Perilla seed extract • Coleus dried root extract • Blue Green Algae • Spirulina • Alfalfa . Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule Shell, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide.
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Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Perilla 6000. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Perilla 6000. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the leaves are used orally and appropriately, short-term (4,6,12).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when large amounts are used long-term. Chronic ingestion of alfalfa has been associated with drug-induced lupus effects (381,14828,30602).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts.
Alfalfa contains constituents with possible estrogenic activity (4,11,30592).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when non-contaminated species of spirulina blue-green algae are used orally and appropriately (91713). The blue-green algae species Arthrospira platensis has been used with apparent safety in doses up to 19 grams daily for 2 months, or 10 grams daily for 6 months (18296,18300,18306,75944,91705,99703,104567,109965). The blue-green algae species Arthrospira fusiformis has been used with apparent safety in doses up to 4 grams daily for 3 months, or 1 gram daily for 12 months (15782,91717). Another blue-green algae species, Arthrospira maxima, has been used with apparent safety in a dose of 4.5 grams daily for up to 12 weeks (18297,99654,99655,102688). ...when non-contaminated, non-toxin producing strains of blue-green algae from the Aphanizomenon flos-aquae species are used orally and appropriately. Doses up to 1.6 grams daily have been used with apparent safety for up to 6 months (14842,18310). Some blue-green algae species can produce toxins called microcystins. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tolerable daily intake of microcystins in adults is 0.04 mcg/kg (96549).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when contaminated blue-green algae are used orally. Blue-green algae can be contaminated with heavy metals (including mercury, cadmium, lead, or arsenic), neurotoxins, and toxic microcystin-producing cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa (9171,75966,91704,91711,96550). Microcystins are most commonly reported in the blue-green algae species Aphanizomenon flos-aquae harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Health has set a limit of 1 mcg of microcystin-LR equivalents per gram dry weight of blue-green algae, assuming consumption of about 2 grams/day by adults (91704,91713). However, many samples of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have been reported to contain higher levels than this (9171,91704). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tolerable daily intake of microcystins in adults is 0.04 mcg/kg (96549). When consumed orally, microcystins accumulate in the liver, binding to and inhibiting protein phosphatases, causing hepatocyte damage and possible tumor promotion (9171). Aphanizomenon flos-aquae can also produce neurotoxic compounds that may be present in supplements containing this organism (91704).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when blue-green algae products are used orally.
Blue-green algae can accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury (91704,91711). They can also contain toxic microcystins produced by contaminating species of cyanobacteria such a Microcystis aeruginosa (91704). Children are more sensitive to poisoning by microcystins (3536). The Oregon Department of Health has set a limit for microcystins of 1 mcg per gram dry weight of blue-green algae, but some countries have set very low exposure limits of 0.2 mcg per day and 0.8 mcg per day for infants and children, respectively (91704).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Some blue-green algae products, specifically those of the species Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, have been found to contain low amounts of beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). BMAA is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and breast milk has been shown to be a potential source of BMAA exposure in infants (96550).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Coleus extract 500 mg daily has been used for up to 3 months without significant adverse effects (91885,100851). ...when used intravenously and appropriately, short-term. Intravenous forskolin, a constituent of coleus, seems to be safe when given at an appropriate rate of 0.5 mcg/kg/minute and increased at 15 minute intervals to 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mcg/kg/minute up to 1 hour (7278,7279). ...when used by inhalation and appropriately. Single-dose inhalation of forskolin powder 10 mg from a Spinhaler inhalator seems to be safe and well-tolerated (7281). ...when used ophthalmologically and appropriately. Coleus suspension eye drops (1%) have been safely used in clinical studies (7282,7283,7284,7402,7403,7405).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in higher doses. Although coleus extracts have been used with apparent safety in doses up to 1.4 grams daily for 2 months (91884), taking coleus extract in doses exceeding 500 mg daily has been associated with an increased incidence of adverse effects, which are primarily gastrointestinal (100851).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Evidence from animal research suggests that high doses of coleus can inhibit embryo implantation and/or delay fetal development (25174); avoid using.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when perilla oil or extract is used orally and appropriately. There is some evidence that perilla can be safely used for up to 12 months (1338,68676,94312,105525).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Perilla 6000. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
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Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
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Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
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Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
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Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content (106043). It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.
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Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
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Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
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Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro (18311,18312,75892,92162,92163). However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time (97202).
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Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs (18299). However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes (102689,109970). A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects (109970).
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Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
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There is some evidence forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion (7410,7411,7412). Theoretically, concomitant use of coleus and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Some anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs include abciximab (ReoPro), anagrelide (Agrylin), antithrombin III (Thrombate III), ardeparin (Normiflo), cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), dicumarol, dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), eptifibatide (Integrilin), heparin, lepirudin (Refludan), tirofiban (Aggrastat), and warfarin (Coumadin).
