Antimonium crudum 12X • Argentum metallicum 12X • Artemisia absinthium 4X • Condurango marsdenia 4X • Jateorhiza palmata 4X • Laurus nobilis 4X • Menyanthes trifoliata 4X • Rhamnus frangula 4X. Other Ingredients: Ethanol, Purified Water.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
In 2004, Canada began regulating natural medicines as a category of products separate from foods or drugs. These products are officially recognized as "Natural Health Products." These products include vitamins, minerals, herbal preparations, homeopathic products, probiotics, fatty acids, amino acids, and other naturally derived supplements.
In order to be marketed in Canada, natural health products must be licensed. In order to be licensed in Canada, manufacturers must submit applications to Health Canada including information about uses, formulation, dosing, safety, and efficacy.
Products can be licensed based on several criteria. Some products are licensed based on historical or traditional uses. For example, if an herbal product has a history of traditional use, then that product may be acceptable for licensure. In this case, no reliable scientific evidence is required for approval.
For products with non-traditional uses, some level of scientific evidence may be required to support claimed uses. However, a high level of evidence is not necessarily required. Acceptable sources of evidence include at least one well-designed, randomized, controlled trial; well-designed, non-randomized trials; cohort and case control studies; or expert opinion reports.
Finished products licensed by Health Canada must be manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) as outlined by Health Canada.
This is a homeopathic preparation. Homeopathy is a system of medicine established in the 19th century by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Its basic principles are that "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, in homeopathy, diarrhea would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that normally causes diarrhea when taken in high doses.
Practitioners of homeopathy believe that more dilute preparations are more potent. Many homeopathic preparations are so diluted that they contain little or no active ingredient. Therefore, most homeopathic products are not expected to have any pharmacological effects, drug interactions, or other harmful effects. Any beneficial effects are controversial and cannot be explained by current scientific methods.
Dilutions of 1 to 10 are designated by an "X." So a 1X dilution = 1:10, 3X=1:1000; 6X=1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 1 to 100 are designated by a "C." So a 1C dilution = 1:100; 3C = 1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 24X or 12C or more contain zero molecules of the original active ingredient.
Homeopathic products are permitted for sale in the US due to legislation passed in 1938 sponsored by a homeopathic physician who was also a Senator. The law still requires that the FDA allow the sale of products listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. However, homeopathic preparations are not held to the same safety and effectiveness standards as conventional medicines. For more information, see the Homeopathy monograph.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 4. 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 bogbean.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of calumba.
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 Unda 4. 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 used orally and appropriately, short-term. Tea prepared with alder buckthorn bark 2 grams has been used with apparent safety for up to 8 days (12). Only properly aged bark should be used, and the recommended dose should not be exceeded (12).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally for more than 8 to 10 days (12). In 1993 the FDA removed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from alder buckthorn due to lack of safety data. Chronic use of anthraquinone laxatives, such as alder buckthorn, for 9 months or longer is associated with damage to gastrointestinal epithelial cells and pigmentation of the colonic mucosa, known as pseudomelanosis coli (30743,37266). There is some data linking this condition to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (30743,37266,37269), although there is also contradictory evidence that does not show a link (6138).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in children younger than 12 years of age (12); avoid using.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally (12); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts found in foods (12). The highest levels of bay leaf used in food are 0.1% as an herb and 0.02% as an oil (11).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the ground leaf is taken orally in doses up to 3 grams daily for 30 days (33849) or prepared as a tea in doses of 5 grams daily for 10 days (104766). ...when bay leaf extract is used topically in cosmetics (11).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when the whole, intact leaf is swallowed. The whole leaf is indigestible and can become lodged in the esophagus or hypopharynx (132,133,134,137). It may also perforate the intestinal lining (135,136).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using in amounts exceeding those commonly found in foods.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. The Council of Europe lists bogbean as a natural food flavoring (4).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in medicinal amounts (12).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive amounts. Bogbean leaf preparations can irritate the GI tract (4).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally due to the lack of toxicity information and its possible purgative action (4); avoid using.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of calumba.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally, topically, or intravenously. Total daily silver intake should not exceed 14 mcg/kg daily, or 980 mcg daily for a 70 kg person. Combining colloidal silver supplements with regular dietary intake of silver would likely result in exceeding this amount of silver. Silver accumulates in the body and can lead to an irreversible bluish skin discoloration known as argyria. Neurological deficits and diffuse silver deposition in visceral organs can also occur (5525,8148,8149,10647,10648,12092,92137,92138,92139,102575). In 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that there is no evidence for the safety or effectiveness of colloidal silver products (14255,92137).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally, topically, or intravenously.
