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ScienceGlobal issues

Supplements and your liver: A safety check

Janine Mertens
December 8, 2025

Dietary supplements are broken down in the liver just like medication, and can overload it. How safe are green-tea extract, curcumin capsules or ashwagandha?

https://p.dw.com/p/54RDx

Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement producers do not have to warn about risks such as liver damage. A US study now suggests that supplements containing curcuma, green-tea extract, ashwagandha or red yeast rice may be dangerous for people with liver disease. Experts advise consulting a doctor or pharmacist before taking them. Tip: Turmeric as a spice and green tea as a drink are generally safe — but high-dose extracts can be harmful.