St. John's wort

St. John's wort as it relates to DILI in Health report: Genetics of Antibiotics-Induced Liver Injury

St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement that is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. However, it has been associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in some cases.

St. John's Wort and DILI

There have been reports of individuals developing liver damage after taking St. John's wort. The exact mechanism by which St. John's wort can cause liver injury is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the herb's ability to induce certain liver enzymes that can affect the metabolism of other drugs and toxins.

It is important to note that not everyone who takes St. John's wort will experience liver damage, and the risk of DILI may be higher in individuals who are taking other medications that are metabolized by the same liver enzymes.

Symptoms of DILI

Symptoms of drug-induced liver injury can vary and may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking St. John's wort, it is important to stop taking the supplement and consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Conclusion

While St. John's wort is generally considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses, there is a potential risk of liver injury associated with its use. It is important to be aware of this risk and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are taking other medications.

Supplements for DILI

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Green tea extract

    Contains catechins which may increase oxidative stress and liver cell damage when combined with hepatotoxic antibiotics.

  2. Greater celandine

    Alkaloids like chelidonine may further impair liver function when the organ is under stress from antibiotics.

  3. Chaparral

    Nordamnacanthal is a quinone that could synergistically increase antibiotic liver toxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction.

  4. Germander

    Diterpenoids may amplify antibiotic liver injury by disrupting bile salt export and causing cholestasis.

  5. Mistletoe

    Contains toxic lectins which could worsen immunological reactions or alter detox pathways of antibiotic metabolites.

  6. Skullcap

    Flavonoids may inhibit pathways involved in hepatic metabolism and clearance of antibiotics from the liver.

  7. Valerian

    Isovaltrate and other constituents thought to directly damage cell membranes, potentially worsening antibiotic hepatocellular toxicity.

  8. Kava kava

    Kavalactones like desmethoxyyangonin may inhibit CYP450 liver enzymes important for antibiotic clearance.

  9. St. John's wort

    Hyperforin alters PXR nuclear receptors and could decrease bile acid transport, contributing to antibiotic cholestasis.

  10. Ginseng

    Ginsenosides may inhibit P-glycoprotein transporters important for antibiotic efflux from hepatocytes, allowing accumulation of toxic levels.

  11. Aloe vera

    Anthraquinone glycosides possibly damage cell membranes and worsen antibiotic-mediated liver cell necrosis.

  12. Ashwagandha

    Withanolides thought to cause oxidative stress which synergizes with redox-cycling antibiotic metabolites.

  13. Andrographis

    Diterpene lactones may reduce bile acid secretion and flow, contributing to cholestatic injury.

  14. Noni juice

    Anthraquinones could impair mitochondrial function and increase antibiotic hepatotoxicity.

  15. Peppermint oil

    Menthol interferes with CYP450s and UGTs involved in antibiotic metabolism and clearance.

  16. Kratom

    Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are metabolized in liver and could enhance antibiotic toxicity.

  17. Ephedra

    Ephedrine alkaloids may deplete glutathione and reduce the liver's defense against antibiotic oxidative damage.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
Disclaimer