Herbal & Natural Medicine News
January 2012
Eclectic Institute Recall of Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) and Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus). 12/22/2011. Eclectic Institute is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its freeze-dried capsules containing Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) capsules because of potential Salmonella contamination. The affected lots of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) products were sold from September 14, 2011 to December 14, 2011. The affected lots of Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) products were sold from July 14, 2011 to December 14, 2011. Consumers in possession of any of these voluntarily recalled products are urged to return the product to Eclectic Institute's headquarters in Sandy, Oregon, for a full refund. Source: FDA
HCG Diet Products Are Illegal. 12/06/2011. The FDA is advising consumers to steer clear of "homeopathic" human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) weight-loss products, which are sold in the form of oral drops, pellets and sprays and can be found online and in some retail stores. FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued seven letters to companies warning them that they are selling illegal homeopathic HCG weight-loss drugs that have not been approved by FDA, and that make unsupported claims. Source: FDA
October 2011
Twenty Tainted Weight-Loss Products. 10/18/2011. The FDA issued public notifications that 20 tainted weight-loss drugs marketed as dietary supplements and herbal teas contained undeclared sibutramine and two of these also contained undeclared phenolphthalein. Both of these ingredients are known to be unsafe and are not approved for marketing in the United States. The list of drugs can be found the following website. Source: AHPA
Increased Prostate Cancer Risk Associated with Vitamin E Use. A NIH-funded study found that men who took 400 international units (I.U.) of vitamin E daily had 17% more prostate cancers compared to men who took a placebo. This difference was statistically significant and therefore is not likely due to chance. More details are available in the published article concerning this study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Source: NIH
September
2011
Saw Palmetto
Ineffective for Urinary Symptoms. 9/27/2011. In a double-blind randomized
placebo-controlled clinical trial of saw palmetto in 369 men with prostate
enlargement or benign hyperplasia, saw palmetto did not reduce urinary any
better than a placebo. This trial, which
tested daily doses of up to 960 milligrams, followed up an earlier trial, which found the same results at
daily doses of 320 milligrams. Source: NIH
July
2011
Finemost Corporation DBA Qualiherb Recall. 7/28/2011. Qualiherb
is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of certain lots of Shi Shen Tang,
Shen Mi Tang, and Xu Ming Tang, as FDA lab analysis found
them to contain ephedrine alkaloids, pose a
risk of serious adverse events including heart attack, stroke, and death. The
affected lots include the following: Shi Shen Tang lot CP10217, Ding Chuan Tang
lot 2008-12, Shen Mi Tang CP11022, Xu Ming Tang lot P122101. Source: FDA
Sibutramine
Found in Weight Loss Products. 7/08/2011. The FDA warns
against the use of the weight loss products "Slim Forte Slimming
Capsules," "Slim Forte Double Power Slimming Capsules," "Slim Forte Slimming Coffee," and "Botanical Slimming
Soft Gel," as lab analysis found them to contain sibutramine, which substantially
increases the blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients and may present a
significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease,
congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. These products may also interact in life threatening
ways with other medications a consumer may be taking. Source: FDA, FDA
June
2011
Nature Relief Instant Wart and Mole Remover Recall. 6/27/2011. Nature Relief Instant Wart and Mole Remover as the active ingredient, calcium oxide, can cause severe burns of the skin. It is recommended that consumers immediately discontinue use and discard the product and contents inside a plastic bag for safe disposal. Source: FDA
Folate Levels in Supplements Safe for Regular Use. 6/08/2011. The National institute of Health has
determined that folate levels intended for pregnant women to lower the risk of
infant neural tube defects, such as those in fortified grain products and folic
acid supplements, are in fact safe for other people. Due to the results of past
studies, there was a concern at the possible association between folate levels
and blood abnormalities; however, recent research shows that other underlying
