List of herbs with known adverse effects
Encyclopedia
This is a partial list of herbs and herbal treatments
with known or suspected adverse effects, either alone or in interaction with other herbs or drugs
. Non-inclusion of an herb in this list does not imply that it is free of adverse effects. In general, the safety and effectiveness of alternative medicines have not been scientifically proven and remain largely unknown. Beyond adverse effects from the herb itself, "adulteration, inappropriate formulation
, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal." Most of the adverse effects stated in this list are associated with only a small percentage of cases; they should be understood as potential risks rather than as certainties.
Herbalism
Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, herblore, and phytotherapy...
with known or suspected adverse effects, either alone or in interaction with other herbs or drugs
Drug interaction
A drug interaction is a situation in which a substance affects the activity of a drug, i.e. the effects are increased or decreased, or they produce a new effect that neither produces on its own. Typically, interaction between drugs come to mind...
. Non-inclusion of an herb in this list does not imply that it is free of adverse effects. In general, the safety and effectiveness of alternative medicines have not been scientifically proven and remain largely unknown. Beyond adverse effects from the herb itself, "adulteration, inappropriate formulation
Pharmaceutical formulation
Pharmaceutical formulation, in pharmaceutics, is the process in which different chemical substances, including the active drug, are combined to produce a final medicinal product.-Stages and timeline:...
, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal." Most of the adverse effects stated in this list are associated with only a small percentage of cases; they should be understood as potential risks rather than as certainties.
Herbs, treatments, and constituents with known or suspected adverse effects
Name | Other common names | Scientific name | Adverse effects |
---|---|---|---|
Aconite Aconite Aconite may refer to:*Aconitum, a plant genus containing the monkshoods*Aconitine, "the queen of poisons", a toxin derived from some of the Aconitum genus plants*Winter aconite, a plant in the genus Eranthis... |
monkshood, wolfsbane, leopard's bane, women's bane, Devil's helmet, blue rocket, aconiti tuber, aconitum, radix aconiti | Aconitum japonicum Thnnb | Heart Heart The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions... palpitations and arrhythmias, hypotension Hypotension In physiology and medicine, hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure, especially in the arteries of the systemic circulation. It is best understood as a physiologic state, rather than a disease. It is often associated with shock, though not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is the... , nausea Nausea Nausea , is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. It often, but not always, precedes vomiting... , vomiting, abdominal pain Abdominal pain Abdominal pain can be one of the symptoms associated with transient disorders or serious disease. Making a definitive diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult, because many diseases can result in this symptom. Abdominal pain is a common problem... , respiratory system paralysis, death Death Death is the permanent termination of the biological functions that sustain a living organism. Phenomena which commonly bring about death include old age, predation, malnutrition, disease, and accidents or trauma resulting in terminal injury.... |
Aloe vera Aloe vera Aloe vera, pronounced , also known as the true aloe or medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe that is believed to have originated in the Sudan. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India, Nepal and other arid areas.The species is... juice |
medicinal aloe | Aloe vera Aloe vera Aloe vera, pronounced , also known as the true aloe or medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe that is believed to have originated in the Sudan. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India, Nepal and other arid areas.The species is... |
"abdominal pain Abdominal pain Abdominal pain can be one of the symptoms associated with transient disorders or serious disease. Making a definitive diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult, because many diseases can result in this symptom. Abdominal pain is a common problem... , diarrhea Diarrhea Diarrhea , also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and... , potentially carcinogen Carcinogen A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer. This may be due to the ability to damage the genome or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes... ic, with others can potentiate cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic agents" |
