Toxic hepatitis in black patients in natal.

The clinical and pathological features of toxic centrilobular zonal necrosis in Natal Blacks are described. It is suggested that this condition may be caused by the toxic action of Callilepis laureola (known to the Zulu as 'impila'). This plant and other herbs are used by many Blacks for self-medication or are prescribed by herbalists and witchdoctors.