Acute Hepatitis Due to Shen-Min

A 28-year-old white woman developed acute hepatitis 8 weeks after starting to take Shen-Min, a herbal supplement marketed for hair growth. Upon investigation, other potential causes of hepatitis were ruled out, suggesting that Shen-Min was the likely cause of liver injury. The patient's liver function improved after she stopped taking the supplement. This case is significant as it is the first reported instance of hepatotoxicity linked to Shen-Min, despite the inclusion of Polygonum multiflorum in its ingredients, a root previously associated with liver damage. The study highlights the need for clinicians to consider dietary supplements such as Shen-Min as potential causes when diagnosing acute hepatitis of unknown origin.