Anthroid laxative Laxative Laxatives are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and/or bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under... s |
"abdominal pain, diarrhea, potentially carcinogenic, with others can potentiate cardiac gyosides and antiarrhythmic agents" | ||
Areca nut | Betel nut | Areca catechu Areca catechu Areca catechu is the areca palm or areca nut palm, , a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. The palm is believed to have originated in either Malaysia or the Philippines... |
"deterioration of psychosis Psychosis Psychosis means abnormal condition of the mind, and is a generic psychiatric term for a mental state often described as involving a "loss of contact with reality"... in patients with preexisting psychiatric disorders"; known carcinogen contributing to cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach when chewed. |
Aristolochic acid Aristolochic acid Aristolochic acids are a family of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and nephrotoxic compounds commonly found in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants, including Aristolochia and Asarum, which are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine. Aristolochic acid I is the most abundant of the aristolochic acids... (contained in Virginian or Texas snakeroot Snakeroot Ageratina is a genus of about 250–290 perennials and rounded shrubs in the sunflower family .These plants grow mainly in the warmer regions of the Americas. Over 150 species are native to Mexico. Some flourish in the cooler areas of the eastern United States. Two Mexican species have become a pest... and in Chinese herbs such as Aristolochia fangchi and Aristolochia mandshurensis (banned in China and withdrawn from Chinese Pharmacopoea 2005; Stephania tetrandra and Magnolia officinalis do not contain aristolochic acid). |
Kidney toxicity Nephrotoxicity Nephrotoxicity is a poisonous effect of some substances, both toxic chemicals and medication, on the kidneys. There are various forms of toxicity. Nephrotoxicity should not be confused with the fact that some medications have a predominantly renal excretion and need their dose adjusted for the... associated with kidney failure; known carcinogen associated with development of cancer, particularly of the urinary tract |
||
Atractylate | Atractylis gummifera | Liver damage | |
Ayurvedic remedies | Heavy metal poisoning | ||
Bitter orange Bitter orange The name "bitter orange", also known as Seville orange, sour orange, bigarade orange, and marmalade orange, refers to a citrus tree and its fruit. Many varieties of bitter orange are used for their essential oil, which is used in perfume and as a flavoring... |
'Fainting, arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke, death' | ||
Broom Broom (shrub) Brooms are a group of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous shrubs in the subfamily Faboideae of the legume family Fabaceae, mainly in the three genera Chamaecytisus, Cytisus and Genista, but also in many other small genera . All genera in this group are from the tribe Genisteae... |
Broom Flower, Dyers Broom, Dyer's Greenwood, Dyer's Weed, Dyer's Whin, Furze, Green Broom, Greenweed, Wood Waxen | Genista tinctoria | Oxytoxic properties, nausea vomiting, and diarrhea, contraindicated for pregnancy and breast feeding |
Buckthorn Buckthorn The Buckthorns are a genus of about 100 species of shrubs or small trees from 1-10 m tall , in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae... bark and berry |
Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus frangula Frangula alnus, syn. Rhamnus frangula, the Alder Buckthorn, is a tall deciduous shrub in the family Rhamnaceae. It is native to Europe, northernmost Africa, and western Asia, from Ireland and Great Britain north to 68°N in Scandinavia, east to central Siberia and Xinjiang in western China, and... |
"abdominal pain, diarrhea, potentially carcinogenic, with others can potentiate cardiac gyosides and antiarrhythmic agents" | |
Cascara Sagrada bark | Rhamnus purshiana Rhamnus purshiana Rhamnus purshiana Rhamnus purshiana Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara Buckthorn, Cascara, Bearberry, and in the Chinook Jargon, Chittam or Chitticum; syn... |
"abdominal pain, diarrhea, potentially carcinogenic, with others can potentiate cardiac gyosides and antiarrhythmic agents" | |
Chaparral Chaparral Chaparral is a shrubland or heathland plant community found primarily in the U.S. state of California and in the northern portion of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico... |
creosote bush, gobernadora, larreastat | Larrea tridentata, Larrea divaricata | Liver Liver The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion... damage, kidney problems, Hypotension in cancer patients |
Chinese herbal mixtures Chinese herbology Chinese Herbology is the theory of Traditional Chinese herbal therapy, which accounts for the majority of treatments in Traditional Chinese medicine .... |