medical problems of the elderly population that previously studied resulted in
the noted association. Source: NIH
May
2011
FDA Warns Against ViaXtreme. 5/29/2011. The FDA warns
against the use of ViaXtreme, a dietarty supplement to enhance male sexual performance, as
lab analysis found it to contain Sulfoaidenafil, an analogue of sildenafil,
which may interact with nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure,
and which was not listed in the product label that falsely states that it contains "all-natural ingredients" and
has "no side-effects." Source: FDA
Pentrexyl Forte
Natural Recall. 5/23/2011. The dietary supplement Pentrexyl Forte Natural is being recalled due to its misleading
packaging as an antibiotic. This product does
not contain antibiotics and its use could delay treatment of serious illnesses. Source: FDA
Legislation to
Legalize Cultivation and Processing of Industrial Hemp. 5/21/2011. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, introduced
legislation that would legalize cultivation and processing of industrial hemp
by removing industrial hemp from the Controlled Substances Act's definition of
marijuana. Source: AHPA
FDA Warns
Against Antimicrobial Dietary Supplements. 5/13/2011. The
FDA is warning consumers not to use dietary supplements marketed as
antimicrobial drugs, as they are not FDA tested or approved and may or may not
contain antimicrobials causing their use to delay treatment of serious
illnesses. Source: FDA
Counterfeit
ExtenZe Dietary Supplements. 5/13/2011. The FDA warns
consumers about a counterfeit product represented as "ExtenZE", a dietarty
supplement to enhance male sexual performance, as lab analysis found it to
contain tadalafil, or a combination of tadalafil and sildenafil, which may interact with nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in
blood pressure, and which is not listed in the product label. The counterfeit product label has the lot numbers 1110075 and F050899. Source: FDA
FDA Warns Against Slim Xtreme Herbal Slimming Capsule. Update: All lots of this product have been recalled. 5/11/2011. The FDA warns
against the use of Slim Xtreme Herbal Slimming Capsule, marketed for weight loss, as lab analysis found it to contain sibutramine, a controlled substance that was withdrawn from the U.S. market
in October 2010, which is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse
rate, presenting a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary
artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke. This product
may also interact in life threatening ways with other medications. Source: FDA
Multi-Mex
Recalls Dietary Supplements Falsely Representing Antibiotics. 5/09/2011. Multi-Mex Distributor,
Inc., Tucker, GA is recalling its dietary supplements that may be labeled as
antibiotic drugs and are distributed in product packaging that mimics
antibiotics readily available in Mexico.
For the complete list of recalled products
and their UPC numbers see: FDA
April
2011
FDA Warns
Against Counterfeit STD Products. 4/30/2011. The
FDA is cautioning consumers not to use OTC products, often marketed as dietary
supplements, to treat STDs, as they are not effective treatments. Medavir, Herpaflor, and Viruxo are some main brands of such
products and are being warned by the FDA to discontinue sales to avoid legal action. Source: FDA
Regenerect
Recall. 4/28/2011. Ethos Environmental, Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall of Regenerect, a dietary supplement to
enhance male sexual performance, as FDA lab analysis found
it to contain Sulfoaidenafil, an analogue of sildenafil, which may interact
with nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The affected lots
include the following:
100521 - blue capsule
sold individually in foil packets, expires 05/2012
112850 - clear capsule sold
individually in foil packets, expires 11/2013
Source: FDA
Best Enhancer
Recall. 4/05/2011. The FDA warns against the use of Best Enhancer, a dietarty
supplement to enhance male sexual performance, as lab analysis found it to
contain Sulfoaidenafil, an analogue of sildenafil, which may interact with
nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and which was not listed
in the product label. Source: FDA
Whey Protein
Products Recall. 3/30/2011. Three companies, Vitalabs Inc., Universal Nutrition,
and Nutrition Express, have issued class I recalls of their whey protein
products due to a potential salmonella contamination. The recalls were issued
in conjunction with a voluntary recall issued by the whey protein supplier. Source: AHPA
March 2011
Soladek Found
