Causality assessment of skyfruit-induced liver injury using the updated RUCAM: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

In many Asian countries, herbs are used to treat disease. However, herbs also have adverse effects. Herb-induced liver injury has become a serious public health problem requiring urgent attention. The seeds of Swietenia macrophylla , a member of the family Polygonaceae, are often called skyfruit. We recently encountered a case of liver injury caused by skyfruit. The patient suffered from hepatocellular injury. We applied the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) and the results indicated a highly probable relationship with skyfruit (total score 10). Moreover, we summarize another six cases of skyfruit-induced liver injury from the literature. The aim of our report is to help clinicians become more aware of the potential hepatotoxic effects of skyfruit and to accurately describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of skyfruit-induced liver injury.