Herbal Remedies

Harmful supplements

Comfrey

Kava

Ma Huang

black cohosh

treats symptoms of menopause; may increase liver damage risk

coenzyme Q-10

potent antioxidant contributing to ATP production

coenzyme Q-10 uses

heart failure, muscle injury

Cranberry Juice

prevents UTI; effective use in young women and elderly women

cranberry juice precaution

may increase bleeding risk with warfarin

Echinacea

oral or topical ant-viral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant

Feverfew

migraine prophylaxis with mild GI side effects

Feverfew precaution

causes platelet suppression increasing risk of bleeding

flaxseed

used to treat dyslipidemia and constipation; reduces cholesterol and LDL; causes bloating and cramping

garlic

cardiovascualr effects reducing TG and LDL, increases HDL and reduces BP

Ginger root

treats vertigo and suppresses nausea/vomiting associated with motion sickness

ginko bilboa

increases pain-free waking distance in PAD

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

treat osteoarthritis of knee, hip and wrist; increasing bleeding risk and may cause heartburn

Resveratrol

antioxidant that has anti-aging effects and protection against some chronic disease

St. Johns Wort

treats depression and causes Intensification of serotonin effects

valerian

Potentiate CNS depressant effects of alcohol and other drugs

Epoetin

erythropoietic growth factor that stimulates RBC production

Epoetin adverse effects

HTN

Thrombotic Events

Filgastrin

Leukopoietic Growth Factor that increases neutrophil production

Filgastrin adverse effects

Bone pain

Oprelvekin

Thrombopoietic Growth Factor promoting platelt production

Oprelvekin Adverse effects

Fluid retention

Anemia

Cardiac dysrhythmia

Allergic reaction