Two contemporary cases of hepatitis associated with Teucrium chamaedrys L. decoction use: case reports and review of literature

Abstract

Teucrium chamaedrys L. is a herbaceous plant common in European woods that has been used for many purposes for centuries. Recently, T. chamaedrys L. has become popular as a slimming decoction without any scientific proof of efficacy notwithstanding its well-known hepatotoxicity. Hydroalcoholic extracts are currently used as flavourings in the preparation of wines, bitters and liqueurs. Teucrin A and teuchamaedryn A are the major toxic components of the diterpenoid fraction of T. chamaedrys L.