scholarly journals Acute Liver Failure Caused by ‘Fat Burners’ and Dietary Supplements: A Case Report and Literature Review

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Radha Krishna ◽  
V Mittal ◽  
P Grewal ◽  
MI Fiel ◽  
T Schiano
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Healthy Woman ◽  
Usnic Acid ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Herbal Extracts ◽  
Herbal Products

Globally, people are struggling with obesity. Many effective, non-conventional methods of weight reduction, such as herbal and natural dietary supplements, are increasingly being sought. Fat burners are believed to raise metabolism, burn more calories and hasten fat loss. Despite patient perceptions that herbal remedies are free of adverse effects, some supplements are associated with severe hepatotoxicity. The present report describes a young healthy woman who presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation caused by a dietary supplement and fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and guggul tree extracts. Thorough investigation, including histopathological examination, revealed no other cause of hepatotoxicity. The present case adds to the increasing number of reports of hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements containing usnic acid, and highlights that herbal extracts from green tea or guggul tree may not be free of adverse effects. Until these products are more closely regulated and their advertising better scrutinized, physicians and patients should become more familiar with herbal products that are commonly used as weight loss supplements and recognize those that are potentially harmful.

scholarly journals A Health Risk Assessment of Lead and Other Metals in Pharmaceutical Herbal Products and Dietary Supplements Containing Ginkgo biloba in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8285
Author(s):  
Patricia Rojas ◽  
Elizabeth Ruiz-Sánchez ◽  
Camilo Ríos ◽  
Ángel Ruiz-Chow ◽  
Aldo A. Reséndiz-Albor
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Mexico City ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Ginkgo Biloba ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Herbal Products

The use of the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba has increased worldwide. However, G. biloba is capable of assimilating both essential and toxic metals, and the ingestion of contaminated products can cause damage to health. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) in 26 items containing Ginkgo biloba (pharmaceutical herbal products, dietary supplements, and traditional herbal remedies) purchased in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Metal analysis was performed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. All of the products were contaminated with Pb, 54% of them with As, and 81% with Cd. The lowest values of Pb, As, and Cd were detected in pharmaceutical herbal products > dietary supplements > traditional herbal remedies. The daily intake dose (DID) of pharmaceutical herbal products was within the established limits for the five metals. Dietary supplements and traditional herbal remedies exceeded the DID limits for Pb. The hazard quotients estimation and non-carcinogenic cumulative hazard estimation index for Mn, As, and Cd indicated no human health risk. Our results suggest that products containing G. biloba for sale in Mexico are not a health risk.

Herbal Remedies

1995 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 214-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varro E Tyler
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Us ◽  
Botanical Medicine ◽  
Effective Drugs

Objective: To provide an overview of basic information required by pharmacists to advise patients on the proper use of selected herbs and phytomedicines (“dietary supplements”) as therapeutic agents. Data Sources: The vast literature on this topic in the English, German, and French languages has been researched by the author over a period of many years. Databases that were used include NAPRALERT and MEDLINE. Study Selection: Articles and books dealing with the current popularity of botanical medicine and with laws and regulations covering so-called dietary supplements, as well as information on selected toxic herbs and a few of the most popular beneficial herbs used for treating common ailments and syndromes. Data Synthesis: Studies suggest that many herbal products currently available are both safe and effective drugs. A few products on the US market are definitely unsafe for human consumption and use. Conclusions: The increasing popularity of botanicals, coupled with regulations that prohibit definitive labeling, requires pharmacists to acquire accurate information based on scientifically and clinically acceptable data to advise patients on their use. Useful remedies for several common ailments and information concerning their safety and usefulness provide a starting point for an understanding of this complex field.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular Care

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-96
Author(s):  
AKMM Islam ◽  
MT Rahman ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
MAU Chowdhury ◽  
A Khair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Horse Chestnut ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Significant Drug Interaction ◽  
Cardiovascular Care ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, acupuncture, homeopathy, ayurveda, unani, traditional Chinese medicine, prayer, yoga and meditation are the common examples. CAM therapies often represent an enormous area of unregulated and widely practised therapeutics with an inadequate scientific literature. However, there is emerging evidence that some of the CAM therapies are effective in certain clinical conditions. Presently, throughout the world, there is rampant growth of CAM industries, and increasing number of reputed pharmaceutical companies are producing herbals and dietary supplements. Herbal products used for cardiovascular purposes include garlic, hawthorn, ginkgo, horse chestnut and arjun. These substances are often popularly believed to be ‘natural’, hence safe. But adverse reactions including deaths have been reported with some of the CAM products. There is also growing concern for significant drug interaction among commonly used herbals, dietary supplements and cardiovascular drugs. At present, CAM therapies may best be regarded as an adjunct to standard medical care. More scientific research and strict regulation by standard national and international authorities are needed to ensure their efficacy and safety in cardiovascular care. Key words: Complementary and alternative medicine, Herbals, Cardiovascular care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8211 Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 84-96

scholarly journals Herbal Medicines—Are They Effective and Safe during Pregnancy?