Heavy metal poisoning | ||
Coltsfoot Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, is a plant in the family Asteraceae.It has been used medicinally as a cough suppressant. The name "tussilago" itself means "cough suppressant." The plant has been used historically to treat lung ailments such as asthma as well as various coughs by way... |
coughwort, farfarae folium leaf, foalswort | Tussilago farfara | Liver damage, cancer |
Comfrey Comfrey Comfrey is an important herb in organic gardening. It is used as a fertilizer and also has many purported medicinal uses... |
comphrey, blackwort, common comfrey, slippery root | Liver damage, cancer | |
Country mallow | heartleaf, silky white mallow | Sida cordifolia | "Heart attack, heart arrhythmia, stroke, death" |
Dan Shen | Red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen | Salvia miltiorrhiza Salvia miltiorrhiza Salvia miltiorrhiza , also known as red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, or danshen, is a perennial plant in the genus Salvia, highly valued for its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Native to China and Japan, it grows at elevation, preferring grassy places in forests, hillsides, and along... |
Potentiates warfarin activity, leading to excessive anticoagulation and bleeding |
European Mistletoe | Viscum album Viscum album Viscum album is a species of mistletoe, the species originally so-named, and also known as European Mistletoe or Common Mistletoe to distinguish it from other related species... |
Toxic to cardio and central nervous systems, gastrointestinal bleeding | |
Ephedra Ephedra Ephedra refers to the plant Ephedra sinica. E. sinica, known in Chinese as ma huang , has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 5,000 years for the treatment of asthma and hay fever, as well as for the common cold... |
ma huang | Ephedra sinica | Agitation Psychomotor agitation Psychomotor agitation is a series of unintentional and purposeless motions that stem from mental tension and anxiety of an individual. This includes pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, pulling off clothing and putting it back on and other similar actions... and palpitations, "hypertension, irregular heart rate, insomnia Insomnia Insomnia is most often defined by an individual's report of sleeping difficulties. While the term is sometimes used in sleep literature to describe a disorder demonstrated by polysomnographic evidence of disturbed sleep, insomnia is often defined as a positive response to either of two questions:... , nervousness, tremor Tremor A tremor is an involuntary, somewhat rhythmic, muscle contraction and relaxation involving to-and-fro movements of one or more body parts. It is the most common of all involuntary movements and can affect the hands, arms, eyes, face, head, vocal folds, trunk, and legs. Most tremors occur in the... s and seizure Seizure An epileptic seizure, occasionally referred to as a fit, is defined as a transient symptom of "abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain". The outward effect can be as dramatic as a wild thrashing movement or as mild as a brief loss of awareness... s, paranoid psychoses, heart attacks, stroke Stroke A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage... s, and death", kidney stones |
Flavonoid Flavonoid Flavonoids , are a class of plant secondary metabolites.... s (contained in many medicinal plants) |
Vitamin P, citrin | Flavonoids, bioflavonoids | Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia Hemolytic anemia is a form of anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells , either in the blood vessels or elsewhere in the human body . It has numerous possible causes, ranging from relatively harmless to life-threatening... , kidney damage |
Germander | Teucrium Teucrium Teucrium is a genus of perennial plants, of the family Lamiaceae. Common names for this genus include germanders. These species are herbs, shrubs or subshrubs... |
Liver damage | |
Ginger Ginger Ginger is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It lends its name to its genus and family . Other notable members of this plant family are turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.... |
May alter bleeding time | ||
Ginkgo biloba | Bleeding | ||
Ginseng Ginseng Ginseng is any one of eleven species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, belonging to the genus Panax of the family Araliaceae.... |
