Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a prominent hepatologist and social media influencer, has publicly called out an Indian supplement brand for marketing a dubious “liver detox” product while also threatening legal repercussions against healthcare professionals questioning its efficacy.
In a video posted on Instagram on November 26, Dr. Philips, known as The Liver Doc, denounced liver detox supplements as largely fraudulent, highlighting a particular product featuring silymarin (milk thistle) and N-acetylcysteine. He emphasized that scientific proof supporting the benefits of these ingredients for liver health is minimal, asserting that the liver inherently detoxifies without the need for such supplements.
Dr. Philips revealed that the brand issued threats against Dr. Vishal Gabale, who published a critical review of its product. He urged, “Stop threatening doctors and start proving us wrong by showing Category Level A evidence of your products.” He labeled the supplement’s claims regarding detoxification and its impact on skin health as misleading.
The physician alerted consumers to the risks associated with unregulated herbal supplements, noting that they are increasingly causing liver failures in Western nations. He stated, “The primary impending cause of liver failures in the West is herbal and dietary supplements.” Dr. Philips pointed out that many of these products lack regulation, could harbor fungal toxins, and often lack consistent dosage and safety information.
The notion of “liver detox” is merely a marketing construct, according to Dr. Philips. “The liver detoxes you; you don’t detox the liver. All claims related to liver detox are fraudulent,” he asserted, even challenging the supplement manufacturer to take legal action against him, confident in his medical expertise.
Additionally, he criticized the hefty price of ₹1,500 for a single bottle, arguing that it offers no substantiated benefits. Dr. Philips encouraged individuals to depend on scientifically backed practices to support liver health, rather than spending money on questionable supplements.
On social media, the public largely supported Dr. Philips' campaign for consumer education, with numerous commentators suspecting the legitimacy of such products, including their regulatory approvals like FSSAI registration, pointing out that N-acetylcysteine is categorized as a drug in India.
Dr. Philips’ stance is firm: liver detox supplements are not necessary, may pose safety risks, and primarily serve to enrich those selling them at the expense of uninformed consumers. He called on brands to provide solid scientific backing for their claims rather than intimidating the medical community, which prioritizes public health.
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