Liver Damage Associated with Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
Lei X, Chen J, Ren J, Li Y, Zhai J, Mu W, Zhang L, Zheng W, Tian G, Shang H
Published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review of published case reports and case series of liver injury attributed to Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-Ti).
Key Findings
Across 450 reported cases, hepatocellular injury predominated; most patients recovered after discontinuation but severe and fatal outcomes occurred, with raw (unprocessed) root over-represented.
Conclusions
Fo-Ti carries a real risk of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury, especially with raw preparations and prolonged use.
Limitations
Case reports only; underreporting and inconsistent causality assessment; no denominator for incidence.
Supplements Studied
Hepatocellular injury predominated among reported cases of liver damage associated with Polygonum multiflorum.
Outcomes Measured
Hepatocellular injury predominated among reported cases of liver damage associated with Polygonum multiflorum.
Study Details
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