Ginnsuu,American Ginseng, Anchi Ginseng, Canadian Ginseng, Ginseng, Ginseng Root, North American Ginseng, Occidental Ginseng, Ontario Ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, Panax quinquefolius, Red Berry, Ren Shen, Sang, Shang, Shi Yang Seng, Wisconsin Ginseng | Panax notoginseng, Panax bipinnatifidus, Panax ginseng, Panax japonicus, Panax quinquefolius, Panax vietnamensis Panax vietnamensis Panax vietnamensis is a species of ginseng in Nam Trung Bo and Tay Nguyen regions of Vietnam, especially in Mount Ngọc Linh in Đăk Tô District, Kon Tum, a mountain whose name derives from the ginseng that grows there and in Trà My District of Quảng Nam Province... , Panax wangianus, Panax zingiberensis Panax zingiberensis Panax zingiberensis is a species of plant in the Araliaceae family. It is endemic to China.-Source:* China Plant Specialist Group 2004. . Downloaded on 23 August 2007.... , Panax pseudoginseng Panax pseudoginseng Panax Notoginseng is a species of the genus Panax . The scientific names for the plant commonly used are either Panax notoginseng or Panax pseudoginseng. It is most commonly referred to as Notoginseng. The herb is also referred to as pseudoginseng, and in Chinese it is called 田七 , Tienchi... , Panax stipuleanatus, Panax trifolius |
"Hypertensive and chronotropic activities, may increase digoxin levels", diarrhea, itching, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, hypertension or hypotension, breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding. Rarely Stevens–Johnson syndrome, liver damage, severe allergy. May lower blood sugar excessivley in combination with diabetes medication. Contains a chemical linked to possible birth defects. May worsen hormone sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Insomnia. |
Goldenseal Goldenseal Goldenseal is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It may be distinguished by its thick, yellow knotted rootstock. The stem is purplish and hairy above ground and yellow below ground where it connects to the... |
Orange-root, Orangeroot, | Hydrastis canadensis | Uterotonic |
Greater celandine Greater celandine Chelidonium majus is a herbaceous perennial plant, the only species in the genus Chelidonium... |
celandine | Chelidonium majus | Liver damage |
Guarana Guarana Guarana , Paullinia cupana, syn. P. crysan, P. sorbilis) is a climbing plant in the maple family, Sapindaceae, native to the Amazon basin and especially common in Brazil. Guarana features large leaves and clusters of flowers, and is best known for its fruit, which is about the size of a coffee bean... |
Paulinia cupana | Agitation and insomnia | |
Guar gum Guar gum Guar gum, also called guaran, is a galactomannan. It is primarily the ground endosperm of guar beans. The guar seeds are dehusked, milled and screened to obtain the guar gum. It is typically produced as a free-flowing, pale, off-white-colored, coarse to fine ground powder.-Production:Guar gum is an... |
guaran | Obstruction of gastrointestinal tract | |
Gugulipid | Guggal, Guggul, Mukul myrrh tree | Comiphora mukul | "Headache, nausea, hiccups, diminished efficacy of other cardiovascular drugs including diltiazem and proranolol" |
Hawthorn | Common hawthorn, may, mayblossom, maythorn, quickthorn, whitethorn, motherdie, haw | Crataegus monogyna | "Potentiates digitalis activity, increases coronary dilation effects of theophylline, caffeine, papaverine, sodium nitrate, adenosine and epinephrine, increase barbituate induced sleeping times" |
Horse chestnut Conker Conkers is a traditional English children's game played using the seeds of horse-chestnut trees – the name 'conker' is also applied to the seed and to the tree itself... |
Conker | Aesculus hippocastanum | Liver toxicity, allergic reaction, anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is defined as "a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death". It typically results in a number of symptoms including throat swelling, an itchy rash, and low blood pressure... |
Kava Kava Kava or kava-kava is a crop of the western Pacific.... |
awa, kava-kava | Piper methysticum | Potentates CNS sedative Sedative A sedative or tranquilizer is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement.... s, "sedation, oral and lingual dyskinesia, torticollis, oculogyric crisis, exacerbation of Parkinson's disease, painful twisting movements of the trunk, rash", liver toxicity |
Khat Khat Khat, qat, gat or Waquish Spoken from true Yemeni, is a flowering plant native to tropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.... |
Catha edulis | Chronic Chronic (medicine) A chronic disease is a disease or other human health condition that is persistent or long-lasting in nature. The term chronic is usually applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. Common chronic diseases include asthma, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.In medicine, the... liver dysfunction |
|
Liquorice root | Glycyrrhiza glabra | Hypokalemia Hypokalemia Hypokalemia or hypokalaemia , also hypopotassemia or hypopotassaemia , refers to the condition in which the concentration of potassium in the blood is low... , hypertension Hypertension Hypertension or high blood pressure is a cardiac chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. What that means is that the heart is having to work harder than it should to pump the blood around the body. Blood pressure involves two measurements, systolic and... , arrhythmias, edema Edema Edema or oedema ; both words from the Greek , oídēma "swelling"), formerly known as dropsy or hydropsy, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin or in one or more cavities of the body that produces swelling... |