to Have Dangerous Levels of Vitamins A and D. 3/28/2011. The FDA is warning against the use of Soladek, a vitamin-solution product marketed by Indo Pharma,
S.A., of the Dominican Republic, because the product may contain dangerously
high levels of vitamins A and D. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include
weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in mental
status, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, kidney damage,
and coma. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include anemia, anorexia, alopecia,
joint pain, bone weakness, bulging eyes, liver abnormalities, and birth
defects. Source: FDA
U-Prosta Recall. 3/22/20111. The USA Far Ocean Group Inc. has issued a
voluntary recall of their product "U-Prosta
Natural support for prostate health,"
because FDA lab analysis found the product to contain undeclared terazosin
making it an unapproved drug. Source: FDA
Import Alert
for Products from Japan. The FDA has announced that it is automatically flagging
all shipments of FDA-regulated products imported from Japan, has issued an
import alert of milk products and fresh produce, and provides information on
its methodology used in radionuclide analysis. Source: FDA
FDA Warns
Against Use of Black Ant. 3/16/2011. The FDA warns
against the use of "Black Ant," marketed as a natural dietarty supplement to
enhance male sexual performance, as it contains high levels of sildenafil,
which may interact with nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Source: FDA
Kava Restrictions May Be Unfounded. 3/08/2011. According to the AHPA and Rolf Teschke, MD, the international trade and use restrictions on kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster) products may be unfounded. They assert that the cases of liver toxicity related to kava products, which prompted the ban, were "most probably a consequence of poor-quality raw kava material employed in the manufacture of a few kava extracts." Source: AHPA
February 2011
January 2011
Fruta Plant Recall. 1/03/2011. FDA lab analysis revealed the presence of sibutramine in Fruta Planta, a dietary supplement for weight loss. Sibutramine was withdraen from the market in October 2010 because it is known to substantially increase blood pressure, posing a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke, and may interact in life threatening ways with other medications. The FDA recommends that consumers stop using this product immediately. Source:FDA
RockHard Weekend and Pandora Recalls. 12/23/2011. Recalls have been issued for the drugs RockHard Weekend and Pandora, as testing revealed certain lots to contain an analogue of sildenafil, which may interact with nitrates and other prescription drugs to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and was not included in the label for these products. The affected lots include: RockHard Weekend Lot numbers 100159 and 100260 sold as blister packets, 3ct and 8ct bottles; Pandora Lot number 100378 sold as blister packets. Source:FDA
December 2010
FDA Warns Against Man Up Now Capsules. 12/15/2010. The FDA warns against the use of Man Up Now, a dietarty supplement to enhance male sexual performance, as it contains sulfoaildenafil which may interact with nitrates and other prescription drugs to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Source:FDA
November 2010
FDA Warns Against Vigor-25 Use. 11/19/2010. The FDA warns against the use of Vigor-25, a dietarty supplement to enhance male sexual performance, as it contains sildenafil which may interact with nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Source:FDA
Reanalysis of Valerian Products. 11/10/2010. The American Herbal Products Association questions the procedures used by ConsumerLab to analyze the quality of valerian products and reanalyzed many valerian products, showing that most of the products do in fact meet standards established by the European Pharmacopoeia and the FDA. Source:AHPA
New NIST Dietary Supplement Reference Materials. 11/09/2010. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed new reference materials for measuring the amounts of organic acids in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries, which include cranberries, blueberries and bilberries. The new approach to measuring the organic acid ratios is specific to each berry and will be accurate enough to meet the needs and requirements of the FDA.Source: NIST
FDA Warns Against the Use of Duro Extend Capsules for Men. 11/05/2010. The FDA warns against the use of Duro Extend Capsules, a dietarty supplement to enhance male sexual performance, as it contains Sulfoaidenafil, an analogue of sildenafil, which may interact with nitrates to cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Source: FDA
October 2010.
