Weekly Pharmacy Updates...
Herbal Reference.

This page is brought to you by Bubba's Medicine Shop

Learn about Glucosamine/Chondroitin and buy it online for less click here!

Disclaimer: This reference was created by registered pharmacists based on clinical news from health care professionals and is merely a guide for you to increase your awareness of herbal products. We do not recognize any herbal product as a cure or even to be truly effective, but we do recognize that some herbal products have value and that you the consumer, desire information on these products, but we do advise you to beware that many products make claims that just aren't true and that some of these products are not even safe. We are learning more about natural products as the popularity of these products increases and we will do our best to keep you up to date as clinical studies are done...This reference is not intended to be a substitute for your doctor's advice. Always follow your doctor's orders and consult with him/her before embarking on a new therapy.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Claims: a natural laxative, a natural diuretic, an antifungal, a liver detoxifier, a treatment for kidney stones and urinary infections. Conclusions: Alfalfa is not known to have any significant therapeutic value in the amounts generally recommended. Precautions: While Alfalfa is generally harmless, the seeds contain an amino acid (L-canavanine) which is implicated in blood disorders in humans and the induction of SLE (lupus) in monkeys.

Aloe Vera Claims: a general "cure all" tonic. Used both externally and internally (not recommended). Advertised for treating acne, burns, minor wounds, colitis, and peptic ulcers. It is also said to be a laxative, a digestive aid, a blood and lymphatic circulation aid, and a liver and gall bladder function aid. Conclusions: Aloe Vera is effective topically for promotion of wound healing and treatment of burns and frostbite. The effectiveness of aloe topically varies greatly based mostly on product variation. Ingredients in aloe Vera detoriate readily so always use a fresh product for best results. There is no evidence to support the effective use for any of the claims of internal use. Precautions: Internal use may lead to abdominal cramping, diarrhea, discoloration of urine (red), electrolyte imbalance, and a loss of potassium. Topical use produces no side effects.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) also known as blueberry. Claims: used in connection with vascular and blood disorders and in treating varicose veins, thrombosis, diarrhea, and angina. Also said to help with eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and night blindness. Conclusions: There is no clinical evidence that bilberry is effective in treating blood disorders but there is some preliminary studies that suggest that bilberry may benefit the visual acuteness listed above as well as provide protection from macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other visual problems. Bilberry can be used safely for visual maladies. Bilberry may also provide some benefit for treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Adult dose is 20-60g dried fruit or 240-480mg of extract divided into 2-3 doses. Precautions: No none side effects. Early research shows that bilberry is safe for use during pregnancy and may even be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Black Cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) also known as Black Snakeroot. Conclusions: Has been shown to decrease hot flashes in menopausal women by reducing the secretion of LH. Shown by a clinical study to be as effective as estrogen in the treatment of women with hysterectomies. A German study showed black cohosh to be effective in controlling the nervous conditions associated with menopause and for the effective treatment of dysmenorrhea and PMS. Precautions: No long term toxicity studies have been done so it is not recommended for long term (>6 mos.) use. Do not use during pregnancy or lactation because this herb can change the female endocrine cycle (suppress LH). No side effects are clear at this time although dyspepsia and hypotension have been observed.

