Acute hepatitis after treatment for hair loss with oral green tea extracts (Camellia Sinensis)

Nutritional additives based on green tea have been claiming var- ious beneficial health effects. However, several case reports on hepatotoxicity after the intake of green tea derivatives containing Camellia Sinensis have been published. We report a patient with an acute hepatitis after intake of an oral green tea derivative claiming protection against hair loss, showing a histological image compati- ble with drug induced hepatitis. Other important causes of hepati- tis were excluded. After cessation of this nutritional additive there was a rapid and sustained recovery. We raise concern about the safety of nutritional additives with few proven beneficial effects and want to emphasize the importance of accurate and thorough history taking, with attention for over the counter drugs and herbal products. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2009, 72, 262-264).