Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids

Authors

  • Manuela G Neuman In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Canada.
  • Lawrence Cohen Division of Gastroenterology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
  • Mihai Opris In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Canada.
  • Radu M Nanau In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Canada.
  • Hyunjin Jeong In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Canada.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3BG7J

Abstract

PURPOSE: This article aimed 1) to review herbal medicine containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)-induced toxicities of the liver; 2) to encourage the recognition and prevention of common problems encountered when using complementary and alternative medicine and 3) to review the toxic effects of herbal remedies containing PAs. DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search using the PubMed and Google Scholar engines. The search was not restricted to languages. We also provide an interpretation of the data. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal remedies containing PAs can induce liver damage, including hepato- sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease. Preventing overdose and monitoring long-term use of such remedies may avoid glutathione depletion leading to mitochondrial injury, and therefore avoid liver cell damage. Moreover, immediately stopping the herbal medication prevents further harm to the liver. Chronic consumption of hepatotoxicants can lead to cancer formation and promotion. The role of active metabolites in PA-induced liver toxicity and their mechanism of action require further investigation.

 

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Author Biographies

Manuela G Neuman, In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Canada.

CEO In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology

Ass. Prof. Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto,

Radu M Nanau, In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Canada.

Research Assistant

Hyunjin Jeong, In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Canada.

Department of Pharmacology  and Toxicology

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Published

2015-11-26

How to Cite

Neuman, M. G., Cohen, L., Opris, M., Nanau, R. M., & Jeong, H. (2015). Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18(4), 825–843. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3BG7J

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 4 (2015)

Section

CLOSED. Special Issue - Chief Guest Editor: Basil D Roufogalis; Co-Guest Editors: Emanuel Strehler & Srinivas Nammi

License

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