|
Lobelia Lobelia Lobelia is a genus of flowering plant comprising 360–400 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions... |
asthma weed, pukeweed, vomit wort | Lobelia Inflata | Toxicity, rapid heartbeat, hypotension, coma, death |
Milk thistle Milk thistle The milk thistle is a thistle of the genus Silybum Adans., a flowering plant of the daisy family . They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East... |
Silybum marianum | Mild laxative, allergy | |
Pennyroyal Pennyroyal Pennyroyal refers to two plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. For the American species, see American pennyroyal. The European pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium, , is a plant in the mint genus, within the family Lamiaceae. Crushed Pennyroyal leaves exhibit a very strong fragrance similar to spearmint... |
Mentha pulegium | Liver damage | |
Peony Peony Peony or paeony is a name for plants in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America... |
Bai Shao, Chi Shao, Chinese Peony, Common Peony, Coral Peony, Cortex Moutan, European Peony, Jiu Chao Bai Shao, Moutan, Mu Dan PI, Peony Flower, Peony Root, Piney, Radix Peony, Red Peony, Shakuyaku, Shao Yao, Tree Peony, Ud Saleeb, Udsalam, Udsalap, White Peony | Radix Paeoniae, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Paeonia, Paeonia alba, Paeonia lactiflora, Paeonia mascula; Paeonia obovata; Paeonia officinalis; Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia veitchii, Paeoniae Flos, Paeoniae Radix | May slow clotting; contraindicated for people with bleeding disorders and before and after surgery. May induce uterine contractions; contraindicated when pregnant or nursing. |
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (contained in comfrey, borage, senecio, coltsfoot Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, is a plant in the family Asteraceae.It has been used medicinally as a cough suppressant. The name "tussilago" itself means "cough suppressant." The plant has been used historically to treat lung ailments such as asthma as well as various coughs by way... , and others) |
Liver damage | ||
Reserpine Reserpine Reserpine is an indole alkaloid antipsychotic and antihypertensive drug that has been used for the control of high blood pressure and for the relief of psychotic symptoms, although because of the development of better drugs for these purposes and because of its numerous side-effects, it is rarely... |
Rauvolfia serpentina | "Sedation, inability to complete tasks, mental depression, nasal congestion, increased gastric secretion and mild diarrhea" | |
Safrole Safrole Safrole, also known as shikimol, is a phenylpropene. It is a colorless or slightly yellow oily liquid. It is typically extracted from the root-bark or the fruit of sassafras plants in the form of sassafras oil , or synthesized from other related methylenedioxy... |
Sassafras albidum Sassafras albidum Sassafras albidum is a species of Sassafras native to eastern North America, from southern Maine and southern Ontario west to Iowa, and south to central Florida and eastern Texas. It occurs throughout the eastern deciduous forest habitat type, at altitudes of sea level up to 1,500 m... |
Liver damage | |
Saw palmetto Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto, is the sole species currently classified in the genus Serenoa. It has been known by a number of synonyms, including Sabal serrulatum, under which name it still often appears in alternative medicine. It is a small palm, normally reaching a height of... |
Serenoa repens | "rare and mild gastrointestinal upset, headaches, diarrhea, gynecomastia Gynecomastia Gynecomastia or Gynaecomastia, , is the abnormal development of large mammary glands in males resulting in breast enlargement. The term comes from the Greek γυνή gyné meaning "woman" and μαστός mastós meaning "breast"... , paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, ventricular rupture Ventricle (heart) In the heart, a ventricle is one of two large chambers that collect and expel blood received from an atrium towards the peripheral beds within the body and lungs. The Atria primes the Pump... and death Death Death is the permanent termination of the biological functions that sustain a living organism. Phenomena which commonly bring about death include old age, predation, malnutrition, disease, and accidents or trauma resulting in terminal injury.... in one patient |
|
Senna Senna (genus) Senna , the sennas, is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. This diverse genus is native throughout the tropics, with a small number of species reaching into temperate regions. The number of species is usually estimated to be about 260, but some... |
