Liverwort (Hepatica ssp.)

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

Hepatica, Hepatica nobilis, Hepatica transsilvanica, liverleaf, Ranunculaceae (family), sesquiterpene lactone.

Note: Liverwort (Hepatica ssp.) should not be confused with Jungermannia ssp., Bazzania ssp., Lepidolaena ssp., Marchantia ssp., Riccardia ssp., Plagiochila ssp., or Frullania ssp., although they are also commonly called liverworts.

Background

Liverwort (Hepatica ssp.) is the common name for a genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to central and northern Europe, Asia, and northeastern North America. Liverwort (Hepatica ssp.) should not be confused with Jungermannia ssp., Bazzania ssp., Lepidolaena ssp., Marchantia ssp., Riccardia ssp., Plagiochila ssp., or Frullania ssp., although they are also commonly called liverworts. There is little scientific evidence currently available on the uses of liverwort. One laboratory study indicates that derivatives of liverwort may affect lipid (fat) homeostasis. Liverwort is not listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Insufficient available evidence.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for liverwort in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for liverwort in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to liverwort. Liverwort may cause contact hypersensitivity, such as skin rash.

Side Effects and Warnings

There is very little available information reported on adverse effects. Liverwort is not listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. Use cautiously in patients sensitive to liverwort. In a case report, liverwort was associated with contact hypersensitivity.

Use cautiously in patients with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) as liverwort may alter lipid levels.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Liverwort is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Liverwort may alter serum lipid levels (fat levels in the blood). Use cautiously with cholesterol-lowering medications, due to possible additive effects.

Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements

Liverwort may alter serum lipid levels (fat levels in the blood). Use cautiously with cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, due to possible additive effects.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Tera Stock, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Knoche H, Ourisson G, Perold GW, et al. Allergenic component of a liverwort: a sesquiterpene lactone. Science 10-10-1969;166(902):239-240.

Storrs FJ, Mitchell JC, Rasmussen JE. Contact hypersensitivity to liverwort and the compositae family of plants. Cutis 1976;18(5):681-686.

Tamehiro N, Sato Y, Suzuki T, et al. Riccardin C: a natural product that functions as a liver X receptor (LXR)alpha agonist and an LXRbeta antagonist. FEBS Lett 10-10-2005;579(24):5299-5304.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.