Tl.
Ii.
TOXIC HERBAL PRODUCTS
Introduction
Herbal Medicines and Their Toxic Effects
A. Herbs that contain carcinogens
B. Herbs that can cause CNS toxicities
C. Herbs that can cause cardiac toxicities and respiratory depression
D. Herbs that can cause tissue organ damage
E. Herbs and related products that cause other toxic effects
Mechanisms of Toxicity
A. Pennyroyal
B. GermanderTOXIC HERBAL PRODUCTS.
Sid Nelson, Med Chem 525
December 2009
L Introduction
n. Herbal Medicines and Their Toxic Effects
A. Herbs that contain carcinogens
B. Herbs that can cause CNS toxicities
C. Herbs that can cause cardiac toxicities and respiratory depression
D. Herbs that can cause tissue organ damage
E, Herbs and related products that cause other toxic effects
III. Mechanisms of Toxicity
A. Pennyroyal
B. Germander
References:
1, B. Bertram, ef al, “Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Constituents of Medicinal Herbs Used in Europe or in
the USA” Pharmazie $6:99-120 (2001).
2, _ B, Emst, “The Risk-Benefit Profile of Commonly Used Herbal Therapies: Ginkgo, St. John’s Wort,
Ginseg, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava” Ann Intern Med 136:42-53 (2002).
3. P.A.G.M, De Smet, “Health Risks of Herbal Medicines: An Update” Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 76:1-17
(2004),
4, A. Sparreboom, et al., “Herbal Remedies in the United States: Potential Adverse Interactions with
Anticancer Agents” J. Clin. Oncol. 22:2489-2503 (2004),
5. PD. Coexeter, et al.,“Herb-Drug Interactions: An Evidance Based Approach” Current Medicinal
Chemistry 11:1513-1525 (2004).
6. F.Stickel, et al,,“Herbal Toxicity” J. Hepatol. 43:901-910 (2005).
7. “Herbal Supplements ~ Drug Interactions: Scientific and Regulatory Perspectives” Series: Drugs and
The Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 162, (F. Lam et al., eds.) Informa Healtheare, New York (2006).
8. Symposium on Toxicity & Drug Interactions of Herbs & Dietary Supplements Clinical Toxicology
442603 ff (2006)
9. S, Shalansky, et al., “Risk of Warfarin-Related Bleeding Events and Supratherapeutic International
Normalized Ratios Associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Longitudinal
Analysis” Pharmacotherapy 27:1237-1247 (2007).
10. S. Chitturi and G.C. Farrell, “Hepatotoxic Slimming Aids and Other Herbal Hepatotoxins” J.
Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 23:366-373 (2008).
11, DM. Cato et al, “Use of Prescription and Over-the-counter Medications and Dietary Supplements
Among Older Adults in the United States” J. Amer. Med. Assoc. 300:2867-2878 (2008),
12, G, Mazzanti ef al, “Hepatotoxicity from Green Tea: A Review of the Literature and Two Unpublished
Cases” Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol, 65:331-341 (2009),I. Introduction
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Safety Rating Scale
Class 1 -
Class 2. -
2a:
2b:
2c:
24:
Class 3 -
Class 4 -
Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately
Herbs for which the following use restrictions apply, unless otherwise directed by an
expert qualified in their use:
For external use only.
Not to be used during pregnancy.
Not to be used while nursing,
Other specific use restrictions as noted.
Herbs for which significant data exist to recommend the following labeling:
"To be used only under the supervision of an expert qualified in the appropriate use
of this substance." Labeling must include proper use information: dosage,
contraindications, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions, and any other
relevant information related to the safe use of the substance.
Herbs for which insufficient data are available to classify.
