Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd.
2003 Apr;10(2):85-7.
Kombucha: a systematic review of the clinical evidence.
Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School,
Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, UK.

AIM: Kombucha has become a popular complementary remedy.
The aim of this systematic review was to critically
evaluate the evidence related to its efficacy and safety.

METHODS: Computerised literature searches were carried
out to locate all human medical investigations of
kombucha regardless of study design. Data were extracted
and validated by the present author and are reported
in narrative form.

RESULTS: No clinical studies were found relating to the
efficacy of this remedy. Several case reports and case
series raise doubts about the safety of kombucha. They
include suspected liver damage, metabolic acidosis and
cutaneous anthrax infections. One fatality is on record.

CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these data it was concluded
that the largely undetermined benefits do not outweigh
the documented risks of kombucha. It can therefore not
be recommended for therapeutic use.


J Gen Intern Med. 1997 Oct;12(10):643-4.
Probable gastrointestinal toxicity of Kombucha tea:
is this beverage healthy or harmful?
Srinivasan R, Smolinske S, Greenbaum D.
Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and Veterans Affairs,
Amarillo 79106-1797, USA.

Kombucha tea is a health beverage made by incubating
the Kombucha "mushroom" in tea and sugar. Although
therapeutic benefits have been attributed to the drink,
neither its beneficial effects nor adverse side effects
have been reported widely in the scientific literature.
Side effects probably related to consumption of
Kombucha tea are reported in four patients. Two
presented with symptoms of allergic reaction, the third
with jaundice, and the fourth with nausea, vomiting,
and head and neck pain. In all four, use of Kombucha
tea in proximity to onset of symptoms and symptom
resolution on cessation of tea drinking suggest a
probable etiologic association.