Chronic hepatitis induced by Jin Bu Huan

Background/Aims: Jin Bu Huan and other Chinese herbal products are widely taken remedies. They have been developed as a natural alternative to traditional drugs in the treatment of various ailments, Their ability to induce several side effects such as acute hepatitis has already been described, We report a case of chronic hepatic damage following administration of Jin Bu Huan Anodyne tablets, Methods: The patient, a 49-year-old man, developed biochemical signs of liver damage 2 months after beginning Jin Bu Huan intake (3 tablets/daily) including biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis with moderate fibrosis, Virological, autoimmune, metabolic or other hepatotoxic causes were excluded. Liver function impairment was resolved by discontinuing Jin Bu Huan intake, Conclusions: This case reinforces the already known hepatotoxicity of this product and should make us think more about the uncontrolled use of alternative products.