Senna alexandrina (Cassia senna) | "abdominal pain, diarrhea, potentially carcinogenic, with others can potentiate cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic agents", liver damage | |
St John's wort St John's wort St John's wort is the plant species Hypericum perforatum, and is also known as Tipton's Weed, Chase-devil, or Klamath weed.... |
Tiphon's weed, Klamath weed | Hypericum perforatum | Photosensitization, GI disturbances, "allergic reactions, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth" |
Valerian Valerian (herb) Valerian is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume in the sixteenth century.... |
garden valerian, garden heliotrope, all-heal | Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Bupleurum flacatum | "drowsiness, GI upset, liver function abnormalities, headache, palpitations, insomnia", oversedation, overstimulation |
Yohimbe | yohimbine | Corynanthe yohimbi, Corynanthe jomimbi | rapid heart rate, hypertension, hypotension, heart problems, death |
Herbs with adverse drug interactions
Name | Other common names | Scientific name | Drug | Adverse effects |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cinchona bark | Cinchona pubescens | Warfarin | Possibly additive | |
Devil's Claw Harpagophytum Harpagophytum procumbens, also called grapple plant, wood spider and most commonly devil's claw, is a plant of the sesame family, native to South Africa. It got its name from the peculiar appearance of its hooked fruit. The plant's large tuberous roots are used medicinally to reduce pain and fever,... |
grapple plant, wood spider | Harpagophytum | Warfarin | Additive effects |
Ephedra | Caffeine, decongestants, stimulants | |||
Feverfew Feverfew Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb which is found in many old gardens, and is also occasionally grown for ornament. The plant grows into a small bush up to around high, with citrus-scented leaves and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies... |
Tanacetum parthenium | Aspirin | Additive effects | |
Garlic Garlic Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and rakkyo. Dating back over 6,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent... |
Allium sativum | Warfarin | Additive effects | |
Ginger | Zingiber officinale | Warfarin | Additive effect, causes iris bleeding | |
Ginkgo biloba | Aspirin, warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, garlic, vitamin E | With aspirin - retards aspirin absorption | ||
Ginseng | Ginnsuu | Eleutherococcus senticosus | Warfarin | |
Papaya Papaya The papaya , papaw, or pawpaw is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya, the sole species in the genus Carica of the plant family Caricaceae... extract |
Carica papaya | Warfarin | Damage to GI tract mucous membranes, Possibly addictive, purpura | |
Kava | Sedatives, sleeping pills, antipsychotics, alcohol | |||
Pineapple Pineapple Pineapple is the common name for a tropical plant and its edible fruit, which is actually a multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries. It was given the name pineapple due to its resemblance to a pine cone. The pineapple is by far the most economically important plant in the Bromeliaceae... enzyme |
Anana comosus | Bromelian | "Diarrhea, increased tendency for bleeding if used simultaneously with anticoagulants and inhibitors of thromobcytic aggregation due to modulation of the arachidonate cascade" | |
Psyllium Psyllium Psyllium , or Ispaghula , is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago whose seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage.-History:... seed |
Plantago spp | Coumarin serivates | Retards absorption of drug | |
St John's wort | Tiphon's weed, Klamath weed | Hypericum perforatum | Antidepressants, warfarin, protease inhibitors for HIV, birth control, some asthma drugs, and many other medications | |
Herbal plants associated with allergic reactions
|
Elecampane Elecampane, also called Horse-heal or Marchalan , is a perennial composite plant common in many parts of Great Britain, and ranges throughout central and Southern Europe, and in Asia as far eastwards as the Himalayas.... Feverfew Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb which is found in many old gardens, and is also occasionally grown for ornament. The plant grows into a small bush up to around high, with citrus-scented leaves and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies... Fucus Fucus is a genus of brown algae found in the intertidal zones of rocky seashores almost throughout the world.