Liver injury after herbal immune boosters during the pandemic
The question: Can a popular herb harm the liver?
- Study type
- Case series
- Participants
- 6
- Population
- Six adults in Mumbai with acute hepatitis after taking Tinospora cordifolia
- Intervention
- Giloy syrup or boiled stems taken as an immunity booster
- Published
- Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, 2021
What was measured
Pattern and course of liver injury.
What was found
All six developed jaundice with a hepatitis pattern, several with features of autoimmune hepatitis. A later multicentre Indian study described 43 cases.
Limitations
Case series cannot measure risk. Some experts argue that mistaken identity with a related plant may explain part of the signal.
What it means
Traditional herbs can have strong effects. Use under guidance, avoid high doses taken for long periods without supervision and report symptoms early.
Source
Nagral A, Adhyaru K, Rudra OS, Gharat A, Bhandare S. Herbal immune booster-induced liver injury in the COVID-19 pandemic: a case series. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2021;11(6):732-738.
Read the original (DOI 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.06.021) · Source verified 8 October 2026
Connected
Study summaries describe published research for education. They are not claims about any product and are not medical advice.