Dangerous herbal pills used to treat menopausal symptoms leave woman suffering liver failure

• Black cohosh extract root may be the second most typical herbal component within the United kingdom

By Jo Macfarlane

Released: 01:44 GMT, 28 October 2012

Harmful cure: Herbal is a typical strategy to menopause signs and symptoms

Health watchdogs have cautioned from the potential danger of the herbal remedy accustomed to treat menopause signs and symptoms – after one lady grew to become so ill that they needed a liver transplant.

The Medications and Health care items Regulating Agency (MHRA) is worried about items that contains black cohosh extract, a local American plant.

It's understood the lady, who is not named, developed liver failure after beginning for doing things.

It is not confirmed just how much she consumed before becoming ill.

Black cohosh extract may be the second most widely used herbal component within the United kingdom and it is accustomed to treat signs and symptoms from the menopause for example hot flushes, evening sweats, poor sleep, mood changes and irritability.

It's also frequently suggested instead of hormone alternative therapy – and will come in capsules in many traditional chemists, health food shops and grocery stores.

Richard Woodfield, the MHRA’s mind of herbal policy, stated: ‘It is essential individuals with past liver problems don't use black cohosh extract herbal items. More...

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The most recent situation reported towards the regulator is suspected to become directly from the lady utilizing a product that contains the herbal remedy as well as an analysis is ongoing.

The MHRA stated it had received as many as 53 reviews of adverse responses suspected to become connected by using black cohosh extract items – most including liver problems.

Black cohosh extract is registered like a herbal medicine using the MHRA under its Traditional Herbal Registration plan, that was introduced this past year to impose tighter controls. But in some instances, the MHRA finds it being offered like a food supplement at greater than 50 occasions the suggested dose.