Hair Supplement Shen-Min Linked to Liver Problems
Quick Summary: A woman developed liver damage after taking the hair growth supplement Shen-Min, which contains the herb Polygonum multiflorum. Her liver recovered after she stopped taking the supplement. This highlights a potential risk of liver problems from this popular supplement.
What The Research Found
This study looked at one woman who developed acute hepatitis (liver inflammation) after using Shen-Min, a supplement often used for hair growth. The woman's liver problems went away after she stopped taking the supplement. The researchers believe the liver damage was likely caused by an ingredient in Shen-Min called Polygonum multiflorum.
Study Details
- Who was studied: A 28-year-old white woman.
- How long: The woman took Shen-Min for 8 weeks before developing liver problems. Her liver recovered over 3 weeks after she stopped taking the supplement.
- What they took: The woman took Shen-Min, a supplement containing Polygonum multiflorum, among other ingredients.
What This Means For You
- Be aware: If you're taking Shen-Min or a similar supplement, be aware of the potential risk of liver problems.
- Watch for symptoms: Symptoms of liver problems can include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fatigue, and abdominal pain.
- Talk to your doctor: If you experience any of these symptoms while taking a supplement, talk to your doctor right away. They can run tests to check your liver health.
- Consider the ingredients: Supplements aren't always strictly regulated. Be cautious about products containing Polygonum multiflorum.
Study Limitations
- One person: This study only looked at one person, so we can't be sure if this will happen to everyone who takes Shen-Min.
- Other ingredients: Shen-Min contains other ingredients besides Polygonum multiflorum. It's possible that another ingredient, or a combination of ingredients, contributed to the liver damage.
- More research needed: More research is needed to confirm this link and understand exactly how Polygonum multiflorum might cause liver problems.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
This study reports a case of acute hepatitis in a 28-year-old white woman following 8 weeks of Shen-Min use, a non-prescription herbal supplement containing Polygonum multiflorum. Liver injury resolved over 3 weeks after discontinuation. Idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity was suspected due to the presence of a maculopapular rash, mild eosinophilia, and absence of overdose. While Polygonum multiflorum has been previously implicated in liver toxicity, this is the first documented case associating Shen-Min specifically with acute hepatitis.
Study Design
The study is an observational case report (single-subject design) with no control group. It analyzed one patient who presented with acute hepatitis after using Shen-Min. The duration of supplement use was 8 weeks, followed by a 3-week follow-up period after cessation.
Dosage & Administration
The patient consumed 2 tablets of Shen-Min daily, each containing 500 mg of Polygonum multiflorum root extract. The exact dosage of active compounds (e.g., anthraquinones, stilbenes) was not specified. Administration was oral, consistent with standard supplement use.
Results & Efficacy
The study did not assess efficacy for hair growth. Clinically, the patient developed elevated liver enzymes (AST: 1,210 U/L, ALT: 1,020 U/L, ALP: 182 U/L), jaundice, and pruritus. Liver biopsy revealed centrilobular necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates. No statistical analyses (p-values, confidence intervals) were performed due to the single-case design.
Limitations
The study’s primary limitation is its single-case nature, precluding causal inference or generalizability. Confounding factors (e.g., other herbs/vitamins in Shen-Min) were not controlled. The mechanism of hepatotoxicity remains speculative, and the lack of standardized dosing for Polygonum multiflorum in the product complicates attribution. Additionally, the patient’s race (white) and age (28 years) limit extrapolation to other demographics.
Clinical Relevance
This case highlights the potential risk of acute liver injury with Shen-Min, a widely available supplement containing Polygonum multiflorum. Users and clinicians should recognize hepatotoxicity symptoms (e.g., jaundice, fatigue, elevated liver enzymes) and consider herbal supplements in differential diagnoses for unexplained hepatitis. The findings underscore the need for post-marketing surveillance and patient education on monitoring for adverse effects during prolonged use of such products.
Note: Case reports provide low-level evidence (grade C) and should be interpreted cautiously. Further research is required to confirm this association and elucidate mechanisms.
Original Study Reference
Acute hepatitis due to shen-min: a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2006
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 16917407)
