[MOL] Tea Time served with herbs ! Infor.

["Lillian Jennings" <Firefly@islc.net>]

November 16, 1998



NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -- More than a third of Americans now use herbal
remedies, though they and their doctors, "often lack accurate information"
about the safety and effectiveness of these remedies, according to an
article in the November/December issue of the Archives of Family Medicine. 

Among other things, consumers need to know that the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) do not regulate herbs, according to Dr. MaryAnn O'Hara
of the University of Washington Health Sciences Center in Seattle, and
colleagues. 

"Unlike the FDA-approved over-the-counter and prescription medications,
medicinal herbs are not required to demonstrate either safety or efficacy
prior to marketing, nor are they regulated for quality," O'Hara and
colleagues note. But herbs do contain active chemicals, "some of which are
toxic," they write. 

Given the widespread use of medicinal herbs, physicians need to familiarize
themselves with botanical remedies so they can advise patients who want to
use them, the researchers suggest. 

"Burgeoning interest in medicinal herbs has increased scientific scrutiny
of their therapeutic potential and safety, thereby providing physicians
with data to help patients make wise decisions about their use," the
authors note. 

Reviewing the scientific data, O'Hara and colleagues report the following
about these 12 commonly used herbs: 

-- Chamomile -- Findings from studies with animals suggest that this
daisy-like flower has sedating, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing
properties. Considered safe by the FDA, it is "an acceptable home remedy
for soothing mild skin irritation, intestinal cramps, or agitated nerves,"
O'Hara and co-authors write. 

-- Echinacea -- Enjoying renewed popularity in the US, it is usually sold
alone or combined with other herbs as an immune system booster. "Available
evidence on echinacea's therapeutic potential is incomplete, but does
suggest a possible supportive role in treating infections and wounds," the
authors write. 

-- Feverfew -- Some preparations of this daisy-like plant can prevent
migraines, but the herb can cause unpleasant side effects, including
ulcers, and gastrointestinal tract irritation. "Long-term safety data are
lacking," O'Hara and colleagues note. 

-- Garlic -- Findings suggest that garlic has antiseptic properties. Animal
and population studies suggest it may have anticancer effects as well.
Garlic is popularly touted as a cholesterol-lowering herb, although only
some research supports these claims. Even so "it is reasonable for patients
to choose to take garlic given that it is safe and generally inexpensive,"
the authors write. 

-- Ginger -- Findings from a number of studies suggest ginger can help
alleviate nausea, O'Hara and colleagues report. The herb is also
inexpensive and safe. 

-- Gingko -- Numerous European studies suggest the extract can alleviate
symptoms of poor blood flow to the brain. In a year-long study, a
standardized extract of ginkgo called EGb761 "was found to stabilize and in
some cases improve cognition and social functioning in patients with mild
to moderate dementia" due to Alzheimer's or stroke, the authors write. 

-- Ginseng -- Some, but not all, research findings suggest ginseng may
increase endurance. "We do not recommend ginseng use for pregnant or
lactating women or for children until safety and efficacy are proven,"
O'Hara and colleagues write. Since ginseng can be stimulating, people with
heart disease and those using other stimulants should probably avoid it,
too, they advise. 

-- Goldenseal -- One of the active constituents of goldenseal, berberine,
can help treat diarrhea. But because the plant may have toxic effects,
people should not use it, O'Hara and colleagues advise. 

-- Milk Thistle -- This purple-flowered plant is used to treat liver
disorders. But scientific evidence supporting this use is limited. 

-- St. John's Wort -- A 1996 review of 23 carefully controlled clinical
trials concluded that St. John's Wort can safely and effectively treat mild
to moderate depression. "St. John's Wort is generally well tolerated, but
can cause photosensitivity," O'Hara and colleagues write. The drug should
not be used during pregnancy, or with other psychoactive drugs. 

-- Saw Palmetto -- Clinical studies suggest saw palmetto extract can
relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or age-related swelling
of the prostate gland. The herb may cause mild headaches and
gastrointestinal tract upset, the authors write. 

-- Valerian -- "German health officials have approved valerian for use as a
mild sedative and sleep aid, based on several European clinical trials that
demonstrate these effects," O'Hara and colleagues report. The herb does not
appear to cause serious side effects or to cause addiction. Since some of
the constituents may cause mutations, however, pregnant women should not
use it, according to the report. Nor should those taking other sedatives,
or those who need to be alert, for example, because they are driving. 



SOURCE: Archives of Family Medicine 1998;7:523-536. 

Copyright © 1998 Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior
written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or
delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.






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