Two capsules contain: Bladderwrack • Borage • Flax seed • Watermelon seed • Cleavers • Taurine .
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Environmental X. 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
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of clivers.
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 Environmental X. 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 borage seed oil is used orally or topically and appropriately. Borage seed oil has been used with apparent safety in clinical trials at a dose of up to 4 grams daily for up to 12 weeks (7632,8458,11341,13305,36804,88185,5244).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are used orally. Borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842). Tell patients not to use borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when borage seed oil is used orally and appropriately.
Borage seed oil has been used with apparent safety at a dose of 2 grams daily for 12 weeks (11341).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when products containing hepatotoxic PAs are used orally.
Borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842). Tell patients to avoid borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are used orally.
Borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. These constituents are also excreted in breast milk (12841,12842). Tell patients to avoid borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of borage seed oil when used orally or topically during pregnancy or lactation.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately (12). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of clivers when used topically.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when ground flaxseed is used orally and appropriately. Ground flaxseed has been safely used in numerous clinical trials in doses up to 30-60 grams daily for up to 1 year (6803,6808,8020,10952,10978,12908,12910) (16760,16761,16762,16765,16766,18224,21191,21194,21196,21198) (21199,21200,22176,22179,22180,22181,65866,66065) (101943,101949,101950).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when flaxseed lignan extract or mucilage is used orally and appropriately. Some clinical research shows that a specific flaxseed lignan extract (Flax Essence, Jarrow Formulas) 600 mg daily can be used with apparent safety for up to 12 weeks (16768). Additional clinical research shows that other flaxseed lignin extracts can be used with apparent safety for up to 6 months (21193,21197,21200). In one clinical trial, flaxseed mucilage was used with apparent safety at a dose of up to 5120 mg daily for up to 12 weeks (108047)....when flaxseed is used topically in a warm poultice (101946).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when raw or unripe flaxseed is used orally. Raw flaxseed contains potentially toxic cyanogenic glycosides (linustatin, neolinustatin, and linamarin); however, these glycosides have not been detected after flaxseed is baked (5899). Unripe flaxseeds are also thought to be poisonous when consumed due to cyanide content.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Flaxseed can have mild estrogenic effects. Theoretically, this might adversely affect pregnancy (9592,12907); however, there is no reliable clinical evidence about the effects of flaxseed on pregnancy outcomes.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when applied topically to the skin. A gel containing 1% Fucus vesiculosus extract, applied to the skin twice daily, has been used in clinical research with apparent safety for up to 5 weeks (12799).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally due to its iodine content and possible heavy metal content. Fucus vesiculosus contains up to 0.05% iodine or 226 mcg/gram dry weight (12789,74217). Ingesting more than 150 mcg of iodine daily can cause hyperthyroidism or exacerbate existing hyperthyroidism (12788). Fucus vesiculosus can also contain heavy metals, including cadmium, arsenic, and lead, and can cause heavy metal nephropathy (12789,12800,74213).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally because it may contain iodine and heavy metals (12789,74213,74217); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used in amounts found in foods. Typical daily intakes for adults range from 40-400 mg (101471).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts. Taurine 2-4 grams daily in two or three divided doses has been used safely in studies lasting up to 3 months (5248,5271,8217,8221,10454,77147,95612,98337,104165,104167). Higher doses of taurine 6 grams daily have been used safely in studies lasting up to 4 weeks (98336,98337). A risk assessment of orally administered taurine has identified an Observed Safe Level (OSL) of up to 3 grams daily for healthy adults (31996).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts found in foods.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts.
Taurine 2.4-4.8 grams daily in three divided doses has been safely used in children 6-16 years of age for up to 12 weeks (103210).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of taurine when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Environmental X. 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, borage seed oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
In healthy individuals, borage seed oil supplementation does not seem to affect platelet aggregation (36823). However, gamma-linolenic acid, a constituent of borage seed oil, seems to decrease platelet aggregation by 45% and increase the risk of bleeding by 40% in animal and clinical research (1979).
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Theoretically, taking borage with drugs that induce CYP3A4 might increase levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) toxic metabolites.
Details
Although borage seed oil contains little to no PAs, some borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Hepatotoxic PAs are substrates of CYP3A4, which converts these chemicals into toxic metabolites (12841,12860). Tell patients to avoid borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
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Theoretically, taking borage sed oil with phenothiazines might increase the risk of seizures.
Details
Borage seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There is concern that taking supplements containing GLA might cause seizures, or lower the seizure threshold, when taken with phenothiazines. This is based on limited data from two reports published in the 1980s. In one report, three patients with schizophrenia who had received phenothiazines developed EEG changes suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy after starting treatment with evening primrose, another source of GLA. However, none experienced an actual seizure (21013). In the other report, two patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized on phenothiazines developed seizures when evening primrose 4 grams daily was added. One of these patients had a prior history of seizures (21010). It is unclear whether evening primrose had any additive epileptogenic effects with the phenothiazines, but there is no evidence that taking GLA-containing supplements alone can cause seizures (88187).
