back to you soon.

Thank you! Your question has been received.
We will respond to you promptly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Kindly try again.
If the problem persists, please drop us an email at [email protected]