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Animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, may lower blood pressure (7278,7279,44424,44431). Theoretically, combining coleus with antihypertensive drugs might cause additive blood pressure lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension. Some antihypertensive drugs include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
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Using forskolin, a constituent of coleus, with calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan), nifedipine (Procardia), and diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac) might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects (7278,7279).
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Research on the effect of coleus on cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) is conflicting. Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce CYP2C9, while in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9 (91891). Theoretically, taking coleus with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might affect drug levels and the risk of adverse effects. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
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Some drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and S-warfarin (Coumadin).
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In vitro research shows that coleus can activate the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4 (44399,44412). Theoretically, coleus might induce CYP3A4 and decrease levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of coleus and other drugs affected by these enzymes. Drugs that might be affected include some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil), chemotherapeutic agents (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), glucocorticoids, cisapride (Propulsid), alfentanil (Alfenta), fentanyl (Sublimaze), losartan (Cozaar), fluoxetine (Prozac), midazolam (Versed), omeprazole (Prilosec), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), fexofenadine (Allegra), and numerous others.
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Using forskolin, a constituent of coleus, with nitrates such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat) and isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, Sorbitrate) might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects (7278,7279,44424).
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Preliminary research assessing the effect of coleus on warfarin metabolism is conflicting. Animal research shows that coleus extract induces cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzymes and increases metabolism of warfarin; however, in vitro research shows that coleus inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes and might reduce warfarin metabolism (91891). Until more is known, advise patients to use coleus cautiously or avoid it if they taking warfarin.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Perilla 6000. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally, alfalfa leaf seems to be well tolerated.
However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Lupus-like syndrome after chronic ingestion of alfalfa.
Dermatologic ...Dermatitis associated with alfalfa use has been reported. In a 1954 publication, dermatitis was noted in a 61-year-old female consuming 4-6 cups of tea made with two tablespoonfuls of alfalfa seeds for approximately two months prior to onset. Examination revealed diffuse, confluent edema and erythema on the face, eyelids, ears, hands, forearms, and distal humeral regions. The dermatitis improved with treatment; re-exposure to alfalfa resulted in a similar reaction (30609).
Endocrine
...Alfalfa contains constituents, including coumestrol, with reported estrogenic activity (30586,30592,4753).
Effects in humans are not known.
One case report documents hypokalemia in a female who had been drinking a "cleansing tea" containing alfalfa, licorice, and stinging nettle. The potassium level returned to normal after discontinuing the tea and initiating potassium supplementation. The specific cause of the hypokalemia is not clear. Notably, both stinging nettle and licorice have been associated with hypokalemia and may have been responsible for this effect (30562).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, flatulence and bulkier feces were reported during the first week of a case series of three subjects ingesting alfalfa (30598). In a case series of 15 patients ingesting alfalfa, increased fecal volume and increased stool frequency was reported. Additional adverse effects included abdominal discomfort in two patients, diarrhea in two patients, loose stools in six patients, and intestinal gas in 13 patients (5816).
Hematologic ...Pancytopenia and splenomegaly were reported in a 59-year-old male who had been taking 80-160 grams of ground alfalfa seeds for up to six weeks at a time, for a five month period. Hematologic values and spleen size returned to normal when alfalfa was discontinued (381).
Other
...Alfalfa products, including sprouts, seeds, and tablets, have been found to be contaminated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes, which have caused documented infections (5600,30566,30568,30572,30569,30564,30604,30610,30563,30607) (30566,30564,30604,30610,30563,30607,30576).
Orally, alfalfa has been associated with the development of a lupus-like syndrome in animals and humans (30594,14828,14830,30602), as well as with possible exacerbations of lupus in patients with known systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These reactions may be associated with the amino acid L-canavanine (30594), which appears to be present in alfalfa seeds and sprouts, but not leaves, and therefore should not be present in alfalfa tablets manufactured from the leaves (30601). However, case reports have included individuals ingesting tablets. A lupus-like syndrome was described in four patients taking 12-24 alfalfa tablets per day. Symptoms included arthralgias, myalgias, and rash; positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) arose anywhere from three weeks to seven months after initiating alfalfa therapy. Upon discontinuation of alfalfa tablets, all four patients became asymptomatic. In two patients, ANA levels normalized (14828). Two additional reports have documented possible exacerbation or induction of SLE associated with alfalfa use. One case involved a female with a 26-year history of SLE, who had been taking 15 tablets of alfalfa daily for nine months prior to an exacerbation. Because of the delay in onset of the exacerbation from the initiation of alfalfa therapy, causation cannot be clearly established (30575). In a different report, SLE and arthritis were found in multiple family members who had been taking a combination of vitamin E and alfalfa tablets for seven years (30602). It is not known what other environmental or genetic factors may have affected these individuals, and the association with alfalfa is unclear.