Silver appears to cross the placenta (92140). Epidemiological evidence links increased silver levels to developmental anomalies of the ear, face, and neck (5525). Colloidal silver supplements can also lead to silver accumulation and an irreversible bluish skin discoloration known as argyria. Neurological deficits and diffuse silver deposition in visceral organs can also occur (5525,5526,8148,8149,10647,10648,12092,92137,92138,92139).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of condurango.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in the amounts commonly found in foods. Wormwood extracts are included in bitters, vermouth, absinthe, and other food or drink products (12814,15007). Wormwood products that are thujone-free have Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US (4912); however, products containing thujone might not be safe. Wormwood is described in the pharmacopoeia of various European countries. After being banned for a period of time, it is now allowed in European Union countries; however, beverages must not contain thujone in concentrations greater than 35 mg/kg (12814,15007,86551).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when wormwood products not containing thujone are used orally in medicinal amounts, short-term (93468,93469). A specific product
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when wormwood products containing thujone are used orally. Thujone is a neurotoxin that is present in wormwood oil (12617). Seizures, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney failure can occur when as little as 10 mL of wormwood oil is ingested (662,12817).
PREGNANCY:
LIKELY UNSAFE .
.when used orally in amounts greater than those found in foods (662,12817). Some wormwood products contain thujone, a neurotoxin. Theoretically, thujone also has potential uterine and menstrual stimulant effects (12617). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of wormwood when used topically during pregnancy.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 4. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of corticosteroids with alder buckthorn can increase the risk of potassium depletion (2).
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Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, potassium depletion associated with alder buckthorn might increase the risk of digoxin toxicity (19).
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Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, overuse of alder buckthorn might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss (19). There is some concern that people taking alder buckthorn along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.
Details
Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.
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Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxative medications might compound fluid and electrolyte loss (19).
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Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. In some people alder buckthorn can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of alder buckthorn.
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Concomitant use of bay leaf with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
Preliminary clinical research shows that bay leaf can lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes who are already taking antidiabetes medication (33849). Advise patients to monitor glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
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Theoretically, taking bay leaf in large amounts may enhance the therapeutic and adverse effects of sedatives.
Details
Bay leaf contains methyl eugenol. Animal research shows that methyl eugenol has sedative properties (11). Avoid concomitant use.
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Theoretically, calumba might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.
Details
There are reports that calumba increases stomach acid (19).
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Theoretically, calumba might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Details
There are reports that calumba increases stomach acid (19).
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Theoretically, calumba might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Details
There are reports that calumba increases stomach acid (19).
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Theoretically, taking wormwood might interfere with the effects of anticonvulsant drugs.
Details
Thujone, a constituent of wormwood, has convulsant effects (12816).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 4. 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, alder buckthorn seems to be well tolerated when properly aged bark is used appropriately for no more than 8 to 10 days (12). Adverse effects include cramp-like discomfort (2). Chronic use, especially for 9 months or longer, is associated with damage to gastrointestinal epithelial cells and pigmentation of the colonic mucosa, known as pseudomelanosis coli (30743,37266). There is some data linking this condition to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (30743,37266,37269), although there is also contradictory evidence which does not show a link (6138). Alder buckthorn has also been associated with potassium depletion, albuminuria, and hematuria when used orally (2).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, adverse effects include cramp-like discomfort (2). Chronic use, especially for 9 months or longer, is associated with damage to gastrointestinal epithelial cells and pigmentation of the colonic mucosa, known as pseudomelanosis coli (30743,37266). The fresh bark contains free anthrone, which can cause severe vomiting. This constituent is destroyed by aging the bark naturally for one year or artificially with heat and aeration (2).
Genitourinary ...Orally, adverse effects to alder buckthorn include albuminuria and hematuria (2).
Oncologic ...Orally, there is also some data linking pseudomelanosis coli to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (30743,37266,37269), although there is also contradictory evidence which does not show a link (6138).
General
...Orally, bay leaf is well tolerated when used in amounts found in foods and seems to be well tolerated when the leaf powder is used as medicine.
