Acute hepatitis induced by Shou‐Wu‐Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum

Abstract

Herbal preparations are widely available and generally regarded by the public as harmless remedies for a variety of medical ailments. We report the first case in Australia of acute hepatitis associated with the Chinese herbal medicine Shou-Wu-Pian, prepared from Polygonum multiflorum. Cholestatic hepatitis developed in a Chinese woman taking this preparation for the greying of her hair, and liver biopsy was consistent with a toxic reaction. Clinical and biochemical resolution occurred following cessation of the drug.

Potential Application of Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Hepatic adverse effects have been reported since 1900s in China and other counties, and acute toxic hepatitis was the most common reported. Rash, fever, abdominal pain, dyspnea, vision problems and palpitations were common adverse effects of Polygonum Multiflorum [15,[40][41][42][43][44][45][46] . Pharmacokinetics and pharmacology studies of TSG will provide valuable information to ensure the safety and efficacies of TSG administration.…”

Hepatotoxic Botanicals - An Evidence-based Systematic Review

“…ShouWu-Pian preparation is formulated from the root of Polygonum multiflorum plant (fleece flower root), which is a common Chines herb that belongs to Polygonaceae family (113,119). ShouWu-Pian is alternatively known as He-Shou-Wu and Mr. Black Hair (119,120). The roots and vines of P. multiflorum have been used as a tonic for treating several conditions including backache, constipation, dizziness, greying of hair, spermatorrhea, lumbago and treating symptoms of chronic prostatitis (120,121,122).…”

“…ShouWu-Pian is alternatively known as He-Shou-Wu and Mr. Black Hair (119,120). The roots and vines of P. multiflorum have been used as a tonic for treating several conditions including backache, constipation, dizziness, greying of hair, spermatorrhea, lumbago and treating symptoms of chronic prostatitis (120,121,122). Shou-Wu-Pian has been well known for its association with longevity and youthfulness (120).…”

“…The roots and vines of P. multiflorum have been used as a tonic for treating several conditions including backache, constipation, dizziness, greying of hair, spermatorrhea, lumbago and treating symptoms of chronic prostatitis (120,121,122). Shou-Wu-Pian has been well known for its association with longevity and youthfulness (120). Furthermore, several cases of hepatotoxicity associated with Shou-Wu-Pian consumption have been reported (112,121,123,124).…”

Protocols on safety, efficacy, standardization, and documentation of herbal medicine (IUPAC Technical Report)

“…The reaction developed after an average of 20 weeks of therapy and was resolved in most patients in a mean of 8 weeks. The information enclosed with the preparation indicated that the product contained 30 % levoalkaloid from Polygala chinensis, but analysis suggested a more toxic substitute [21,22], an alkaloid from Stephania and Corydalis genera and not from Polygala [17].…”