Apocynum Cannabinum 1 X • Berberis vulgaris 3 X • Copaiva officinalis 4 X • Helleborus niger 3 X • Juniperus communis 2 X • Petroselinum crispum convar. crispum • Smilax 4 X • Terebinthina 4 X. Other Ingredients: Alcohol, 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 Juniperus Similiaplex (Liquid). Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of black hellebore.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of Canadian hemp.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of juniper.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Juniperus Similiaplex (Liquid). Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Black hellebore contains cardiac glycosides with structure, activity, and adverse effects similar to digitalis (3).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally because it can have menstrual stimulant (19) or abortifacient effects (18); avoid using.
LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally (3); avoid using.
LIKELY UNSAFE . .when used orally. Contains cardiac glycosides that can cause toxicity (18). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of Canadian hemp when used topically.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally due to the toxic potential of its cardiac glycoside constituents (18); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Copaiba is approved as a food additive in the US (97997).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately (11).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in medicinal amounts. Copaiba balsam can irritate mucous membranes. Ingesting 5 grams can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting (18).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when the fruit is consumed orally in food amounts (13527). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of European barberry when used orally in medicinal amounts or when used topically.
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in newborns.
The berberine constituent of European barberry can cause kernicterus in newborns, particularly preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (2589). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of European barberry when used orally in older children.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Berberine is thought to cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine (2589).
LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Berberine and other harmful constituents can be transferred to the infant through breast milk (2589).
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Juniper, juniper berry, and juniper extract have Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically on limited areas of skin (12230). ...when the oil is used by inhalation and appropriately as aromatherapy (7107). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of juniper when used orally in doses of less than 10 grams of berries or 100 mg of oil daily, short-term. Juniper oil and berry have a long history of traditional use (12,103759).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive amounts or long-term. Use of daily doses greater than 10 grams of juniper berries (about 60 berries) or 100 mg of juniper essential oil, or prolonged oral use longer than 4 weeks, have been reported to increase the risk of severe adverse effects such as convulsions or kidney damage (8,19,103759).
PREGNANCY: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Juniper can increase uterine tone, interfere with fertility and implantation, and cause abortion (4,19).
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Parsley has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts, short-term (12,13173).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally in very large doses e., 200 grams). Parsley oil contains significant amounts of the potentially toxic constituents, apiole and myristicin (11). Apiole can cause blood dyscrasias, kidney toxicity, and liver toxicity; myristicin can cause giddiness and hallucinations (4). ...when parsley seed oil is used topically. Applying parsley seed oil to the skin can cause photodermatitis upon sun exposure (4). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the topical use of parsley leaf and root.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts.
Parsley has been used orally as an abortifacient and to stimulate menstrual flow (4,12,515,19104,92873). Population evidence suggests that maternal intake of An-Tai-Yin, an herbal combination product containing parsley and dong quai, during the first trimester increases the risk of congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system, connective tissue, and eyes (15129).
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Sarsaparilla has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of sarsaparilla when taken orally in medicinal amounts.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Juniperus Similiaplex (Liquid). Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Black hellebore contains cardiac glycosides. Using black hellebore in combination with digoxin might have additive effects and increase the risk of toxicity (18,19).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of potassium depleting diuretics and black hellebore can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion (506). Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of macrolide antibiotics and black hellebore might increase risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity (17). Some of these drugs include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of quinine and black hellebore can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity (506).
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Theoretically, overuse or misuse of stimulant laxatives can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion (19,506).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of tetracyclic antibiotics and black hellebore might increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity (17).
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Canadian hemp contains cardiac glycosides. Theoretically, concomitant use of Canadian hemp with digoxin (Lanoxin) might increase therapeutic effects and adverse effects (19).
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Canadian hemp contains cardiac glycosides. Theoretically, concomitant use of potassium depleting diuretics and Canadian hemp can increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion (19). Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.
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In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties (13527).
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Theoretically, European barberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs (98575). Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential (33622,33667). Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with cholinergic drugs might decrease the effects of cholinergic drugs.
