A Young Adult with Aloe Vera-Induced Acute Liver Failure

Abstract

Aloe vera is a commonly used herb worldwide, with various purported therapeutic benefits. Liver injury due to ingested aloe vera is a rare, but often severe complication.

A 20-year-old black African male presented with acute liver failure (ALT 15 353 U/L, AST 14 374 U/L, INR 1.99 and encephalopathy) four days after ingesting home-made aloe vera tea. He also had acute renal failure with a peak creatinine of 300 mol/L but did not require dialysis. A viral hepatitis screen and ultrasound liver were normal. He received intravenous antibiotics and standard supportive care, and by day 31 of hospital admission, he made a full recovery.

Healthcare users need to be made more aware of the potential toxic effects of ingested aloe vera.