Turmeric Extract Benefits Osteoarthritis Patients. 9/15/2010. Findings from a recent clinical trial support the use of an extract of turmeric, a traditional pain remedy, to improve treatment of osteoarthritis. After 90 days, patients receiving the special turmeric formulation called Meriva along with standard treatment, experienced a 58 percent decrease in their overall pain, stiffness and physical functionality as compared to those receiving standard treatment alone. Also, those using Meriva were able to reduce their reliance on standard painkillers by 63%. No serious adverse side-effects were observed. Source: ABC
Liver Damage Associated with Kava. 9/10/2010. Kava (Piper methysticum), an herbal supplement used to treat insomnia and short-term reduction of stress and anxiety, has been linked to at least 25 cases of liver toxicity, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Liver damage associated with kava seems to be rare, but the FDA believes consumers should be informed of this potential risk. Source: NCCAM
Clomed Recall. 9/14/2010. KiloSports Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of 60 Count bottles of Clomed because it may contain an Aromatase Inhibitor, which is associated with decreased rate of bone maturation and growth, decreased sperm production, infertility, aggressive behavior, adrenal insufficiency, kidney failure, and liver dysfunction. All lot numbers are being affected by this recall. Source: FDA
September 2010
Pine Bark Extract Not Beneficial in Pmproving Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.9/27/2010. A recent clinical trial investigated the effects of a water-based extract of pine bark, a dietary supplement source of antioxidant oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, on cardiovascular disease risks. The particular pine bark extract was found to be safe, but was not associated with any improvement in cardiovascular disease risk factors. Source:AMA
August 2010
Prolatis' Recall. 8/13/2010. Upon lab analysis of Prolatis' the FDA found undeclared Sulfoaildenafil, a drug approved for Erectile Dysfunction treatment. Due to this presence, Prolatis' is an unapproved drug, which may interact with nitrates in prescription drugs causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. A recall has been issued for any of this product manufactured before August 9, 2010. Source: FDA
AHPA Qualifies Consumer Reports' "Dirty Dozen" List. 8/06/2010. AHPA's Dr. Dentali, Ph. D. clarifies some facts and figures about several of the herbs included in Consumer Reports' most current "Dirty Dozen" list, which is intended to inform consumers of the dangers of certain ingredients found in dietary supplements. Dr. Dentali claims that the report "strays into sensationalism" and addresses AHPA's stance on several of the supplements, their ingredients, and their legality, including aconite, coltsfoot, comfrey, Sida cordifolia or "country mallow." Source: AHPA
Reveixxx Extra Strength Recall. 8/06/2010. Upon lab analysis of Revivexxx Extra Strength, a dietary supplement sexual enhancer for men, the FDA found undeclared tadalafil, a drug approved for Erectile Dysfunction treatment. Due to this presence, Revivexxx Extra Strength is an unapproved drug, which may interact with nitrates in prescription drugs causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. EZVille, Ltd. has issued a voluntary recall of all lots of this product with expiration dates prior to and including August 2013. Source: FDA
Solo Slim Recall. 8/06/2010. Upon lab analysis of Solo Slim, the FDA found undeclared Didesmethyl Sibutramine, a drug approved for use as an appetite suppressant. The FDA has not approved Solo Slim and warns that Sibutramine is known to cause dangerous increases in blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients. EZVille, Ltd. has issued a voluntary recall of all lots of this product, including Solo Slim Extra Strength products, with expiration dates prior to and including August 2013. Anyone in possession of these products should cease use and/or distribution immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Source: FDA
Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) Produces Bleach When Used As Directed. 7/30/2010. The FDA warns not to consume Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), a supplement sold primarily online, claiming to treat a variety of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, H1N1 flu virus, common colds, acne, and cancer. When mixed, as directed, with an acid such as citrus juice, the 28% sodium chlorite solution produces a potent bleach in doses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration. Source: FDA
Undeclared Sulfoaildenafil Found in ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II. 7/30/2010. Upon lab analysis of dietary supplements ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II, the FDA found undeclared sulfoaildenafil, similar to sildenafil, a drug approved for Erectile Dysfunction treatment. Due to this presence, ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II are unapproved drugs, which may interact with nitrates in prescription drugs causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The company press release contains specific recall information. Source: FDA
JULY 2010