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Theoretically, antibiotics might interfere with the metabolism of flaxseed constituents, which could potentially alter the effects of flaxseed.
Details
Some potential benefits of flaxseed are thought to be due to its lignan content. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a major lignan precursor, is found in high concentrations in flaxseed. SDG is converted by bacteria in the colon to the lignans enterolactone and enterodiol (5897,8022,8023,9592). Antibiotics alter the flora of the colon, which could theoretically alter the metabolism of flaxseed.
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Theoretically, using flaxseed in combination with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
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Theoretically, flaxseed might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk for hypoglycemia.
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Theoretically, flaxseed might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
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Theoretically, taking flaxseed might decrease the effects of estrogens.
Details
Flaxseed contains lignans with mild estrogenic and possible antiestrogenic effects. The lignans seem to compete with circulating endogenous estrogen and might reduce estrogen binding to estrogen receptors, resulting in an anti-estrogen effect (8868,9593). It is unclear if this effect transfers to exogenously administered estrogens.
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Theoretically, combining Fucus vesiculosus with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
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Theoretically, taking Fucus vesiculosus with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
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Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Details
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine (7135). Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs (2138,17574).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C8 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C8 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C9 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C9 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2D6 substrates might alter the effects of these substrates.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, both inhibits and induces CYP2D6 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP3A4 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP3A4 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus and lithium has resulted in hyperthyroidism.
Details
There is a case of hyperthyroidism occurring in a patient taking Fucus vesiculosus and lithium (74217). Monitor thyroid hormones closely in patients taking lithium and Fucus vesiculosus concomitantly.
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Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Details
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine (7135). Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using thyroid hormone could alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
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Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
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Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Details
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties (3647), which might reduce the excretion of lithium.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Environmental X. 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, borage seed oil seems to be well tolerated.
However, borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, that contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents should be avoided.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Belching, bloating, diarrhea, and soft stools.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Borage plant parts that contain PA constituents can be hepatotoxic.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, borage seed oil can cause soft stools, diarrhea, belching, and bloating (8013,11341).
Hepatic ...The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents of borage can cause significant hepatotoxicity (12841,12842). PAs can occur in borage leaf, flower, and seed; borage seed oil contains little to no PAs. Chronic exposure to other plants containing hepatotoxic PA constituents has been associated with veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Subacute VOD causes vague symptoms with persistent liver enlargement (4021). Symptoms of acute VOD include colicky pains in epigastrium, vomiting and diarrhea, and ascites within several days. Enlargement and induration of the liver occurs within a few weeks (12842).
Oncologic ...The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents of borage are potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents of borage are potentially pneumotoxic (12841,12842).
General ...Orally, clivers seems to be well tolerated. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
General
...Orally, flaxseed is usually well-tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Bloating, diarrhea, gastrointestinal complaints.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Severe allergic reactions such as and anaphylaxis.
Gastrointestinal
...Integrating flaxseed in the diet can cause digestive symptoms similar to other sources of dietary fiber including bloating, fullness, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, and nausea (12910,16761,16765,21198,21200,22176,22179,65866,101943).
Higher doses are likely to cause more gastrointestinal side effects. Flaxseed can significantly increase the number of bowel movements and the risk for diarrhea (6803,8021,16765). Doses greater than 45 grams per day may not be tolerated for this reason (6802). Metallic aftertaste and bowel habit deterioration have also been reported in a clinical trial (21198).
There is some concern that taking large amounts of flaxseed could result in bowel obstruction due to the bulk forming laxative effects of flaxseed. Bowel obstruction occurred in one patient in a clinical trial (65866). However, this is not likely to occur if flaxseed is consumed with an adequate amount of fluids.
Immunologic ...Occasionally, allergic and anaphylactic reactions have been reported after ingestion of flaxseed (16761). Handling and processing flaxseed products might increase the risk of developing a positive antigen test to flaxseed and hypersensitivity (6809,12911,26471,26482).
Oncologic ...Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). High dietary intake of ALA has been associated with increased risk for prostate cancer (1337,2558,7823,7147,12978). However, ALA from plant sources, such as flaxseed, does not seem to increase this risk (12909).
Other ...Orally, partially defatted flaxseed, which is flaxseed with less alpha-linolenic acid, might increase triglyceride levels (6808). Raw or unripe flaxseed contains potentially toxic cyanogenic glycosides (linustatin, neolinustatin, and linamarin). These chemicals can increase blood levels and urinary excretion of thiocyanate in humans. However, these glycosides have not been detected after flaxseed is baked (5899).
General
...When used orally, Fucus vesiculosus may be unsafe due to its iodine content.
Topically, Fucus vesiculosus appears to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Thyroid cancer.
Cardiovascular ...In one report, a young adult with obesity developed palpitations and syncope after taking an oral weight loss supplement containing a combination of Fucus vesiculosus, dandelion, and boldo for 3 weeks. The patient was found to have a prolonged QT interval on ECG and frequent episodes of sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (14321). It is not clear whether Fucus vesiculosus, another ingredient, or the combination of ingredients is responsible for this adverse effect. The product was not analyzed to determine the presence of any potential toxic contaminants.
