Interstitial lung disease induced by the roots of Achyranthes japonica Nakai: Three case reports

BACKGROUNDThe roots of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN), called "Useul-puli," has been traditionally used to control pain and improve dysfunction in osteoarthritis patients in South Korea. CASE SUMMARYWe described 3 patients diagnosed with herbal medicine induced interstitial lung disease after consuming boiled the roots of AJN. They were referred to our hospital because of the modified Medical Research Council grade 4 dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral ground-glass opacities with patchy consolidation. After treatment with systemic glucocorticoid therapy and discontinuation of the roots of AJN, their symptoms improved, and almost all ground-glass opacities and patchy consolidations on chest radiography and chest computed tomography resolved. CONCLUSIONWe present three cases of interstitial lung disease induced by the roots of AJN.