However, the whole, intact leaf can cause severe adverse effects. Topically, bay leaf seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Allergic reactions, contact dermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Choking or perforated intestinal lining when the whole, intact leaf is consumed.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, the whole, intact leaf is indigestible and can become lodged in the esophagus and hypopharynx (132,133,134,137,33784,33866), and perforate the intestinal lining or other areas of the digestive tract (135,136,33812,33868,33872).
Immunologic ...Bay leaf can cause allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis (15571,33791,33864). In one case, allergic contact dermatitis occurred with a positive skin test after use of a massage oil containing bay leaf (15571). Another patient developed erythematous plaques on the elbow after applying bay leaves with a topical occlusion for 2 days. The dermatitis resolved after a two-week course of topical corticosteroids (104767).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Inhalation of bay leaf may cause occupational asthma, as confirmed by several challenges (783).
General ...Orally, bogbean seems to be generally well tolerated (4). Excessive doses of bogbean can irritate the GI tract, and cause diarrhea, pain, nausea, and vomiting (4).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, excessive doses of bogbean can irritate the GI tract and cause diarrhea, pain, nausea, and vomiting (4).
General ...There is limited information available about the adverse effects of calumba when used in medicinal amounts.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large doses of calumba may cause vomiting and epigastric pain (18).
General
...Orally, topically, or via inhalation, colloidal silver can cause serious adverse effects.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
All routes of administration: An irreversible deposition of silver in the skin and mucous membranes with chronic use or high doses can cause a grey-blue discoloration known as argyria. Colloidal silver has also been associated with vision loss and organ damage.
Dermatologic ...Orally, topically, or via inhalation, long-term use of colloidal silver can lead to an irreversible deposition of silver compounds in the mucous membranes, skin, and nails. This condition, which is known as argyria, has been described in numerous case reports (5525,8148,8149,10647,10648,12092,44474,44493,44498,44501)(44514,44523,44528,44538,44540,44547,44593,44638,44649,44726)(44788,44825,44815,92137,92138,92139,96760,102571,102572,102573)(102575,112289). Argyria is characterized by a blueish-gray discoloration which occurs when the silver compounds from colloidal silver are reduced to elemental silver (44474,92139). Since sunlight catalyzes the reduction of silver compounds to elemental silver, sun exposed regions are usually most affected (92138,92139). The blueish-gray discoloration also occurs because colloidal silver can stimulate melanin production in skin (92139). Argyria typically first appears in the gingiva with a slate-blue silver line (5525). It can also occur in the fingernails, where it may be an early sign of silver ingestion and is also known as azure lunula (8149,10648,112289). Argyria usually occurs after ingestion of 4-5 grams of colloidal silver (92138). Although the blueish-gray discoloration associated with argyria is permanent, laser treatment may be used to lighten the skin (92139).
Hematologic ...Intravenously, severe anemia and leukopenia with elevated serum ferritin have been reported in various patients given colloidal silver. In one case, a 30‐year‐old female experienced severe anemia after receiving 48 infusions with a specific colloidal silver marketed for oral use (Argentyn 23). The infusions provided silver 883 mg and were administered over 3 months. The patient was treated for anemia with oral copper, as well as four apheresis treatments. Similar symptoms occurred in other females who were treated with oral copper and repeated blood transfusions. The anemia associated with colloidal silver is related to a decline in serum levels of copper, which is needed for the production of hemoglobin (102570).
Hepatic ...Orally and intravenously, hepatotoxicity has been reported. A 64-year-old male experienced cholelithiasis with acute encephalopathy after repeated oral dosing with colloidal silver providing 2838 ppm of silver over 4 hours (102572). Intravenously, elevated liver enzymes, up to 150 times normal, have been reported in a 30‐year‐old female who received 48 infusions with a specific colloidal silver marketed for oral use (Argentyn 23) providing silver 883 mg over 3 months (102570).
