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Specific Vitamins, Herbs, Medications
Acute oral toxicity of HCSE and escin has been studied in several animal species. The "no effect" dose is
approximately 8 times higher than the recommended human dose. Chronic administration in rats and dogs failed to
show embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. Mutagenic and carcinogenic studies have not been published [Hansel et al.,
1992].
Use of oral HCSE in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction should be approached with caution, as renal toxicity
after high-dose oral escin has been reported [Grasso and Corvaglia, 1976]. In addition, acute renal failure has
occurred in patients receiving intravenous escin at doses greater than 20 mg to prevent and treat post-surgical edema
[Reynolds, 1989]. Drugs that displace escin from plasma-protein–binding sites may also increase its
nephrotoxic potential [Rothkopf et al., 1977].
Hepatotoxicity as well as shock has been reported in a patient receiving an intramuscular injection of an HCSE product
[Takegoshi et al., 1986], but there are no reports of such events involving oral HCSE products.
Two trials reported use of HCSE in pregnancy-related varicose veins with good tolerability. However, no formal safety
evaluations have been reported, thus compression stockings should be recommended for pregnant women before
HCSE.
Drug Interactions: none are known.
Since horse chestnut contains coumarins, interference with anticoagulant therapy is a possibility. In addition, escin is
known to bind to plasma proteins and may thus compete with or displace drugs which are highly protein-bound.
Additional Cautions for Self-Treatment:
Phlebitis can cause symptoms similar to ordinary CVI, but requires treatment by a physician. Typical early CVI
("varicose veins") may be appropriately self-treated with HCSE after examination by a physician.
BLACK COHOSH SAFETY
QUESTION: I am currently taking Black Cohosh to alleviate menopausal hot flushes. I have only been taking for
about one week. I am experiencing a pain in my kidneys which might be coincidental. Can you confirm if there would
be such a side effect from use of Black Cohosh and if so is there an
alternative. I do not want to take traditional medication.
ANSWER: Black cohosh, Latin Named Cimicifuga racemosa seldom produces any side effects. The number one
side effect for everything including food and beverage is occasional mild gastrointestinal distress and Black Cohosh
can cause this so take it with food to avoid this possibility.
Animal studies with mega doses of the herb for long periods which equate to a decades use in humans showed no
adverse actions or long term safety concerns.
Black Cohosh has been shown to slightly lower Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar in some animal studies.
Form and preparation is always important when taking a herb, I would shy away from standardized preparations and
look for a more whole plant extract. A fresh herb extract is more effective than dry and so I would use a alcohol based
extract. Pills and teas may not be as effective.
Black Cohosh is appropriately used for Muscular Pain and Muscular Athritus, Fibromyalgia, Uterine Pain and
Depression and other issues associated with menses, PMS or menopause such as Hot Flashes. Black Cohosh has
been shown as effective as ERT or HRT, when combined with Hawthorn to protect the heart and other herbs to protect
the Bones along with Calcium.
The general warning you will see for most herbs, supplements and drugs is safety in young children, pregnant or
nursing women, and individuals with severe renal or liver disease has not been established.
Read my other answers online about this herb.
SAFETY ISSUES
QUESTION: i would like to know how safety are the herbs such
as burdock root, ywllow dock root, dandelion root, and milk thistle. i have skin
problems, and bowel movement problem.your input would be
appreciated.
ANSWER: As with many herbs comprehensive safety studies have not been done on the herbs you have mentioned,
here is what I can come up with quickly.
Yellow Dock root, Latin Named: Rumex crispus does contain Oxalic Acid which for those prone to kidney stones, gout
or arthritis could cause problems. For those prone to diarrhea caution should be observed and introduction of use
gradual, start low and build up dose.
For Burdock root, Latin Named: Arctium lappa it is eaten as a common food in Japan. A safety scare of Burdock
poisoning by JAMA was subsequently withdrawn because the poisoning was linked to another source not commonly
found in the plant, that chemical was atropine. Burdock root is safely consumed.
Dandelion root, Latin Name: Taraxacum officionale is believed to be quite safe It is on the FDA's GRAS (generally
recognized as safe) list. It is used quite often as a food flavoring and beverage substitute for coffee. One caution
which has been seen in recent press is for those with bile duct obstruction or gallbladder problems caution should be
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