As a treasure of traditional medicine in China, traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role in the best diseases and conditioning the body. However, as people's understanding of TCM continues to deepen, some potential safety issues have gradually surfaced. In recent years, there have been many reports of liver damage caused by traditional Chinese medicine, which has attracted widespread attention. The doctor reminded that there are eight types of Chinese medicines that may have been included in the "liver injury list" and the public should be extra cautious when taking them. This article will focus on this topic and conduct an in-depth analysis from three aspects to popularize relevant knowledge for everyone.Traditional Chinese medicine is mostly composed of a variety of herbs with complex compositions, some of which may be hepatotoxic. During drug metabolism, these components can produce toxic metabolites that can cause damage to the liver. In addition, some traditional Chinese medicines also have pollution problems such as heavy metals and pesticide residues, and long-term use in large quantities may increase the burden on the liver.
When Chinese medicine is used at the same time as Western medicine or other Chinese medicines, drug interactions may occur, resulting in weakened efficacy or adverse reactions. Some hepatotoxic Chinese medicines may aggravate liver damage when combined with other drugs. Therefore, during the course of medication, patients should follow the doctor's instructions and avoid adding or removing drugs or changing the way they take their medication.
Different individuals have differences in the ability to metabolize and excrete drugs, which may lead to different degrees of liver damage in some groups of people when taking the same dose of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, factors such as age, gender, genetics, etc., may also affect the metabolic process of the drug in the body, thereby increasing the risk of liver damage.
Polygonum multiflorum has the effects of tonifying the liver and kidneys, invigorating sperm and blood, but long-term use in large quantities may lead to liver damage. Studies have found that the anthraquinones in Polygonum multiflorum are hepatotoxic and can cause hepatocyte necrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis. Therefore, when using Polygonum multiflori, you should follow the doctor's instructions and control the dosage and duration of medication.
Tripterygium wilfordii has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and other effects, and is often used for rheumatic diseases. However, ingredients such as triptolide in tripterygium wilfordii have strong hepatotoxicity and can lead to liver damage when taken for a long time or in excess. Therefore, when using Tripterygium wilfordii, the indications and contraindications should be strictly grasped, and the medication should be followed according to the doctor's instructions.
Xanthus has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling wind and dehumidifying, but excessive consumption may lead to toxic hepatitis. The toxic components in Xanthus can damage liver cells and cause abnormal liver function. Therefore, when using Xanthus, attention should be paid to controlling the dosage and course of medication, and avoiding long-term large doses.
Senna has a laxative effect and is often used for constipation. However, long-term use of senna in large amounts may lead to impaired liver function. Studies have found that senna and other components in senna are broken down into toxic substances by bacteria in the intestines, and after absorption, they enter the liver for metabolism, thereby increasing the burden on the liver. Therefore, when using senna, one should follow your doctor's advice and avoid long-term abuse.
Artemisia mugwort leaves have the effects of warming menstruation and stopping bleeding, dissipating cold and relieving pain, but excessive consumption may cause liver damage. The volatile oil components in Artemisia artemisia leaves are hepatotoxic and can cause hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis. Therefore, when using mugwort leaves, attention should be paid to controlling the dosage and duration of medication and avoiding overdose.
Sophora radix has the effects of clearing heat and dampness, killing insects and relieving itching, but long-term use of large amounts may cause liver damage. Components such as matrine in Sophora sophora are hepatotoxic and can cause hepatocyte necrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis. Therefore, when using Sophora sophora, you should follow your doctor's instructions and control the dosage and duration of the medication.
Ginkgo seeds have the effects of relieving the lungs and asthma, stopping band and urine contraction, but excessive consumption may lead to toxic hepatitis. The toxic components in ginkgo can damage liver cells and cause abnormal liver function. In addition, ginkgo seeds also contain ingredients such as ginkgolic acid, which has a certain allergenicity. Therefore, when using ginkgo seeds, attention should be paid to controlling the dosage and course of treatment to avoid the occurrence of allergic reactions.
Panax notoginseng has the effects of dispersing blood stasis and stopping bleeding, reducing swelling and relieving pain, but long-term use of large amounts may lead to hepatic veno-occlusion. The pyrrolidine alkaloids in Panax notoginseng are hepatotoxic and can cause hepatocyte necrosis and intrahepatic vascular lesions. Therefore, when using Panax notoginseng, you should follow your doctor's advice to avoid long-term abuse.
When using Chinese herbal medicines, patients should follow their doctor's instructions and follow the doctor's advice and prescriptions. Do not increase or decrease the dose of the drug or change the way it is used, so as not to affect the efficacy or increase the risk of liver damage. At the same time, if there is any discomfort or suspected adverse reactions, you should seek medical advice in time.
Before using TCM, patients should understand the main ingredients, efficacy and contraindications of the drug. For hepatotoxic TCMs, special attention should be paid to their safety. If you have doubts or are unsure whether a particular herb is suitable for use, you may seek advice from a medical professional or pharmacist.
Patients who have been taking TCM for a long time should have regular liver function tests so that potential liver damage can be detected and treated in a timely manner. Once abnormal liver function or suspected symptoms of liver injury are found, the drug should be stopped immediately and medical treatment should be sought immediately.
While taking TCM, patients should take care to avoid interactions with other medications, including Western medicines and other TCMs. If you need to use multiple drugs at the same time, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice and arrange the timing and dosage of medication reasonably.
Maintaining a good lifestyle can help prevent liver damage caused by traditional Chinese medicine. Patients are advised to quit smoking and limit alcohol, maintain a balanced diet, exercise appropriately, and ensure adequate sleep time. In addition, the effects of undesirable factors such as overwork and mental stress should also be avoided.
In short, traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in terms of ** diseases, but there are also certain safety risks. The doctor reminds patients that they should carefully choose the type and dosage of the drug when taking traditional Chinese medicine, follow the doctor's instructions, and pay attention to the body's reaction. Caution should be exercised with regard to hepatotoxic herbs, and if you have any doubts or discomfort, please consult a doctor in time. Through the scientific and rational use of traditional Chinese medicine, we can better protect our liver health. List of high-quality authors