What are the risks of bak kut teh mixed with prescribed drugs?

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Bak Kut Teh Mixed with Prescribed Drugs Poses Potential Liver Damage Risks

A study conducted by Australian researchers from Adelaide University has indicated that the popular bak kut teh soup may pose a risk of liver damage when consumed alongside prescribed medications. Investigations into four locally sourced packets of pre-made bak kut teh revealed that all samples exhibited significant toxicity to liver cells in laboratory settings. One particular soup sample was found to cause the death of up to 83% of liver cells when applied in an undiluted state, and even at a tenfold dilution, it still resulted in a 15% cell death rate.
Toxicity Demonstrated in Laboratory Testing

The research, published in the Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology journal, specifically examined the impact of bak kut teh on liver cells. When the soup ingredients were introduced to liver cells, a substantial proportion of these cells were compromised. The most potent sample was documented as killing 83% of exposed liver cells in its concentrated form, and a notable 15% of cells were affected even after the soup was diluted ten times, highlighting a clear cytotoxic effect.
Unidentified Causal Ingredients and Herb-Drug Interactions

The precise components within the bak kut teh responsible for this observed liver cell toxicity remain unclear. This ambiguity stems from the use of broad terms such as 'spices', 'pepper', and 'salt' in the ingredient lists of the tested products, making it difficult to pinpoint specific causative agents. The study suggests that the potential for liver damage arises from the interaction of herbal food products, not solely from herbal therapeutic agents, with metabolic pathways, leading to possible herb-drug interactions.
Broader Implications for Herbal Food Consumption

The findings suggest that the hepatotoxicity observed in vitro may extend beyond traditional herbal medicines to include common herbal food items like bak kut teh. This aligns with a wider understanding in the scientific community that many herbal products, due to their active compounds, can interfere with various metabolic processes within the body. Such interference can potentially lead to adverse effects, particularly when combined with conventional pharmaceutical treatments.

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What are the risks of bak kut teh mixed with prescribed drugs?

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