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 171
Author(s):  
Beata Sarecka-Hujar ◽  
Beata Szulc-Musioł
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Echinacea Purpurea ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Morning Sickness ◽  
Active Substances ◽  
In Pregnancy

Since the teratogenicity of Thalidomide has been proven, herbal products are more commonly used in pregnancy to not only relieve morning sickness but also to fight infections. These products are frequently considered as natural and therefore harmless. However, herbs contain a number of active substances that, when used during pregnancy, can affect the development of the fetus. Often, pregnant women do not consult the usage of herbal medicines with a physician. The access to these products is easy and treatment of certain ailments with the use of herbs is common in many countries. The aim of the present literature review was to discuss available data regarding the efficacy and safety of cranberry, chamomile, Echinacea purpurea, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, and peppermint, which are used to counteract the most common ailments during pregnancy, i.e., infections and pregnancy-related ailments (e.g., nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache). Analysis of available data showed that ginger is one of the most extensively analyzed herbal remedies. The dose of ginger below 1000 mg per day may help to relief hypereremesis gravidarum, and such an amount of ginger did not increase frequency of adverse effects for either woman or developing fetus. Data regarding other herbs are most often heterogeneous and give conflicting results with no clear conclusions. However, all herbal products should be used with a special caution in pregnancy. Further high-quality human studies should be determined to confirm the safe doses of herbal products which could be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Anaphylactic Reaction to a Dietary Supplement Containing Willow Bark

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 832-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph I Boullata ◽  
Patrick J McDonnell ◽  
Cynthia D Oliva
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Anaphylactic Reaction ◽  
Medication History ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Willow Bark

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of anaphylaxis resulting from the use of a willow bark–containing dietary supplement in a patient with a history of an aspirin allergy. CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old white woman presented to the emergency department of a community teaching hospital with anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine, diphenhydramine, methylprednisolone, and volume resuscitation to which she responded favorably. Medication history revealed that she had ingested 2 capsules of Stacker 2 (NVE Pharmaceuticals, Newton, NJ), a dietary supplement promoted for weight loss, prior to experiencing her initial symptoms. Among other active ingredients, this product contains willow bark. Of significance is that this patient also reported a history of allergy to acetylsalicylic acid. No other causes for anaphylaxis were identified. She continued to receive routine supportive care and the remaining hospital course was uncomplicated. DISCUSSION: Dietary supplements, including herbal products, are used by many individuals who consider them to be inherently safe despite limited regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration. While there may be value to specific botanical ingredients, a potential for adverse effects also exists. The popular product consumed by our patient is used for weight loss and contains willow bark, a source of salicylates. Based on the Naranjo probability scale, it is probable that this case of anaphylaxis was due to this dietary supplement. CONCLUSIONS: The use of any willow bark–containing dietary supplement may present a risk of anaphylactic reaction to patients with a history of allergy to salicylates. Clinicians need to recognize the potential for adverse effects from dietary supplements.

Survey of Preoperative Patients' Use of Herbal Products and Other Selected Dietary Supplements

2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1301-1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tricia A. Meyer ◽  
Clinton E. Baisden ◽  
Charles R. Roberson ◽  
David F. Gloyna ◽  
Mohammad H. Rajab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Saw Palmetto ◽  
Anesthetic Drugs ◽  
Assessment Unit ◽  
Orthopedic Patients

Purpose This study was designed to determine the prevalence of herbal and selected dietary product use among preoperative patients. Methods A questionnaire listing 26 herbal/dietary supplements was given to 979 preoperative patients in the anesthesia assessment unit. Subjects were asked to indicate the amounts and durations of products taken. Demographic data and proposed surgical procedures were noted. Results One hundred and seventy surgical patients (17.4%) reported taking herbal or dietary supplements. Neurosurgical, gynecological, and orthopedic surgical patients reported the highest incidences of use at 21%, 21%, and 20%, respectively. Of patients taking these agents, 34.7% took only one product, 23.5% took two products, 11.2% took three products, and 10.6% took four or more products. The most commonly used herbals, in descending order of frequency, were ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, St. John's wort, and echinacea. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and chromium were the surveyed dietary supplements most widely used. More than 40 herbs were taken occasionally. The median age of users and nonusers was 62 years. Orthopedic patients took glucosamine and chondroitin most commonly, ophthalmic patients took ginkgo most commonly, and urology patients took saw palmetto most commonly. Conclusion The adverse effects of herbals and dietary products during surgical procedures and the interactions between these products and anesthetic drugs warrant further research. The use of herbal or dietary supplements may indicate alteration of patients' perioperative regimens.

