Clinical Gastroenterology Journal

Unique Pathology Finding in Bush Tea Mediated Hepatopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

Hany Eskarous, Jared Hassler, Kimberly Forde and Mario Mekhail

Herbal medications have been used worldwide in place of conventional medical therapies as they are readily available over the counter and usually are lower cost. Currently, these are not tightly controlled by the Food and Drug Administration agency (FDA). However, herbal medications are always overlooked etiologic agents in hepatotoxicity. We present a case of hepatotoxicity with unique pathology findings from Red Bush Tea (Rooibos Tea) consumption in a 39-year-old patient evaluated for elevated liver enzymes. Biopsy showed a congestive hepatopathy pattern on histology. The patient elevated liver enzymes improved within few weeks after stopping bush tea.