Endocrine
...Orally, Fucus vesiculosus can cause or exacerbate hyperthyroidism due to its high iodine content (12789,13061,74217).
One case of hyperthyroidism has been reported for a 60-year-old patient taking lithium for bipolar disorder and a combination product containing Fucus vesiculosus 0.125 grams, cascara 0.170 grams, and Frangula 0.222 grams per tablet for laxative purposes. The patient had been taking one tablet of the combination laxative product daily for several years. Following discontinuation of the supplement, thyroid levels normalized (74217). Similar cases of hyperthyroidism have been reported for patients taking other seaweed-containing herbal supplements (Dream Shape; Ever Youth). Analyses of these supplements shows that these products contain triiodothyronine 1 mcg and thyroxine 3-4 mcg. In addition to seaweed, Dream Shape also contains hydrangea vine, maltose, chrysanthemum, Chinese matrimony vine, and sucrose, while Ever Youth contains radish, lotus leaf, chrysanthemum, hawthorn, senna tea, and Chinese matrimony vine (13061).
Orally, prolonged use of Fucus vesiculosus has been associated with hypothyroidism (13664). The iodine in Fucus vesiculosus can cause idiosyncratic reactions.
According to the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board, prolonged, high dietary intake of iodine is associated with goiter and an increased risk of thyroid cancer (7135).
Genitourinary ...A case of hemorrhagic cystitis characterized by dysuria and polyuria has been reported in a young adult who took a specific product (Slim-Kombu, Balestra and Mech) containing Fucus vesiculosus and 19 other herbal extracts orally for weight loss. Upon discontinuation, symptoms improved (46959). It is unclear if this effect was due to Fucus vesiculosus or other ingredients in the supplement.
Renal ...A case of hemorrhagic cystitis characterized by dysuria and polyuria has been reported in a young adult who took a specific product (Slim-Kombu, Balestra and Mech) containing Fucus vesiculosus and 19 other herbal extracts orally for weight loss. Upon discontinuation, symptoms improved (46959). It is unclear if this effect was due to Fucus vesiculosus or other ingredients in the supplement. Nephrotoxicity has been associated with oral intake of Fucus vesiculosus that was contaminated with arsenic (12800).
General
...Orally, taurine is generally well-tolerated when used in typical doses for up to one year.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Constipation, diarrhea, and dyspepsia.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals. Case reports raise concerns for serious adverse effects, but these reports have involved energy drinks containing taurine and other ingredients. It is unclear if these adverse effects are due to taurine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Cardiovascular ...Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure have been reported following the co-administration of taurine and caffeine, although the effects of taurine alone are unclear (77088). In healthy individuals, consumption of energy drinks containing taurine increased platelet aggregation and decreased endothelial function (77151). A case of cardiac arrest following strenuous exercise and an excessive intake of energy drinks containing caffeine and taurine has been reported (77136).
Endocrine ...Orally, taurine has been reported to cause hypoglycemia (77153).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, constipation has been reported following the administration of taurine (77231). Dyspepsia has also been reported after oral taurine use (104165).
Hematologic ...In clinical research, taurine reduced platelet aggregation (77245). A case of massive intravascular hemolysis, presenting with confusion, dark urine, dyspnea, emesis, and fever, has been reported following the administration of a naturopathic vitamin infusion containing taurine, free amino acids, magnesium, and a vitamin B and D complex (77177). However, the effects of taurine alone are unclear.
Immunologic ...A case report describes a hypersensitivity reaction in a female patient with a history of allergies to sulfonamides, sulfites, and various foods, after ingestion of taurine and other sulfur-containing supplements. The amount of taurine in the products ranged from 50-500 mg per dose. The allergic reaction recurred upon rechallenge with taurine 250-300 mg (91514).
Neurologic/CNS
...In a case study, encephalopathy occurred in a body-builder who took approximately 14 grams of taurine in combination with insulin and anabolic steroids.
It is not known if this was due to the taurine or the other drugs taken (15536).
Cases of seizures following the consumption of energy drinks containing taurine have been reported (77105,77196). In clinical research, taurine has been reported to cause drowsiness and ataxia in epileptic children (77241).
Psychiatric ...In a case report, a 36-year-old male with adequately controlled bipolar disorder was hospitalized with symptoms of mania after consuming several cans of an energy drink containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, B vitamins, and other ingredients (Red Bull Energy Drink) over a period of four days (14302). It is unknown if this effect was related to taurine.
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...In human research, an exacerbation of pulmonary symptoms of cystic fibrosis has been associated with taurine supplementation, although this could also be caused by progression of the disease (77231).
Renal ...A case of acute kidney failure has been reported following the concomitant intake of 1 liter of vodka and 3 liters of an energy drink providing taurine 4. 6 grams, caffeine 780 mg, and alcohol 380 grams (77185).