scholarly journals An unusual immune thrombocytopenia case associated with dietary supplements containing 3G (Green tea, Ginseng and Guarana)

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Zahid Kocak ◽  
Gulali Aktas ◽  
Satilmis Bilgin ◽  
Tuba T. Duman ◽  
Ozge Kurtkulagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Herbal Remedy ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Herbal Supplement ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Methyl Prednisolone

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is caused by autoantibodies to platelet antigens. Ginseng, a herbal remedy, inhibits platelet aggregation as well as green tea and guarana. We present a case of secondary ITP due to food supplement that contains ginseng, guarana and green tea, which is not previously reported in medical literature. A 39-year-old man was admitted to our clinic because of 2 days history of oral mucosal hemorrhage and recently developed skin lesions on extensor surfaces of bilateral upper extremity and both ankles. Platelet count was 5,470/mm3. He was diagnosed with secondary ITP, possibly due to herbal supplement contained green tea, ginseng and guarana, which patient was received for 4-5 days about 1 month ago. He responded well to the treatment with methyl prednisolone. Since herbal medicines and dietary supplements have many toxic effects it should be kept in mind that secondary ITP may develop during supplementation with these herbal products.

The potential role of tea in periodontal therapy: An updated review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Forouzanfar ◽  
Hamideh Sadat Mohammadipour ◽  
Fatemeh Forouzanfar
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
World Population ◽  
Tea Leaves ◽  
The World ◽  
Green Tea Leaves

: Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent and can affect high percentage of the world population. Oxidative stress and inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Nowadays, more attention has been focused on the herbal remedies in the field of drug discovery. Green tea is an important source of polyphenol antioxidants, it has long been used as a beverage worldwide. The most interesting polyphenol components of green tea leaves that are related with health benefits are the catechins. Taken together this review suggested that green tea with its wide spectrum of activities could be a healthy alternative for controlling the damaging reactions seen in periodontal diseases.

Herbal Products for Common Auto-Inflammatory Disorders - Novel Approaches

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanoo Suroowan ◽  
Fawzi Mahomoodally
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Inflammatory Disorders ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Synthetic Agents ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Novel Approaches

Background: Common auto-inflammatory disorders (CAIDs) constitute a wide array of ailments ranging from acute allergies to chronic conditions. Globally, CAIDs remain one of the leading causes of disability and morbidity. Despite playing a leading therapeutic role, the vast profusion of anti-inflammatory synthetic agents have not been able to fully resolve a panoply of CAIDs. Additionally, contemporary synthetic therapy approaches remain bounded by a wide array of limitations essentially being adverse effects and unaffordable costs. In this advent, the use of herbal products provides an interesting avenue to explore in view of developing such treatment regimens. Objective: This review article endeavors to highlight potential herbal products and isolated phytochemicals which can be of benefit in the prophylaxis, management, and treatment alongside avoiding the relapse of CAIDs. Conclusion: This review article has highlighted that herbals, herbal products, and isolated metabolites hold a huge potential in the prophylaxis, management, and treatment of CAIDs. Herbals can act on various targets involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders. In addition, novel approaches for the management of CAIDs are numerous. Indeed, nanoparticles loaded with phytochemicals have been developed to specifically target the colon for IBD treatment. In silico approaches using herbals also offer unlimited avenues to decipher new pharmacophores. Investigating the potential of polyherbal formulations is another unique approach which can be investigated. Given the inefficacy of conventional medicines, the concomitant use of conventional and herbal medicines can also be explored.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among Students Attending King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110208
Author(s):  
Abdulraof Alqrache ◽  
Mostafa Mostafa ◽  
Omar Ghabrah ◽  
Ziyad Ghabrah ◽  
Nezar Kamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
King Abdulaziz University ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Selection Of

Oral dietary supplements (DSs) include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy drinks, and herbal products. The use of DSs is increasing and their manufacturers promote their benefits. Studies have validated some of these benefits, but have also indicated that some DSs can have adverse effects, especially if used without the appropriate supervision. Little information on DS use among Saudis is available. This study assessed the use of dietary supplements among male and female university students with the goal of educating the community about DSs and the dangers associated with their misuse. Online and paper validated questionnaires were administered to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students between September 2019 and January 2020. The responses were collected and analyzed statistically. Of the 954 KAU students who completed the survey, one-third used DSs (42.9% women vs 25.7% men). Of these, 51.7% believed that DSs are essential for health, 41.7% classified them as both food and drugs, 67.2% were aware that DSs could not replace a healthy diet, and 25.8% were aware of their potentially harmful effects. Multivitamins and minerals were the most used DSs. DS awareness among KAU students is limited. Additional health education is necessary to assist students in their selection of the most suitable DSs.

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