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) or Cat's Claw Bark Claims: said to be a booster of the body's immune system, for treatment of colds, flu, cancer, and AIDS. Also said to be an antihypertensive, to be able to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and to be useful in the treatment of Crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, gastritis, diverticulitis, and leaky bowl syndrome. Conclusions: Studies are finding that some of constituents of Cat's Claw do have some action and possible some immune boosting abilities. One constituent of Cat's Claw has shown to lower blood pressure, but the other claims of this plant have yet to be proven.  Precautions: Diarrhea has commonly been reported when taking Cat's Claw.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) Claims: used for almost every gynecological complaint including menstrual cramps, irregularity, retarded flow, and menopausal symptoms. A general blood tonic. Conclusions: Researchers have found vasodilating coumarin derivatives as well anti-spasm derivatives in Dong quai. These derivatives have shown some effectiveness in stimulating a normal menstrual flow and controlling PMS.   Precautions: Researchers have also found coumarins that cause dermatitis, photosensitivites, and other skin problems. They have also isolated a carcinogen in the essential oil. Therefore the danger of this plant outweighs the benefit and thus it should be avoided. Pregnancy warning. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) Claims: used as an immunostimulant useful in the treatment or prevention of colds, flu, bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, arthritis, radiation poisoning, and AIDS. Conclusions: Proven effective in preventing and treating cold and flu symptoms. Prevention of symptoms requires early use. Shows promise for the discovery of a potential immunostimulant drug. Not proven to help with cancer or AIDS. Use is not recommended on a long term continuous basis. Not for use in those who have autoimmune diseases. Can be found alone or in other popular products combined with Zinc and Vitamin C for added benefits. Precautions: Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica, ma-hauang) Claims: used in foreign countries for thousands of years to treat symptoms of asthma and upper respiratory infections. Also has been used as a nasal decongestant and for relief of congestion associated with bronchial asthma. Ephedra which contains the central nervous stimulant ephedrine has also been used as a diet aid, an energy booster, an aphrodisiac, and a mental stimulant. Conclusions: Shown to be effective as a bronchodilator. Not shown to be effective for weight loss. Use with caution. Precautions: Ephedra can be dangerous if misused. Its misuse has already forced the FDA to place regulations on the advertising and manufacturing of products containing the herb. The misuse of this herb has caused deaths. Those who suffer from heart conditions, diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disease should avoid the use of Ephedra.

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) Claims: has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of fever, headaches, menstrual irregularities, and stomachaches. Also said to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, and insect bites. Conclusions: Shown to be effective for the treatment of migraine headaches. Is not effective for rheumatoid arthritis. May dilate blood vessels. This product may be useful, but more studies are needed to prove its efficacy and long term safety. The amount of the actual active herb varies a lot among products and some products may not have any active herb. Traditional dosing for adults is 125mg daily to twice daily. Precautions: May cause adverse GI effects. Fresh leaves can cause mouth ulceration. Pregnancy warning. Do not use with anticoagulant drugs.

Garlic (Allium sativum) Claims: said to be an antibiotic, an antiviral, and a general cure all. Also used to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and regulate the circulatory system. Conclusions: Well studied herb. Shown to lower total cholesterol by 9-12 percent. May also posses antibiotic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatlet activities. Large amounts of fresh garlic are proven to be the most effective. Commercial preparations may vary in actual activity. Decrease in cholesterol may take 8-16 weeks while hypotensive effects occur in 1-6 months. Traditional dosing for adults is 4-12mg of the alliin or 400-1200mg of the fully dried powder. Precautions: Moderate consumption of garlic is harmless although large doses may cause heartburn, gas, and other GI problems. May interact with anticoagulant drugs. May interfere with glucose control so use with caution in diabetes.

Ginger (Zingiber officinaie) Claims: said to have positive inotropic effects on heart tissue, to be useful in the treatment of arthritis, as well as motion sickness and nausea. Conclusions: Shown to be effective in the treatment of motion sickness and nausea. Shown to be an effective antiinflammatory chemical proving to have some benefit in the treatment of arthritis. Still being studied for positive effects on the heart. Adult dose varies. Precautions: Inhibits chemcials that are involved in platlet aggregation so can lead to increased bleeding or prolonged bleeding time. Not for use in pregnancy. Do not use in chemotherapy or after surgery because of bleeding problems.