Potentially Harmful Ingredients Found in Que She Weight Loss Capsules. 7/20/2010. FDA analysis of Que She, marketed as an herbal weight loss supplement, found several active ingredients not listed on the product label, including propranolol, sibutramine, and ephedrine, which pose risks to patients with cardiovascular conditions, and fenfluramine which was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1997 as it was found to cause heart valve damage. The active ingredients may also interact with other medications. People who have purchased Que She should stop taking the product immediately and contact a health care provider. Source: FDA
Vialipro Recall. 7/20/2010. Good Health, Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall of the dietary supplement Vialipro, which was found to contain Sulfoaildenafil in certain batches. Sulfoaildenafil's presence makes the drug unapproved and may react with some prescription drugs causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Consumers should discontinue use and return Vialipro to Good Health, Inc. The recalled lot numbers can be found in Good Health, Inc.'s press release. Source: FDA
Slim-30 Herb Supplement Contains Undeclared Drug. 7/19/2010. Slim-30 Herb Supplement was found to contain undeclared N-Desmethyl Sibutramine and traces of Sibutramine. The FDA has not approved this product which may cause substantial increases in blood pressure and pulse rate in certain patients and poses a risk for patients with previous cardiovascular conditions. Source: FDA
June 2010
Warning Against Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & Embrocation. 5/27/2010. The FDA declared the Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & Embrocation product, which claims to treat gas, coughs, colds, headache, colic, aches, pain, and influenza, to be unsafe due to the presence of methyl salicylate and camphor, which are toxic when ingested or applied to large areas of the body. The FDA is also testing the product for the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), an ingredient used in antifreeze, which is also poisonous when ingested. Children are especially susceptible to poisoning, which in some cases have led to death, and ca be indicated by symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, visual changes, dizziness and mental confusion. This product is not legally marketed and is sold primarily in specialty stores that serve Asian and Latino communities and on the Internet. Source: FDA
Magic Power Coffee Reacts with Nitrates. 6/21/2010. The FDA warns consumers not to use Magic Power Coffee, because the product, marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, contains hydroxythiohomosildenafil, which reacts with nitrates to cause dangerously low blood pressure. Consumers who have this product should stop use and report any related negative side effects to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Source: FDA
Vitamin D Overdose Risk in Infants. 6/15/2010. The FDA warns against overdosing infants with liquid vitamin D, as some products on the market come with droppers that allow caregivers to give infants harmful amounts inadvertently. Infants should not receive more than 400 IUs of vitamin D a day as excessive amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle and joint aches, confusion, fatigue, and kidney damage. Source: FDA
May 2010
Vita Breath Dietary Supplement Contains 10,000x the Maximum Lead Requirement. 05/03/2010. The FDA notified healthcare professionals, their patients, and consumers not to consume Vita Breath, a dietary supplement manufactured by American Herbal Lab and marketed at health fairs and on the Internet, because the product may contain hazardous levels of lead. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene analyzed a sample of Vita Breath and reported it contained 1,100 parts per million of lead. This level is more than 10,000 times higher than FDA's maximum recommended level for lead in candy. People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. The FDA is working with state officials in New York and California to further investigate Vita Breath. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. No comments were posted as of 05/12/2010 from the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). Source: FDA
April 2010
The DIAMOND Study: DHA Supplementation and Infant Visual Acuity: 04/01/2010. Main Objective: Determine the effect of 4 amounts of DHA supplementation on the visual acuity of formula-fed infants at 12 month of age. Methods: This was a Prospective, Randomized Double-masked, Multicenter trial conducted at 2 sites (Dallas and Kansas City) that involved 343 healthy, term, formula-fed infants between the ages of 1-9 days. The infants were randomly assigned to be fed 1 of the following 4 infant formulas containing equivalent nutrient amounts, except for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: control (0% DHA), 0.32% DHA, 0.64% DHA, or 0.96% DHA; DHA-supplemented formulas also provided 0.64% arachidonic acid. Results: Infants fed control formula had significantly poorer visual evoked potential visual acuity at 12 mo of age than did infants who received any of the DHA-supplemented formulas (P < 0.001). There were also no significant differences in visual evoked potential visual acuity between the 3 amounts of DHA supplementation for either site at any age tested. Source: Am J Clin Nutr
