The Threat of Weight-Loss Over the Counter Supplements: A Case of Camellia Sinensis Autoimmune Hepatitis

Authors

Daniel Hernan Sacoto, Department of Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Medical Center/New York Medical College, New York, USA.
Valentina Turbay, Department of Internal Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Chicago, USA.
Jagbir Sandhu, Department of Pathology, Metropolitan Medical Center/New York Medical College, New York, USA.
Shobhana Chaudhari, Department of Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Medical Center/New York Medical College, New York, USA.Follow
Juan Cosico, Department of Internal Medicine, Metropolitan Medical Center/New York Medical College, New York, USA.Follow

Author Type(s)

Resident/Fellow, Faculty

DOI

10.7759/cureus.36023

Journal Title

Cureus

First Page

e36023

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2023

Department

Medicine

Keywords

autoimmune hepatitis, elevated liver enzyme, green tea, herbal supplements, liver function

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) arises as a result of environmental and immunological interactions. Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are known triggers, and approximately half of the U.S. adult population consumes them, even though they are restricted. Therefore, the importance of recognizing potential triggers of AIH is considered relevant. The mechanism behind HDS Camellia Sinensis inducing AIH is related to its compounds, catechins, which induce reactive oxygen species leading to a liver immune-mediated response. We present here a challenging case of a middle-aged woman with AIH following the consumption of a weight-loss Mexican green tea containing Camellia Sinensis.

Recommended Citation

Sacoto, D. H., Turbay, V., Sandhu, J., Chaudhari, S., & Cosico, J. (2023). The Threat of Weight-Loss Over the Counter Supplements: A Case of Camellia Sinensis Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cureus, 15 (3), e36023. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36023