Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review

Introduction: Turmeric is a common spice used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of purported health benefits. Recent concerns have arisen regarding turmeric-induced liver injury linked to formulations with enhanced bioavailability, often including piperine found...

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Main Authors: Atul Shrestha, Sarah Elliott, Joshua Haron Abasszade, Kyle Wu, Thomas Worland, Ian Simpson, Anouk Dev
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2025-02-01
Series:Case Reports in Gastroenterology
Online Access:https://karger.com/article/doi/10.1159/000543679
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author Atul Shrestha
Sarah Elliott
Joshua Haron Abasszade
Kyle Wu
Thomas Worland
Ian Simpson
Anouk Dev
author_facet Atul Shrestha
Sarah Elliott
Joshua Haron Abasszade
Kyle Wu
Thomas Worland
Ian Simpson
Anouk Dev
author_sort Atul Shrestha
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Turmeric is a common spice used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of purported health benefits. Recent concerns have arisen regarding turmeric-induced liver injury linked to formulations with enhanced bioavailability, often including piperine found in black pepper. Case Presentation: We explore a case of a 40-year-old female with increasing fatigue, pruritus, and dark urine following consumption of turmeric and black pepper “wellness shots” leading to a significant drug-induced liver injury. Conclusion: This case underscores the critical need to recognise herbal remedies, such as turmeric, as potential sources of hepatotoxicity. Despite a reputation of safety, limited regulation and testing of turmeric may mean potential adverse effects are under-recognised. Understanding the mechanisms behind turmeric and black pepper’s hepatotoxicity, including the role of potential genetic predispositions, requires further investigation for its safe use.
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id doaj-art-25780d7fb93c4fc9ad8f765e0d5d6b0b
institution Kabale University
issn 1662-0631
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Karger Publishers
record_format Article
series Case Reports in Gastroenterology
spelling doaj-art-25780d7fb93c4fc9ad8f765e0d5d6b0b2025-08-20T03:49:41ZengKarger PublishersCase Reports in Gastroenterology1662-06312025-02-011919610610.1159/000543679Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and ReviewAtul ShresthaSarah ElliottJoshua Haron AbasszadeKyle WuThomas WorlandIan SimpsonAnouk Dev Introduction: Turmeric is a common spice used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of purported health benefits. Recent concerns have arisen regarding turmeric-induced liver injury linked to formulations with enhanced bioavailability, often including piperine found in black pepper. Case Presentation: We explore a case of a 40-year-old female with increasing fatigue, pruritus, and dark urine following consumption of turmeric and black pepper “wellness shots” leading to a significant drug-induced liver injury. Conclusion: This case underscores the critical need to recognise herbal remedies, such as turmeric, as potential sources of hepatotoxicity. Despite a reputation of safety, limited regulation and testing of turmeric may mean potential adverse effects are under-recognised. Understanding the mechanisms behind turmeric and black pepper’s hepatotoxicity, including the role of potential genetic predispositions, requires further investigation for its safe use. https://karger.com/article/doi/10.1159/000543679
spellingShingle Atul Shrestha
Sarah Elliott
Joshua Haron Abasszade
Kyle Wu
Thomas Worland
Ian Simpson
Anouk Dev
Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
Case Reports in Gastroenterology
title Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
title_full Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
title_fullStr Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
title_full_unstemmed Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
title_short Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric and Piperine: A Case and Review
title_sort drug induced liver injury associated with turmeric and piperine a case and review
url https://karger.com/article/doi/10.1159/000543679
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AT kylewu druginducedliverinjuryassociatedwithturmericandpiperineacaseandreview
AT thomasworland druginducedliverinjuryassociatedwithturmericandpiperineacaseandreview
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