Which herb is associated with potential liver inflammation?

Which herb is associated with potential liver inflammation?

• A. Echinacea
• B. Kava
• C. Feverfew
• D. Licorice

Answer: (B)

Herbal products can affect liver health, and some have clear links to liver inflammation. Kava has the strongest and most well-documented association with hepatotoxicity, including liver inflammation, in adults taking it for anxiety or sleep. Reports have described hepatocellular injury and cholestasis, leading to elevated liver enzymes and, in some cases, jaundice. This risk led to regulatory scrutiny and restrictions in several countries and warnings about using kava, especially with heavy or prolonged use, preexisting liver disease, or concurrent alcohol or other liver‑stressing medications. The other herbs listed have far less consistent or strong evidence linking them to liver inflammation. Echinacea, feverfew, and licorice can have various side effects, but liver inflammation is not as clearly established or as commonly recognized for them as it is for kava. So, the herb associated with potential liver inflammation is kava.

Herbal products can affect liver health, and some have clear links to liver inflammation. Kava has the strongest and most well-documented association with hepatotoxicity, including liver inflammation, in adults taking it for anxiety or sleep. Reports have described hepatocellular injury and cholestasis, leading to elevated liver enzymes and, in some cases, jaundice. This risk led to regulatory scrutiny and restrictions in several countries and warnings about using kava, especially with heavy or prolonged use, preexisting liver disease, or concurrent alcohol or other liver‑stressing medications.

The other herbs listed have far less consistent or strong evidence linking them to liver inflammation. Echinacea, feverfew, and licorice can have various side effects, but liver inflammation is not as clearly established or as commonly recognized for them as it is for kava.

So, the herb associated with potential liver inflammation is kava.