Nature Medicine Journal
Herbal remedies: here are four top-selling herbal products that, based on recent evidence, seem to offer benefits without being hazardous to your health. Find out why they may belong in your medicine cabinet - Nature's Pharmacy - Brief ArticleNick Gallo Ginkgo has been promoted as a memory enhancer, but studies have cast doubt. However, the American Journal of Medicine recently reported the herb's use as a treatment for intermittent claudication, a painful circulation problem in the legs. Ginkgo was found to have a modest effect on patients' ability to increase the distance they could walk without pain--the plant having the same benefit as conventional drug therapy. But neither type of medication proved as helpful as a regular exercise program.
Ginkgo is rich in antioxidants and contains several active compounds that improve circulation. It makes the blood a little less likely to clot and may strengthen vessels, according to Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., who researched pharmacognosy (plant-based pharmacy) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Though considered safe, ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding if you are using aspirin; Coumadin (warfarin), which thins the blood; or other clot-busting medications.
Kava users claim it aids them in coping with brief periods of extra stress--a crunch of job deadlines, for instance. It also may help defuse dread of an anticipated situation, such as fear of flying before a trip, as well as ease anxiety-induced insomnia.
Research seems to support these assertions. A couple of years ago, scientists at the University of Exeter in England did a meta-analysis, which is a review of combined results from the best studies, and concluded that kava was effective at reducing anxiety.
Active ingredients in kava may produce muscle-relaxing effects; that is, they may act on brain receptors and suppress "fight or flight" stress hormones.
Kava isn't habit-forming or addictive, but herbal experts don't recommend long-term use. High dosage levels may cause grogginess that can be dangerous if you're driving or using machinery. Also, avoid combining kava with alcohol or sedatives. Don't use it if you're pregnant or nursing.
Saw palmetto berries produce a potent extract that is used to treat men's urinary problems caused by prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition isn't cancerous but involves swollen, inflamed tissue that develops with aging. About half of all men over age 50 suffer some symptoms, including frequent urination and urinary flow problems.
A study of almost 3,000 patients that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1998 showed that saw palmetto can increase urine flow and reduce the number of nighttime urination episodes. In some research, it has matched the results of its counterpart drug therapy, Proscar (finasteride), which may cause side effects, such as loss of sex drive or impotence.
Saw palmetto doesn't shrink the prostate gland significantly. A recent study found that it didn't affect hormones, which may explain why it doesn't produce side effects typical of Proscar.
Anyone who considers taking saw palmetto to treat BPH needs to check with his doctor to rule out prostate cancer. Both have similar symptoms.
Echinacea, a hot seller in the United States, is widely used to battle colds and respiratory infections.
Researchers believe that this medication activates the immune system. Studies in Europe suggest the herb can shorten bouts of illness and lessen symptoms when taken at the first sign of a cold or flu. However, it doesn't appear to offer these benefits if taken continually.
Generally, echinacea is viewed as safe. But it may cause problems if you have an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. In rare cases, echinacea can trigger an allergic reaction.
STAY SAFE IF YOU SEEK NATURAL HEALING
Inform your doctor about all alternative and prescription medications taken by your family. Herbal remedies can cause concern. Echinacea, ginkgo, kava, ephedra, garlic, ginseng, St.-John's wort, and valerian may cause complications for patients before and after surgery, according to a study published in JAMA. In fact, the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests discontinuing herbal remedies at least two to three weeks before surgery.
For information about risky herbal medications, see Health Update on page 214.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Meredith Corporation
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