March 2010
Warning About Natural Medicines for Sexual Enhancement. 03/01/2010. The reported that it did an investigation of a number of these sexual enhancement supplements found on the internet and determined that a third of them actually contained the same or similar ingredients to the class of prescription drugs that includes Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil HCl). Taking these products while also taking nitroglycerin products can result in life-threatening decrease in blood pressure. Source: FDA
February 2010
Acute Selenium Toxicity Associated with the use of a Dietary Supplement. 02/08/2010. Methods: This was a case finding (defined as the onset of symptoms of selenium toxicity in a person within 2 weeks after ingesting a dietary supplement manufactured by "Company A," purchased after January 1, 2008) study where an initial and 90-day follow-up questionnaires were give to affected persons and evaluation of laboratory data where available. Results: The source of the outbreak was identified as a liquid dietary supplement that contained 200 times the labeled concentration of selenium. Of 201 cases identified in 10 states, 1 person was hospitalized. The authors found that that the median estimated dose of selenium consumed was 41,749 µg/d (recommended dietary allowance is 55 µg/d). In 8 of these patients, the mean initial serum selenium concentration was 751 µg/L (reference range, 125 µg/L) and the mean initial urine selenium concentration of 7 patients was 166 µg/24 h (reference range, 55 µg/24 h). Reported symptoms included: diarrhea (78%), fatigue (75%), hair loss (72%), joint pain (70%), nail discoloration or brittleness (61%), and nausea (58%). Symptoms persisting 90 days or longer included: fingernail discoloration and loss (52%), fatigue (35%), and hair loss (29%). Comment: This evaluation, along with many others in the past, reflects the need for a concern about the use of "natural" supplements by our patients. Given the cost of healthcare, this is especially relevant since the medical work up to rule problems with similar symptoms is likely to be costly. Source: Arch Intern Med
Herbal Products and Potential Interactions in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases. 02/04/2010. Physicians from the Mayo Clinic published a nice review in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlighting the common herbal products that could adversely impact patients with cardiovascular diseases. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) responded to the article by highlighting their stand that consumers should tell their doctors what herbs they are taking and that doctors become sufficiently informed to provide useful advice to their patients. Source: JACC AHPA
December 2009
Nzu or Salted Nzu (Calabash clay, Calabar stone, Mabele, Argile and La Craie) - Traditional Remedy for Morning Sickness. 12/31/2009: The Texas Department of Health and the FDA released a warining to healthcare professionals and consumers that this natural remedy sold in African specialty store may contain high levels of lead and aresenic. Lead can increase the risk for effects on the brain and nervous system, especially in a developing child. Arsenic is carcinogenic of which long-term exposure has been associated with cancers of the bladder, lung and skin. It is recommended that all use of this product be avoided and for patients to contact their physician. Sources: Texas Department of Health FDA
Ginko biloba Does Not Slow Cognitive Decline in Older Patients. 12/29/2009: The Ginko Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study, which was funded by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the NIH, was a randomized, multicentered, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 3,069 adults aged 72-96 with a mean follow-up of 6.1 years comparing patients who took ginko 120 mg or placebo twice daily. Compared to placebo, ginko did not lessen cognitive decline in general, or on memory attention, visual-spatial construction, language, or executive functions. This data is consistent with previous data. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) offered additional comment regarding the potential limitations to the study. Comment: The was an indpendently funded, very well-designed study of the highest standards in clinical research which also had a good sample size and appropriate patient-oriented endpoints that are of clinical relevance. Until other information would suggest otherwise, the benefits of ginko in this population is doubtful and should clearly be weighed against potential side effects. Sources: NCCAM AHPA
Warnings To Herbal Manufacturers Making Claims About Swine Flu Remedy, Cure. 12/09/2009: According to the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the trade associations of the dietary supplement industry reaffirmed its support for rsponsible sale and use of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements. Comment: This notification comes after a wave of warning letters from the FDA and FTC went out to numerous herbal manufacturers for inappropriate marketing of their products for the prevention and/or cure of H1N1 flu. Source: AHPA
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