#HerbalSupplements

The sudden death of a 37-year-old man in the United States after ingesting powdered kratom—a plant long used in Southeast Asia—has triggered renewed international safety warnings and legal scrutiny, with fresh research revealing mounting risks for consumers worldwide, including in Thailand. The case, now at the heart of a wrongful death lawsuit against manufacturers and vendors, highlights a surge in kratom-related poisonings, youth experimentation, and the global push for improved regulation and public awareness.

A new review of over-the-counter mood supplements helps clarify what might help for mild to moderate depression—and where evidence remains limited. The analysis examined 209 studies and was led by researchers from Southern Cross University, offering a clearer view for Thai consumers navigating a busy market of vitamins, herbs, and dietary products.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, including Thailand. Many people turn to mood boosters such as omega-3 capsules or herbal teas due to stigma around treatment, cost barriers, or hesitation about prescription medicines. In Thailand, rising health awareness and a thriving herbal-supplement scene linked to traditional medicine mirror global trends highlighted by the review.

A new review of over-the-counter supplements popular among people with depression has found that while some may offer benefits—particularly for those with mild to moderate symptoms—the evidence supporting most supermarket remedies remains limited and nuanced. The findings, drawing from an assessment of 209 studies and reviewed by prominent researchers at Southern Cross University, further clarify the role of widely available vitamins, herbal products, and dietary supplements in mental health care as Thai consumers face a similarly surging marketplace for such treatments.

Recent research has drawn urgent attention to the potential risks of herbal and dietary supplements widely consumed for health and wellness, warning that millions—including many in Thailand—may be unwittingly exposing themselves to deadly liver damage. A growing body of evidence now connects familiar ingredients found in kitchen spice racks and health food aisles to a rising incidence of liver toxicity and even liver failure requiring transplantation (Yahoo Lifestyle; PMC).

Herbal supplements have gained popularity in both Western and Asian countries, promoted as “natural” alternatives to conventional medicine that promise everything from better immunity to weight loss. In Thailand, where traditional remedies including turmeric, green tea, and herbal blends play an intrinsic role in health culture, this trend is particularly pronounced (PMC). Yet experts increasingly warn that natural does not always mean safe—especially at high doses or when consumed without medical oversight.

A wave of new research highlights serious risks from herbal and dietary supplements widely used for wellness. Millions, including many in Thailand, may be exposed to dangerous liver injury or even liver failure. Studies link familiar ingredients—often found in kitchen spice racks and health stores—to increasing cases of hepatotoxicity and, in some instances, transplant-needed liver damage.

Herbal supplements have surged in popularity across Western and Asian markets, promoted as natural solutions for immunity, weight control, and vitality. In Thailand, traditional remedies—turmeric, green tea, and blend formulas—are deeply embedded in daily health practices. Yet experts warn that “natural” does not automatically equal safe, especially at high doses or without medical guidance.

A new wave of research highlights a troubling trend: more people turning to herbal and dietary supplements for perceived health benefits, and an alarming rise in severe liver injury and liver failure linked to these products. Health professionals warn that “natural” does not always mean safe, especially for the liver, the body’s key detox engine.

The trend mirrors a global shift toward wellness, including in Thailand, where fitness routines, organic diets, and vitamin and herbal remedies are increasingly common. Brands promise longer life, weight loss, or stronger immunity. Yet experts warn these products can harm health rather than help, a concern echoed by recent studies in the United States that may have global implications, including Southeast Asia.

A recent wave of research has spotlighted a troubling trend: as more people embrace herbal and dietary supplements for perceived health benefits, cases of severe liver injury and even liver failure connected to these products are climbing at an alarming rate. This trend comes as health experts caution that supplements, frequently advertised as safe and “natural,” can in fact carry significant health risks—particularly to the liver, the body’s vital organ for filtering toxins.

A growing body of international research warns that high intake of ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon—especially in supplement form—can interfere with prescribed medicines. While these spices are staples in Thai cooking and traditional healing, experts say excessive consumption may affect how drugs are processed in the body, posing risks for people with chronic conditions.

In Thai homes from bustling markets to village kitchens, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are deeply woven into daily life. They are celebrated for potential immune support and anti-inflammatory benefits. But recent findings highlight safety concerns when these spices are consumed in high-dose supplements, particularly for vulnerable groups or those taking long-term medications.

A new wave of international research is spotlighting the risks of high consumption of popular spices—particularly ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon—when used alongside prescription medications. While these aromatic staples have long been celebrated for their health benefits in both traditional Thai cuisine and medicine, current scientific evidence suggests that excessive intake, especially through supplements, could interfere with drug metabolism and trigger dangerous interactions, especially among individuals with chronic health conditions.

From Bangkok’s bustling markets to rural households across Thailand, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are cornerstones of everyday cooking and wellness rituals. The use of these spices is deeply entrenched in Thai culture, often recommended in local remedies and embraced for their perceived ability to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, or manage metabolic conditions. However, recent findings originating from a University of Mississippi study—now widely cited by health platforms including The Conversation and major international news outlets—are raising red flags about their safety in concentrated or supplemental forms, particularly for vulnerable groups or those already prescribed medications for chronic diseases.

Many people in Thailand turn to dietary supplements to boost wellbeing. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 raises concerns that some well-liked botanicals may harm liver health. The liver is essential for detoxification and metabolism, and damage can lead to serious consequences, including liver failure.

The research identified six botanical supplements linked to liver toxicity: Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. These products are often marketed for arthritis relief, menopause symptoms, and other age-related concerns. In Thailand, where herbal remedies are deeply rooted in culture, this finding resonates with many consumers who trust “natural” solutions.

As health-conscious individuals, it’s not uncommon for those of us in Thailand to turn to dietary supplements as a means of enhancing our well-being. However, recent research highlights alarming findings from a study published in JAMA Network Open in 2024, pointing out that certain popular supplements might pose significant risks to our liver’s health. This is particularly crucial given that the liver is central to our body’s ability to detoxify and metabolize substances, and damage to it can result in severe health repercussions, including liver failure.

A new health advisory warns that some widely used herbal supplements can harm the liver, especially among older adults who take them for joint pain or general well-being. While these products are marketed as natural solutions, they can provoke serious liver reactions that may progress to liver failure in rare cases.

The JAMA Network Open study from 2024 identifies six botanicals most often linked to liver toxicity: Ashwagandha, Black Cohosh, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Red Yeast Rice, and Turmeric/Curcumin. The research notes that middle-aged and older adults are particularly at risk because aging can alter how the liver processes substances, increasing susceptibility to adverse effects.