A 65-year-old woman developed severe liver damage from taking Artri King, an over-the-counter supplement that contained hidden prescription drugs—diclofenac and corticosteroids—not listed on the label. According to Gram Research analysis of this case report, her liver improved after she stopped taking the supplement, highlighting how unregulated supplements can contain dangerous hidden ingredients that cause serious harm.
A 65-year-old woman developed serious liver injury after taking Artri King, an over-the-counter supplement sold for joint pain. Doctors discovered the product contained hidden prescription drugs—including a powerful pain reliever and steroids—that weren’t listed on the label. According to Gram Research analysis, this case highlights a major problem: many supplements aren’t properly regulated or tested before being sold. When the woman stopped taking the supplement, her liver began to heal. Experts say this shows why people need to be careful about supplements and why the government should have stricter rules about what goes into these products.
Key Statistics
A 2026 case report documented a 65-year-old woman who developed severe hepatocellular liver injury from taking Artri King, an over-the-counter supplement containing undisclosed prescription drugs including diclofenac and corticosteroids.
The supplement Artri King had been previously flagged by regulatory authorities for containing undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, yet remained available to consumers, demonstrating gaps in supplement regulation and oversight.
Herbal and dietary supplement-associated liver injury cases have risen in parallel with increased supplement use worldwide, with limited regulation and inconsistent labeling complicating diagnosis and patient safety.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How an over-the-counter supplement called Artri King caused severe liver damage in one patient
- Who participated: One 65-year-old woman who took the supplement regularly over a long period
- Key finding: The supplement contained hidden prescription drugs (diclofenac and corticosteroids) that weren’t listed on the label, causing the liver injury
- What it means for you: Always check supplement labels carefully and talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if it promises quick pain relief. Some supplements contain dangerous hidden ingredients that can seriously harm your liver.
The Research Details
This is a case report, which means doctors documented what happened to one specific patient. The 65-year-old woman came to the hospital with signs of liver damage. The doctors ran many tests to figure out what caused the problem—they checked for viruses, autoimmune diseases, and other common causes of liver injury. All those tests came back negative. Then they did a liver biopsy, which means they took a tiny sample of liver tissue to examine under a microscope. The biopsy showed the damage pattern matched drug-induced liver injury. Finally, they discovered that the supplement she was taking contained hidden pharmaceutical drugs that weren’t listed on the bottle.
Case reports are important because they alert doctors and the public to unexpected dangers. While one patient’s story doesn’t prove something happens to everyone, it raises red flags that need investigation. This case is especially important because it shows that supplements sold in stores can contain dangerous hidden ingredients. The supplement industry has very little government oversight compared to prescription medications, so problems like this can go unnoticed for a long time.
This is a single case report, so it shows what can happen but doesn’t tell us how often it happens. The strength of this report is that doctors thoroughly investigated the patient and ruled out other causes of liver damage. The weakness is that we’re learning about just one person’s experience. However, the fact that the supplement was previously flagged by authorities for containing undisclosed drugs makes this case particularly credible and concerning.
What the Results Show
The patient developed severe liver injury—specifically hepatocellular injury, which means the main cells of the liver were damaged. Her liver tests showed abnormally high levels of liver enzymes, indicating the organ was being harmed. When doctors examined a sample of her liver tissue under a microscope, they saw the pattern of damage that happens when drugs injure the liver. The crucial discovery was that Artri King, the supplement she had been taking regularly, contained diclofenac (a prescription pain medication) and corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory drugs) that were not listed anywhere on the product label. These are serious medications that can cause liver damage, especially when taken long-term without medical supervision.
After the patient stopped taking the supplement, her liver function began to improve. This recovery after stopping the supplement is strong evidence that the product was indeed causing the damage. The case also revealed that Artri King had been previously flagged by regulatory authorities for containing undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, meaning this wasn’t the first time the product had been found to contain hidden drugs.
This case fits into a growing trend. Herbal and dietary supplement-related liver injuries have been increasing in the United States. Many supplements are marketed as natural and safe, but some contain hidden prescription drugs that manufacturers don’t disclose. This case is particularly notable because it involves a product that had already been identified as problematic by authorities, yet it apparently remained available to consumers.
This is a case report of just one patient, so we cannot say how common this problem is or whether it affects everyone who takes this supplement the same way. Different people may have different reactions based on their age, health, genetics, and how long they take the product. We also don’t know if other batches of this product contain the same hidden ingredients or if the contamination was consistent. To understand the full scope of the problem, we would need studies looking at many patients.
The Bottom Line
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement, especially ones that promise quick relief from pain or inflammation (moderate confidence). Be especially cautious with supplements from countries with less regulation. Read labels carefully and research products online before buying them. If you experience unexplained fatigue, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain while taking supplements, stop immediately and see a doctor (high confidence).
Anyone taking over-the-counter supplements should care about this, especially people with existing liver problems, those taking multiple medications, older adults, and people taking supplements for chronic pain or inflammation. People should be particularly cautious with supplements from less-regulated manufacturers or countries.
Liver damage can develop over weeks to months of regular supplement use. Recovery after stopping the supplement may take weeks to months depending on the severity of damage. Some people may experience permanent liver damage if they continue taking harmful supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can over-the-counter supplements cause liver damage?
Yes. A 2026 case report showed a woman developed severe liver injury from a supplement containing hidden prescription drugs. Supplements have minimal regulation, so some contain dangerous undisclosed ingredients that can seriously harm your liver, especially with long-term use.
What supplements should I avoid for liver health?
Be cautious with supplements promising quick pain or inflammation relief, especially from less-regulated manufacturers. Always check if products have been flagged by the FDA. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, particularly if you have liver problems or take other medications.
How do I know if a supplement has hidden ingredients?
Read labels carefully and research the product online before buying. Check FDA warnings and recalls. If a supplement seems too effective or too cheap, be suspicious. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to verify ingredients. Products from countries with weak regulations are higher risk.
What are signs my supplement is harming my liver?
Watch for unexplained fatigue, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or nausea. Stop taking the supplement immediately and see a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Don’t wait—liver damage can worsen quickly.
Do all supplements need FDA approval before being sold?
No. Unlike prescription drugs, supplements don’t require FDA approval before sale. Manufacturers only need to notify the FDA after products are on the market. This weak regulation allows dangerous products with hidden ingredients to reach consumers, as happened with Artri King.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log all supplements taken daily with brand names and ingredients, noting any symptoms like fatigue, yellowing skin, dark urine, or stomach pain. Track liver enzyme test results if available.
- Before starting any new supplement, use the app to research the product name and check if it’s been flagged by the FDA or other health authorities. Set reminders to discuss all supplements with your doctor at each visit.
- Create a monthly checklist of supplement ingredients and cross-reference with FDA warnings. Set quarterly reminders to review all supplements with your healthcare provider and discuss any new symptoms.
This article describes a single case of liver injury from a supplement and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Supplements can affect individuals differently based on age, health status, medications, and genetics. If you are taking any supplements or considering starting them, consult with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have liver disease, take multiple medications, or experience unexplained symptoms. If you experience signs of liver damage (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, abdominal pain), seek immediate medical attention. Always report all supplements to your healthcare provider.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.