Historically Toxic Herbs:
Hemlock (Conium maculatum) ~
Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea) -
Belladona (Atropa belladona) -
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) - -
Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) -
Castor beans (Ricinus communis) -Il. Toxic Herbal Medicines
A. Herbs that contain carcinogens
1. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) -
2. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) -
3. Borage (Borago officinalis) -
4. Life root (Senecio aureus) -
5. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) -
6. Calamus (Acorus calamus) ~
7. Chinese herbs containing aristolochic acid, e.g., GuanMuTong (Aristolochia fangchi,
Aristolochia manshuriensis)Herbs that can cause CNS toxic effects
1, Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) -
2. Yohimbine (Corynanthe yohimbe) -
3. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphorur) -
Herbs that cause cardiotoxicity and respiratory depression
1. Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) -
2. Pokeroot (Phytolacca americana) -
3. Senna (Cassia acutifolia) -
4, Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) -
5. Oleander (Nerium oleander) -Herbs that can cause tissue organ damage
Chaparral (Larrea indentata) -
2. Jin Bu Huan (Lycopodium servatum) -
3. Oil of Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllues) -
4. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium, Hedleoma pulegoides) -
Germander (Teucrium chaemadrys) —
6. Lichen (Usnic Acid) ~
7. Green Tea Extract (Camelia sinensis) -
8. Oil of Wormwood (Artemesia absinthe)
9. Chinese slimming herbals (Stephania tetrandra; Magnolia officinalis) and Chinese
herbals containing aristolochic acid (see IIA.7)E. Herbs and related products that cause other toxic effects
1. Ginkgo (Gingko biloba) -
2. Echinacea -
St. John's Wort -
4. Amygdalin -
5. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) -
6. L-Tryptophan -
DHEA -
8 GBL-
9, Pau d'Arco plus Sculleap (Tabebuia lapacho or taheebo plus
Scutellaria lateriflora) -Contraindications and Drug Interactions of Some Commonly Used
Herbal Products
Alphabetically by common name of herbal product
1. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)- AHIPA classification (2b,c) not to be used in
pregnancy or when nursing; Drug Interactions: has estrogenic effects that can lead to
hyperestrogenic effects in patients on estrogens or can counteract the effects of
antiestrogens (e.g., patients on tamoxifen for breast cancer),
2. Chamomile (tea) - AHPA classification (1) although generally is contraindicated in
pregnancy due to emmenagogue effects; no known drug interactions even though it
contains coumarins.
3. Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis)- AH'PA classification (2b) not to be used in
pregnancy; Drug Interactions: increases the hypoprothrombinemic response to warfarin.
4, Echinacea - AHPA classification (1) but is contraindicated in progressive systemic
diseases and autoimmune disorders (e.g., TB, MS, AIDS, cheumatoid arthritis, lupus) and
is not to be used with potentially hepatotoxic drugs such as anabolic steroids,
methotrexate, amiodarone, ketoconazole, and troglitazone; Drug Interactions: may
interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
5. Evening Primrose Oil (Ocenothera biennis) - AHPA classification (1) but is
contraindicated in schizophrenics and patients on phenothiazines.
6. _ Feverfew - AHPA classification (2b) not to be used in pregnancy due to emmenagogue
effect; Drug Interactions: May increase the hypoprothrombinemic effects of other
anticoagulant drugs.
7. Garlic cloves (Allium sativum) - AHPA classification (2c) contraindicated in patients on
anticoagulant or hypoglycemic therapies unless carefully monitored.
8. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - AHPA classification (1) but is contraindicated in patients
with gallstones and some say in pregnancy (maybe only at high dose); Drug Interactions:
anticoagulant and hypoglycemic effects at high doses.
9. Ginkgo (Gingko biloba) - AHPA classification (1) but is contraindicated in patients with
high blood pressure; Drug Interactions: increases the hypoprothrombinemic effects of
warfarin and one report of intracerebral hemorrhage; may diminish the effectiveness of
anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants; decreases effect of insulin.
10. Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) - AHPA. classification (2d) contraindication in patients
with high blood pressure (180/90mm Hg) patients with psychiatric disorders, and in
pregnancy; Drug Interactions: may accentuate the effects of stimulant drugs, may have
hypoglycemic effects, and may increase the hypoprothrombinemic effect of warfarin; can
lead to falsely high readings for digoxin levels in digoxin assays with no digoxin-like
effects or toxicity.1
14,
16.
Hawthorn berries (Cratageus species) - AHPA classification (1) but is contraindicated in
patients on conventional therapies for hypertension and cardiac disorders.
Kava Kava - AHPA classification (2b,c,d1) is contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing
mothers, and use no more than three months as it can lead to exfoliative dermatitis.
Licorice root (Glycerrhiza glabra) - AHPA classification (2b,d) is contraindicated in
pregnancy and in patients who have renal insufficiency or are overweight and
hypertensive or with other cardiac problems; Drug Interactions: mineralocorticoid effects
lead to potassium loss and sodium and water retention complicating therapy with thiazides
and dig meds.
