A Case of Hepatotoxicity by Salvia Plebeia R. Br.

Abstract

Objective To investigate the possibility of hepatotoxicity by supplemental foods or folk herbs such as SalviaPlebeia R.Br. Methods A hospitalized male patient with alcoholic liver disease and electrolyte imbalance had recovered, and then followed by rapid hepatic serum enzymes after taking S. Plebeia. This study monitored the clinical outcome and biochemical parameters. Result A 58-year male had drunk frequently, which led to alcoholic steatohepatitis and hospitalization. Two weeks after his discharge from hospital, he felt nausea, dizziness, and mild difficulties in speech and walking, resulting in re-hospitalization at the Korean Medical Hospital. The symptoms disappeared on correction of the electrolyte imbalance suspected to have been caused by severe sweating while working in the outdoors, and the patient was discharged. During treatment and monitoring of his health as an outpatient, the serum hepatic enzyme rapidly elevated approximately 10-fold in hepatic enzymes; the enzyme levels fluctuated according to whether or not he was taking the boiled water of S. Plebeia. The RUCAM score was 12, which met the criteria for toxic hepatitis by S. Plebeia. His general condition and abnormal hepatic enzymes recovered with cessation of S. Plebeia and administration of Chungganplus syrup (CGX). Conclusion This study reports the hepatotoxic risk of Salvia Plebeia, which is commonly used as a folk remedy in Korea. Keywords: Salvia Plebeia, adverse reaction, hepatotoxicity, folk herb