Neurologic/CNS ...At least two cases of myoclonic seizures have been reported after the use of homemade colloidal silver preparations (44485,44649). In one case, myoclonic status epilepticus and coma occurred secondary to consumption of a homemade colloidal silver drink (Schaffer's Health Center Ltd., Unity). The patient had consumed at least one ounce daily for 4 months. The seizures did not respond to benzodiazepines, valproate, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or propofol. The patient required mechanical ventilation and remained in a coma in the intensive care unit for 50 days (44485). In another case, myoclonic seizures and aspiration pneumonia occurred in a 75-year-old male who ingested "several spoons" of homemade colloidal silver up to 4 times daily whenever he "felt a cold coming on" for 4 years. The seizures were treated with clonazepam, and after being hospitalized for 2 months, he was discharged to a nursing home (44649). A more recent case report describes a 70-year-old male hospitalized after exhibiting expressive aphasia, focal seizure followed by generalized seizure, hypertension, encephalopathy, and an abnormal electroencephalogram. The patient had been self-medicating with colloidal silver 1 ounce daily, and blood tests revealed silver levels nearly 16 times that of normal. Extensive tests could not identify any other probable cause other than the silver use. The patient recovered and was discharged on levetiracetam, which was well tolerated at 2 months follow-up. The colloidal silver was a home-made electrolysis preparation using direct current, silver anodes, and steam distilled water (112290).
Ocular/Otic ...Chronic ingestion or inhalation of colloidal silver may cause silver deposition in the eye. This condition is known as ocular argyrosis, which is characterized by a blueish-gray discoloration of the eye (44514,102571). In one case report, chronic use of oral colloidal silver over 9 years resulted in a 2-week history of loss of vision in one eye (102571). Topically, use of eye drops containing colloidal silver can also cause this condition (44821). In one report, a case of ocular argyrosis reportedly occurred in a patient with long-standing herpetic keratitis after only one treatment with eye drops consisting of a 1% solution of colloidal silver (44822).
Oncologic ...Orally, chronic intake of colloidal silver over a 10-year period may have caused bone marrow damage, possibly contributing to the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a 72-year-old male. The patient died of respiratory failure related to recurrent pneumonia (102574).
Renal ...Orally, glomerulonephritis has been reported in a 47-year-old female who took colloidal silver to treat her T-cell lymphoma. She was treated with hemodialysis, intravenous methylprednisolone, and intravenous cyclophosphamide (102575).
General
...There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of condurango.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in individuals sensitive to latex.
Immunologic ...Orally, condurango bark has been associated with allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in individuals sensitive to latex (1500,1501).
General
...Wormwood contains thujone, a neurotoxin.
When products containing thujone are used orally in medicinal amounts, wormwood may be unsafe.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: The oil from wormwood leaves can cause diffuse muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: The oil from wormwood leaves can cause acute kidney toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures.
Dermatologic ...Topically, a single case report describes a sensitivity or first degree chemical burn reaction, with facial pain and erythema, after a 50-year-old adult applied a homemade poultice containing wormwood to the face for an unreported length of time (93466).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, the oil from wormwood leaves can cause nausea and vomiting (662). Use of a home-prepared wormwood extract has been associated with vomiting and severe diarrhea in an infant (93467).
Hematologic ...Orally, use of a home-prepared wormwood extract has been associated with severe metabolic acidosis in an infant (93467).
Immunologic ...Theoretically, wormwood might cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family (12815). Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, the oil from wormwood leaves can cause diffuse muscle aches and rhabdomyolysis (662).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, the oil from wormwood leaves can cause seizures (662).
Renal ...Orally, the oil from wormwood leaves can cause acute kidney toxicity and acute kidney failure (662).
Other ...Chronic ingestion of absinthe, an alcoholic beverage that contains wormwood extract, has been linked to absinthism. Absinthism was first described in the 1800s when absinthe was at its peak levels of consumption. It has been characterized by addiction, gastrointestinal adverse effects, insomnia, auditory and visual hallucinations, tremors, paralysis, epilepsy, and brain damage. There is also increased risk of psychiatric disease and suicide (662,12814,15008). Increasing thujone concentrations of absinthe increases anxiety and decreases attention in healthy individuals (86541). A case of bradyarrhythmias associated with absinthe intoxication has also been reported (86543). However, there is speculation that some of the symptoms of absinthism originally described might be attributed to adulteration with metals or toxic plants such as calamus and tansy, rather than the ingredients usually used in absinthe drinks (15007). Some researchers also suggest that absinthism is not a unique condition and is indistinguishable from alcohol use disorder. In fact, some evidence suggests that the thujone concentrations in the absinthe formulations from the 1800s were too low to cause significant thujone-related toxicities (15008,15009).