Ginkgo biloba Claims: touted as a way to beat life's aging process and normal body deterioration. Also used as a preventive and a treatment for vascular diseases. Also used in tinnitus, vertigo, and SSRI antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: There is scientific data to suggest that some components of ginkgo promote improved blood flow and dilate arteries thus contributing to its use in vascular diseases. This data may also support its use in mental alterness. Unfortunately this scientific data has yet to have define a therapeutic dose for these effects. Ginkgo has also shown to be helpful for some to treat/prevent sexual dysfunction due to the use of some antidepressants. Traditional dosing for adults is 60-80mg of the extract taken two to three times daily. Effects can take 1-2 months to appear. Precautions: May cause spontaneous bleeding when used with aspirin or other anticoagulant drugs. May cause minor GI irritations. Rarely can cause headaches and dizziness.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Claims: said to be a substance that supports general good health or normalize the body and provide resistance to stress. Many purported uses. An aphrodisiac. Conclusions: Effectiveness not adequately documented. May lower blood cholesterol. Some ingredients can lower blood pressure while others may raise blood pressure. Because of this risk in blood pressure variations, this herb should not be used by those with hypertension. This herb has many claims and is generally termed as  "adaptogenic". Generally adaptogens increase resistance to biological, chemical, and physical stress and improve general vitality including mental and physical capacity to work. Despite being termed as adaptogenic, their is little scentific documentation of its effectiveness. Not effective as an aphrodisiac. Contents of commercial products vary. Traditional dosing for adults is 100-300mg of the extract three times a day. Precautions: Use with caution in those with high blood pressure. Reported to cause excitation and nervousness in the first few days of intake. Over use can cause headache, sleeplessness, and chest pain. Overall Ginseng is safe. Ginseng can interact with Lasix (furosemide) causing a decreased diuretic action. There was also a case where Ginseng affecting the INR of a patient stabilized on warfarin (Coumadin) and another case of Ginseng elevating digoxin (Lanoxin) serum levels.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Claims: used traditionally to treat mucosal inflammation and gastritis. Also has been used for these unsupported conditions: gum disease, canker sores, inflammation, indigestion, appetite stimulation, liver problems, and skin diseases. Conclusions: There has been no studies that support any use for this herb. Does not mask urine drug screens. Not recommended. Precautions: Not for use in pregnancy. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, CNS stimulation, and respiratory failure.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Claims: said to be effective in preventing cancer and treating hypertension and circulatory problems. Said to help promote memory. Said to help overcome stress, fatigue, and mental confusion. Said to be topically effective in promoting wound healing and in treating psoriasis. Conclusions: Outside of the United States, Gotu Kola is used commonly for topical treatment of skin conditions such as ulcers, eczema, wounds, and scars after burns and/or surgery. There is some evidence that supports its use in circulatory functions, but less support for its ability to boost memory. Adult dose is 500mg to 1g three times daily or 60-120mg of standardized extracts daily. Precautions: Contact dermatitis (rash), increased reactions to light, large doses may cause drowsiness.

Grape Seed Extract or Pycnogenol Claims: said to prevent tissue breakdown. Conclusions: Shown to be an effective antioxidant but prevention of tissue breakdown is not clinically proven. Used as an antioxidant to treat hypoxia from atherosclerosis, inflammation, and cardiac or cerebral infarction. Adult dose is 75-300mg daily for 2-3 weeks then a maintenance dose of 40-80mg daily is recommended. Precautions: None reported.

Hawthorn Claims: said to treat coronary disease, angina, sleep disorders, and dilate blood vessels. Conclusions: Shown to dilate coronary blood vessels. May help to maintain healthy cardiac function. Precautions: High doses can cause CNS depression and hypotension. May interact with blood pressure and/or heart medications. Not for use in pregnancy.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) Claims: used traditionally to treat varicose veins and other venous insufficiencies. Conclusions: Closely related to American horse-chestnut and Ohio buckeye, but not the same as the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) which is used in cooking. Properties found in horse chestnut referred to as (a)escin have the ability to increase the overall venous tone which in turn improves return blood flow to the heart. Clinical studies have shown that horse chestnut is comparable to compression stockings in effectively decreasing lower leg volume and edema. Horse chestnut shows promise in helping venous insufficiencies. Precautions: High doses can result in serious side effects including renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity, but in recommended doses horse chestnut is believed to be relatively safe. Contraindicated in bleeding disorders.

