Valerian

Valerian as it relates to DILI in Health report: Genetics of Antibiotics-Induced Liver Injury

Valerian is a popular herbal supplement that is used for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It is commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress. However, there have been reports of valerian-induced liver injury, known as drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Valerian and DILI

Although valerian is generally considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses, there have been rare cases of liver injury associated with its use. The exact mechanism of valerian-induced liver injury is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to the herb's interactions with certain enzymes in the liver.

Symptoms of valerian-induced liver injury may include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking valerian, it is important to stop using the supplement and consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Preventing Valerian-Induced Liver Injury

To reduce the risk of liver injury associated with valerian, it is important to follow these guidelines:

  • Use valerian only as directed and at recommended doses.
  • Avoid taking valerian with other medications or supplements that may also have potential liver toxicity.
  • Monitor your liver function regularly if you are taking valerian long-term or at high doses.
  • Consult a healthcare provider before starting valerian if you have a history of liver disease or are taking medications that may affect liver function.

Overall, while valerian is generally considered safe for most people, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of liver injury associated with its use. By following the recommended guidelines and monitoring your liver function, you can minimize the risk of experiencing DILI from valerian.

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.
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