Which herb contains nordihydroguaiaretic acid and is associated with hepatotoxicity risk?

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Multiple Choice

Which herb contains nordihydroguaiaretic acid and is associated with hepatotoxicity risk?

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a lignan found in chaparral, and safety concerns about NDGA-containing products include risk of hepatotoxicity. Among the options, the herb known to contain NDGA and be linked to liver injury is Larrea tridentata. This association explains why it’s the right choice. The other herbs have different primary constituents and toxicity profiles (for example, laxative anthraquinones in Leptandra virginica, anticholinergic tropane alkaloids in Hyoscyamus niger, and the more general drug-interaction/rare liver effects seen with Hypericum perforatum), but NDGA-related liver toxicity points to the chaparral plant.

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a lignan found in chaparral, and safety concerns about NDGA-containing products include risk of hepatotoxicity. Among the options, the herb known to contain NDGA and be linked to liver injury is Larrea tridentata. This association explains why it’s the right choice. The other herbs have different primary constituents and toxicity profiles (for example, laxative anthraquinones in Leptandra virginica, anticholinergic tropane alkaloids in Hyoscyamus niger, and the more general drug-interaction/rare liver effects seen with Hypericum perforatum), but NDGA-related liver toxicity points to the chaparral plant.

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