Liver Health Supplements: A Hidden Liver Danger?

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].

‍

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. 

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].

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

‍

‍