Herbs are not regulated by the FDA, and are
therefore exempt from investigation and restrictions. What does that
mean? Proof of safety and possible side effects are not required to be
placed on the labels; exact ingredients and the amount and potency are
not required; presence of other herbs or substances are not required on
labels; and last but not least, other substances such as atropine,
steroids, caffeine, and lead can and have been found to be added.
What should you do? Carefully evaluate and
investigate each product prior to using. Read confirmed research
reports, and not just someones advertisement for the product. ASK YOUR DOCTOR!
Don't take any herbs that your doctor isn't aware of your taking. I can
give you a prime recent example, me: In addition to hepatitis B, I have
hypertension and Chronic depression. My antidepressant costs a fortune,
so I decided to try St. John's Wort for the depression. WRONG THING TO
DO! This particular herb has a counter effect on the medicine for my
hypertension! Valuable lesson learned. Thank God I took it only once
before finding additional information, here on the internet, regarding
its interaction with my medicine.
When herbs are used, it is best to introduce them a little at a time, and be aware of the potential reactions. If an ingested herb is either liver toxic or causing a hypersensitivity reaction, damage can be avoided if the ingestion of the offending herb is stopped when adverse symptoms first appear.
HERBS THAT CAN ALTER LIVER METABOLlSM OF DRUGS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush)
BERBERIS VULGARIS (Common Barberry)
CEPHALANTHUS (Button Bush)
CHELIDONIUM (Greater Celandine)
CHELONE (Balmony,. Turtlehead)
CHIONANTHUS (Fringetree)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Algerita)
PODOPHYLLUM. (American Mandrake)
HERBS THAT CAN ALTER SGOT/SGPT READINGS
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
ANAGALLIS (Scarlet Pimpernel)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
LINARIA (Toad Flax. Butter-and-Eggs)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Algerita)
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle)
Milk Thistle- There are HUNDREDS of reliable biologic and medical studies that support this plant's seeds' value for Amanita mushroom poisoning, lessening the toxicity of heavy metals (if taken soon enough) and quickening CNS and hepatic regeneration in solvent or alcohol detox. Like Ginkgo, however, you NEED a problem to get benefit. Without an ongoing stress, using Silybum or it's extracted silymarins on general principle can actually depress normal liver function.Info from: SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL MEDICINE 122 Tulane SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 (505) 255-9215
1. COMFREY (Bush Tea)-Available as a tea, tablet, capsule, or tincture, this leafy
plant has been linked to obstruction of blood flow from the liver, with potential liver scarring
(cirrhosis).
2. GERMANDER -mixed with other herbs in products to
treat obesity. In France, at least 27 cases of acute nonviral hepatitis have been associated
with germander products.
3. CHAPARRAL-chaparral has been associated with
acute nonviral hepatitis (rapidly developing liver damage), sometimes irreversible.
4. JIN BU HUAN-in the U.S. there were several reports of liver damage due to ingestion of Jin Bu Huan
5. NUTMEG-contains Safrole-toxic/carcinogenic
6. PENNYROYAL OIL-species
of Mint-Pennyroyal Tea, is an old-fashioned remedy for colds and
menstrual derangements. Its action is carminative, diaphoretic,
stimulant and emmenagogic
7. MISTLETOE-potentially fatal. It could cause death or other serious Vasoconstrictor
consequences.
8. TANSY RAGWORT-potentially fatal. It could cause death or other serious
consequences
9. SENNA-powerful
purgative(laxative)Can cause severe
abdominal bloating.Found in many over-the-counter laxatives, including
Fletcher's Castoria, Senokot, Perdiem and Innerclean Herbal Laxative.
10. SASSAFRAS-toxic effects. contains Safrole - it is deemed to be toxic/carcinogenic
11. VALERIAN-interacts
with alcohol, some antihistamines, muscle relaxants, psychotropic drugs
and narcotics. people with impaired kidney or liver functions should
not take valerian except under a physician's supervision. Per Dr.
Andrew Weil. Smooth muscle relaxation affects intestinal peristalsis.
These substances have been known to cause liver related
complications ranging from acute hepatitis and jaundice to cirrhosis
and death from liver failure! The bottom line is, be careful rather
than sorry. Always check it out with your doctor before trying any new herbal remedy.
FDA Investigates Kava-Liver Disease Link
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD
On Dec. 19, 2001, the FDA announced it was investigating a link between
the food supplement kava and liver disease. Federal health regulators
said that there have been about 25 cases of serious liver toxicity in
Germany and Switzerland, but the agency was not certain if similar
problems have occurred in the U.S. Switzerland has already banned the
sale of the kava products that have caused the liver problems, and
similar measures are being taken to ban all kava products in Germany.
Liver problems such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure have
been reported. In a letter recently sent to doctors, the FDA asked for
help in determining if any recent cases of liver problems in this
country could be traced to use of kava, which is also known as kava
kava or Piper methysticum. Read the FDA letter. The FDA noted it had
received several reports of alleged ties between kava and liver
problems. There was at least one case of liver failure requiring a
liver transplant in an otherwise healthy young woman. Kava is marketed
as a food supplement to help with many ailments including stress,
anxiety, tension, sleep problems, and PMS.
What to Do
If you use products containing kava extracts, discuss your risks of
liver problems with your doctor and whether your liver function should
be tested. It also is a very good idea to let your doctor know about
any food supplements you use.
© 2001 WebMD Corporation. All rights reserved.
MEDICAL HERBS ONLINE-ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY
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