-Description and life cycle:... Guaiacum Guaiacum, sometimes spelled Guajacum, is a genus of flowering plants in the caltrop family Zygophyllaceae. It contains five species of slow-growing shrubs and trees, reaching a height of approximately but are usually less than half of that... Hops Hops are the female flower clusters , of a hop species, Humulus lupulus. They are used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer, to which they impart a bitter, tangy flavor, though hops are also used for various purposes in other beverages and herbal medicine... Hydrangea Hydrangea is a genus of about 70 to 75 species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia and North and South America. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Japan, and Korea... Hydrocotyle Hydrocotyle sometimes called water pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Thick-leaved Pennywort and even White Rot... Juniper Junipers are coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. Depending on taxonomic viewpoint, there are between 50-67 species of juniper, widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, from the Arctic, south to tropical Africa in the Old World, and to the... |
Lady's Slipper Lady's slipper orchids, lady slipper orchids or slipper orchids are the orchids in the subfamily Cypripedioidea, which includes the genera Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium and Selenipedium... Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, commonly known as Meadowsweet, is a perennial herb in the family Rosaceae that grows in damp meadows. It is native throughout most of Europe and Western Asia... Milk thistle The milk thistle is a thistle of the genus Silybum Adans., a flowering plant of the daisy family . They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East... Motherwort Motherwort is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other common names include Throw-wort, Lion's Ear, and Lion's Tail. The latter two are also common names for Leonotis leonurus. Originally from Central Asia it is now found worldwide, spread largely due to its use as a... Parsley Parsley is a species of Petroselinum in the family Apiaceae, native to the central Mediterranean region , naturalized elsewhere in Europe, and widely cultivated as an herb, a spice and a vegetable.- Description :Garden parsley is a bright green hairless biennial herbaceous plant in temperate... Plantain Plantain is the common name for herbaceous plants of the genus Musa. The fruit they produce is generally used for cooking, in contrast to the soft, sweet banana... Rosemary Rosemary, , is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes many other herbs, and is one of two species in the genus Rosmarinus... Royal jelly Royal jelly is a honey bee secretion that is used in the nutrition of larvae, as well as adult queens. It is secreted from the glands in the hypopharynx of worker bees, and fed to all larvae in the colony.... Tansy Tansy is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant of the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world and in some areas has become invasive... Wild carrot Daucus carota is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe, southwest Asia and naturalised to northeast North America and Australia; domesticated carrots are cultivars of a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp... |
Yarrow Achillea millefolium or yarrow is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere. In New Mexico and southern Colorado, it is called plumajillo, or "little feather", for the shape of the leaves. In antiquity, yarrow was known as herbal militaris, for its use in... |
See also
- Alternative medicineAlternative medicineAlternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
- Chinese classic herbal formulaChinese classic herbal formulaChinese classic herbal formulas are a form of Chinese herbology, where herbs are combined for greater efficiency, compared to individual herbs. They are the basic herbal formulas that students of Traditional Chinese medicine learn...
- HerbalismHerbalismHerbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, herblore, and phytotherapy...
- Kampo herb listKampo herb listKampō medicine is the Japanese study and adaptation of Traditional Chinese medicine. In 1967, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approved 4 kampo medicines for reimbursement under the National Health Insurance program. In 1976, 82 kampo medicines were approved by the Ministry...
- Medicinal mushroomsMedicinal mushroomsMedicinal mushrooms are mushrooms, or mushroom extracts, that are used or studied as possible treatments for diseases. Lentinula edodes , Grifola frondosa , Ganoderma lucidum , and Cordyceps, have a history of medicinal use spanning millennia in parts of Asia...
- Medicinal plants of the American WestMedicinal plants of the American WestMany plants that grow in the American West are purported to have therapeutic properties by practitioners of alternative medicine.-Use and availability:European and Asian plants are commonly used in herbalism and are generally available in retail shops....
- List of branches of alternative medicine
- List of culinary herbs and spices
- List of plants used in herbalism