‘Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) - AHPA classification (1); Drug Interactions: due to
antiandrogenic effects concomitant therapy with hormonal therapy should be avoided.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) ~ AHPA classification (24) is contraindicated in
pregnancy and nursing and patients subject to photosensitivity or undergoing UV therapy;
Drug Interactions: not to be used with prescription antidepressants; CYP3A inducer —>
inactivation of CYP3A substrate drugs such as cyclosporin and HIV protease inbibitors;
likely P-glycoprotein-inducer + digoxin concentrations.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - AHPA classification (1) though it is contraindicated in
patients on other sedative therapy or who drink alcohol, and continued use has been
associated with melancholia and hysteria,
Recommendation for counseling patients
Discourage use of herbal products with drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index (e.g.,
warfarin, digoxin, cyclosporin, theophylline).
If a patient uses herbal products with Western medicines, have them watch carefully for
evidence of altered drug effect or toxicity.
Determine if a female user is pregnant or nursing or planning on becoming pregnant and
caution accordingly.
Do not recommend a product that contains toxic ingredients.
Advise against the use of many herbal remedies at the same time.
Advise against the use of herbal products if the patient is taking several prescription or
OTC drugs already, unless you are sure of the safety of the product with all of these other
medications.
Advise against the use of large doses of any herbal product or their long-term, continued
use unless carefully monitored.ci
[TRADINDICATI!
INTERACTION
Pregnancy and/or Lactation
Gallstones
Autoimmune Disorders or use of Immunosuppressive
Drug or Potentially Hepatotoxic Drugs
Warfarin
Hypertension, CHF andior use of Digoxin, Diuretics
and other Heart Medications
Estrogenic or Androgenic Therapies or Anti-therapies
CNS Disorders or use of CNS Medications
HERBAL PRODUC
Black Cohosh
Chamomile
Dong Quai
Feverfew
Ginseng
Kava
Licorice
St. John's Wort
Ginger
Echinacea
Dong Quai
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginkgo
Ginseng
Danshen
Ginseng
Hawthorn
Licorice
Ephedrine-containing
Senna
Pokeroot
Black Cohosh
Dong Quai
Saw Palmetto
Ephedrine-containing
Evening Primrose
Ginkgo
Ginseng
Kava
St. John's Wort
Valerian
YohimbineSeattle Post-Intellingencer
Saturday
October 26, 1996
Concern over ‘herbal abortion’
Pennyroyal can be toxic if it's
used incorrectly, doctors caution
By TOM PAULSON
1 REORTER
The woman was six weeks pregnant and
dant want tobe,
gen! aban ke eed oe
surgea ‘abortion, sbe eile to éo" evel =
‘etal wing t geal bea brew crated from a
member of te mint family, pennyroyal
“Within hous, afer {fist saw ber, she was
Deeding from every oie" sald De. Sande Suan en
shstetnciangynecologt at Group Heals Eastide
Hospital “Ive never seen anything lke"
“The woman bled profs, then went ino ki
sults elesiein nor et,
ale by atc respiration Saban sid. The ye
Si worst, who adel ot Wty cae Peas
Insptized but "recovering. She may sllneed
habitation restment for poeta! newsologial damage
embed ter omeecn
"What happened to tis gil is jst unbelievable”
Sultan suid boing that she sl roped 2 Suapical
orton
Fenryropal, in lea and in concentrated ol form, ic
widely wala as an herb or dietary supplement in
health food stores and herb shops.
Doctors and herbalists alike say they are concerned
shout an increased interes in pentyroyal as “natural”
etn Sey Naor dean of te! Unies of
yr. Sidey Nal aersty of
Washingion School of Phamacy ‘and a. haticoaly
recognized expert on pentru kis, sid eases of
Cet
nnyoyalis an aromatic
‘herb in the mint fr
Its leaves are useg
‘making tea which sbeteved
to relax spasmodi pan, ease
Anxiety and relieve abdominal
Pressure
Its main use has been to
stimulate the menstrual
brocess and strengthen
Uterine contraction. Ithas
‘been use to induce abortions,
but most exerts belive fils
todo 80 umes taken in
Potentatly lethal amounts,
Peonyroyal
me we
Pit rae
Pennyroyalindued nes yay re poty document
Sorted is
“Pennyroyal poisoning continues to occur regularly,”
Nelson and his eolngues. reported a te Apel 1666
Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo (2008) Prevencion de Los Problemas Derivados Del Alcohol.1 Conferencia de Prevencion y Promocion de La Salud en La Practica Clinica en Espana