Kava-Kava (Piper methylsticum) Claims: said to have Central Nervous System depressant effects, to produce euphoria, anxiety reduction and enhance sleep. Conclusions: Has been used effectively as an agent for reduction of anxiety. A randomized double blind clinical study using standardized extract of Kava-Kava for four weeks showed a reduction in anxiety by those using the herb compared to no reduction for those using a placebo. The reduction in anxiety was based on a measurement of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Other studies have also shown that Kava-Kava has potential to treat mild forms of anxiety. Adult daily dose is 60-120mg of the standardizied herb. Remember the studies are based on this standardized herb so be careful what you use. Precautions: High doses can cause muscle weakness. High doses can cause reversible skin discoloration and visual disturbances. May cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Kava-Kava potentiates other CNS depressants including alcohol. Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and endogenous depression. Long term studies and toxicology still need to be done.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Claims: said to be a liver protectant and to be useful in treating liver disorders and cirrhosis. Conclusions: Shown to be an effective antioxidant and to help protect the liver against damage from toxins. Adult dose is 12-15 g per day or 200-240mg of silymarin (mixture of derivatives found only in fruit). Not effective as a tea. Precautions: Few adverse reactions. Not to be used in decompensated cirrhosis. Mild diarrhea and allergic reactions may occur.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarmata, Maypop) Claims: Said to be an effective sedative which is its most common use. Other unsupported uses include antispasmodic, nerve tonic, insomnia, headache, and shingles. Conclusions: The use as a sedative has not been supported by clinical trials in humans. Adult dose is 4-8g. Precautions: No adverse reactions have been reported. MAOI warning?

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Claims: said to help in GI conditions such as muscle spasms, abdominal pain, diarrhea and irritable bowl syndrome. Also said to be helpful in these unsupported uses: chills, colic, fever, nausea, heart disorders, rheumatism, convulsions, and headaches. Conclusions: Shown to decrease muscle spasms in the GI tract supporting it use in GI conditions such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The enteric coated tablets have been used to treat irritable bowl syndrome. Adult doses vary. Precautions: Do not use in infants or children. Overuse of the herb may cause heartburn and esophageal sphincter relaxations. May worsen hital hernia symptoms. May irritate mucous membranes, cause contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Claims: said to have value in treating depression, anxiety, and AIDS. Conclusions: May have some anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and sedative activities. There is no evidence that shows that this herb has any value in the treatment of AIDS or the HIV virus.Shown to be effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. The proper dosage for the treatment of depression is 300mg three times a day. Although this herb has shown effectiveness in treating mild-to-moderate depression you should first talk to your doctor before self treating with St John's Wort for clinical depression. Because of its serotonin like activity, this herb may be beneficial as a diet aid causing less hunger. Precautions: May cause light sensitivity or photodermatitis. This herb does not work by monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MOAI) activity and therefore has no interactions with tyranine containing foods (aged foods, cheese, wine).

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens, sabal, cabbage palm) Claims: A fruit extract shown to be effective for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Modifies testosterone and may also have anti-inflammatory effects in its action. Conclusions: Shown effectiveness in treating BPH. Traditional dose is 80mg of standardized extract twice a day. Teas are ineffective. Precautions: May rarely cause an upset stomach, mild headache while high doses can cause diarrhea. Intended for adult male use, do not use in pregnant or lactating women or in children.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis, V. edulis, V. wallichii) Claims: said to have sedative/hypnotic effects. Used to promote sleep. Conclusions: Has shown mild action as a sedative. Doesn't decrease night awakenings.  Is not synergistic with alcohol. Widely recognized as a safe, mild sedative, and sleep aid. Adult dose is 1-3g at bedtime. Precautions: May cause morning drowsiness and mild stomach irritation.

Feedback Section

Return to the Weekly Pharmacy Update Main Page

Go to the Weekly Pharmacy Update Vitamin Reference

Index page

FastCounter by LinkExchange