Case Report

Pancreatitis in a Woman Taking an Herbal Supplement

Authors: David Lesser, MD, CDR MC, USN, Paul Hillesheim, DO, LT MC, USN

Abstract

A healthy woman developed pancreatitis after starting a popular herbal supplement designed to boost female libido. Following cessation of the herbal supplement, her enzymes quickly normalized. The patient had no risk factors for pancreatitis and anatomic obstruction was later ruled out. The contents of the supplement and their history of side effects are reviewed. As several of the ingredients are estrogenic in nature, this may have contributed to the patient's reaction. Physicians should remember to take a careful history regarding the usage of supplements and alternative medicines.


Key Points


* The side effects of most herbal supplements are poorly understood.


* A toxin may be the cause of idiopathic pancreatitis when anatomic obstruction has been ruled out.


* The use of herbal supplements is growing rapidly and their use may have unintended results.

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