Why can't Dendrobium (Shihu) be consumed by people with liver disease?

    Generally, patients with liver disease should not consume Dendrobium (Shihu) because it may cause liver damage. The details are as follows:

The liver is a vital organ in the human body, responsible for metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis. In patients with liver disease, the liver has already been damaged, which may lead to impaired liver function or abnormal conditions such as hepatocyte necrosis. The liver in these patients may be unable to effectively metabolize and excrete substances from the body, including medications, toxins, and metabolic byproducts. Moreover, consuming certain drugs or herbal remedies may result in their accumulation in the body, exerting negative effects on the liver and potentially causing further liver injury. Dendrobium contains alkaloid substances such as tannic acid and flavonoid compounds, which may increase the burden on the liver. Therefore, patients with liver disease should avoid taking Dendrobium to prevent worsening of liver damage.

For patients with liver disease, it is recommended to consult a hepatologist before using any medication or herbal remedy.