General
...Orally, spirulina blue-green algae seem to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, flatulence, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Dermatologic ...Orally, a severe rash has been reported in a 49-year-old woman after taking a spirulina blue-green algae supplement (species and dose unknown). After stopping the supplement, inflammatory myopathy with muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase occurred. The condition resolved with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment (75936). In another case report, an 82 year-old woman developed a blistering skin condition over a 2-year period while taking spirulina blue-green algae (A. platensis, dose unknown). She had partly hemorrhagic bullae, secreting erosions and macerations. These symptoms resolved when the supplement was stopped and the patient was treated with oral prednisone, topical silver sulfadiazine, and topical triamcinolone / neomycin (75921).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, gastrointestinal complaints are amongst the most common adverse effects associated with spirulina blue-green algae, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps (19272,75924,91713,109969). Similarly, common adverse effects associated with the blue-green algae species Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are stomach upset, flatulence, diarrhea, and bloating (14842).
Hematologic ...Orally, three cases of mild gum bleeding and one case of mild bruising have been reported in patients taking spirulina blue-green algae (Cyactiv, Cerule LLC) 2. 3 grams daily (containing approximately 1 gram of phycocanin) for 2 weeks (97202).
Hepatic ...Orally, significant elevations of liver function tests within 2 weeks of starting a spirulina blue-green algae supplement (species and dose unknown) have been reported in a 52-year-old man stabilized on amlodipine, simvastatin, and acarbose. A biopsy showed feathery degeneration and ballooning of hepatic cells. Cholestasis was present, and an ex-vivo lymphocyte stimulation test for spirulina blue-green algae was positive. All drugs and the spirulina blue-green algae supplement were stopped, with return of the LFTs to normal (9172).
Immunologic
...Orally, urticarial rashes and pruritus have occurred as part of generalized allergic reactions to blue-green algae (91706,91711,91712).
In one case report, a 14-year-old male experienced anaphylaxis with urticaria, lip edema, and asthma 6 hours after taking five tablets of spirulina blue-green algae (A. platensis, strength unknown). He had a positive skin prick test. Oral challenge to an extract of the tablets, and IgE from his serum, reacted with the beta chain of C-phycocyanin from A. platensis (91712).
In another case report, a 17-year-old male with a history of multiple allergies developed rash, pruritus, angioedema, wheezing, and dyspnea within 10 minutes of taking spirulina blue-green algae (A. platensis) 300 mg. He had a positive skin test to A. platensis but no other ingredients of the tablets (91706).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, after a 49-year-old woman stopped taking a spirulina blue-green algae supplement (species and dose unknown), the patient experienced inflammatory myopathy with muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase. The condition resolved with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment (75936). Another case report describes acute rhabdomyolysis that occurred after consumption of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis, Hawaiian spirulina, Solgar Inc., Leonia, NJ) 3 grams daily for 1 month. The 24-year old man presented with weakness, myalgias, elevated creatine kinase and liver function tests, and myoglobinuria (75922).
General ...Orally, intravenously, ophthalmologically, and by inhalation, coleus seems to be well tolerated (7278,7279,7282,7283,7284). Orally, coleus extract may cause dose-related gastrointestinal effects, including diarrhea, loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or constipation (91885,100851). Intravenously, the coleus constituent, forskolin, can cause tachycardia, flushing, and hypotension (7279,44424,44431). Inhalation of forskolin may cause tremor, restlessness, and irritation of the respiratory tract (7281). Ophthalmologically, forskolin may cause stinging of the eyes and conjunctival hyperemia (7283).
Cardiovascular ...Intravenously, the coleus constituent, forskolin, can cause tachycardia, flushing and hypotension (7279,44424,44431).
Dermatologic ...Two cases of contact dermatitis have been reported following airborne exposure to coleus (44426,44418).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, coleus can cause dose-related diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Increased bowel movements and loose stools have been reported in 1 of 15 patients taking coleus extract in a clinical trial (91885). Some retrospective evidence reports about a 10% rate of gastrointestinal adverse effects from oral coleus use; 81% of these adverse effects were related to diarrhea. Other reported adverse effects which occurred at a much lower rate, include nausea, vomiting, and/or constipation. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be dose-related; those taking less than 250 mg of coleus extract did not report any diarrhea, while all patients taking 1000 mg of coleus extract reported diarrhea (100851).
Neurologic/CNS ...Inhalation of forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can cause tremor and restlessness (7281).
Ocular/Otic ...Ophthalmologically, forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can cause stinging of the eyes and conjunctival hyperemia (7283).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Inhalation of forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can cause throat and upper respiratory tract irritation, and mild to moderate cough (7281).
General
...Orally, perilla seems to be well tolerated.
Topically, there is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of perilla.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Dermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Anaphylaxis.
Dermatologic ...Topically, perilla may cause contact dermatitis (6,68664,94313).
Immunologic ...Orally, many cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in adults and children who consumed perilla seeds (94313,110611). Some research suggests that oleosin is the major constituent responsible for perilla allergies (110611).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Occupational asthma has been reported from breathing in smoke from roasted perilla seeds (94313).