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In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties (13527).
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Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
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Theoretically, concomitant use with cyclosporine may cause additive effects.
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Berberine, a constituent of European barberry, can reduce the metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. This effect is attributed to the ability of berberine to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine (13524). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.
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Theoretically, European barberry might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
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There is very preliminary evidence suggesting that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme (13524). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.
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Animal research suggests that juniper berry has hypoglycemic activity (4). Theoretically, taking juniper berry with antidiabetes medications might cause additive blood glucose reduction. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments to antidiabetes medications might be necessary.
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Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
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Juniper berry can cause the body to lose water. Theoretically, juniper berry might increase the effectiveness of diuretic therapy, causing the body to lose too much water and increasing the likelihood of experiencing side effects (4, 512).
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Some diuretic drugs include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.
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Juniper berry might have mild diuretic effects (4,512). Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, juniper berry might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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Animal research suggests that parsley has antiplatelet effects (68209). Theoretically, concomitant use of parsley with other anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs might reduce platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding.
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Some anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta) diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
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Animal research suggests that parsley might decrease blood sugar (13174,68131,68153,68162). Theoretically, parsley might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.
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Concomitant intake with parsley might augment parsley allergy. There is one case report of severe urticaria and swelling in a person with a known mild parsley allergy after consuming parsley and aspirin (5054).
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Laboratory research suggests that parsley can inhibit cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) (68176). Theoretically concomitant use may increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
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Some drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.
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Animal research suggests that parsley seed extract increases urine elimination (68119). Theoretically, parsley leaf and root might interfere with diuretic therapy due to aquaretic effects (512).
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Some diuretic drugs include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium), and others.
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Animal research suggests that parsley juice prolongs the action of pentobarbital, perhaps by decreasing cytochrome P450 levels (25362). It is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.
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Large quantities of parsley might increase sirolimus levels. In one case report, an adult female with a history of kidney transplant presented with elevated blood sirolimus levels, approximately 4-7 times greater than previous measures, after daily consumption of a juice containing approximately 30 grams of parsley for 7 days. Sirolimus levels returned to normal a week after the parsley juice was discontinued (106010).
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Theoretically, large amounts of parsley leaf and root might interfere with oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, due to vitamin K contained in parsley (19).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of sarsaparilla with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
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Theoretically, sarsaparilla might increase the effects and adverse effects of lithium.
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Sarsaparilla is thought to have diuretic properties (11). Due to these effects, sarsaparilla might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Juniperus Similiaplex (Liquid). 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, black hellebore can cause GI irritation and an irregular heartbeat (18,19).
The symptoms of poisoning from black hellebore include scratchy throat or mouth, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, shortness of breath, spasm, and asphyxiation (18).
Topically, the fresh plant may cause irritation or inflammation when handled (19).
Cardiovascular ...Orally, black hellebore can result in an irregular heartbeat. Black hellebore root contains cardioactive glycosides with digitalis-like effects (18).
Dermatologic ...Topically, the fresh black hellebore plant may cause irritation or inflammation when handled (19).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, black hellebore can cause GI irritation (19). The symptoms of poisoning from black hellebore include scratchy throat or mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (18).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, the symptoms of poisoning from black hellebore include salivation and dizziness (18).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, the symptoms of poisoning from black hellebore include shortness of breath, spasm, and asphyxiation (18).
General ...Orally, Canadian hemp can cause digitalis-like toxicity due to its cardiac glycoside constituents. Symptoms of toxicity can include bradycardia with hypotension, increased heart contractions, and reflex hypertension. Canadian hemp can also cause topical irritation of the gastrointestinal mucous membranes. This irritation can result in a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting than with other cardiac glycoside-containing plants (such as digitalis) (18).
Cardiovascular ...Orally, Canadian hemp might cause bradycardia with low blood pressure, increased heart contractions, and reflex hypertension (18).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, Canadian hemp can cause topical irritation of the gastrointestinal mucous membranes. This irritation can result in a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting than with other cardiac glycoside-containing plants (such as digitalis) (18).
General
...Orally, copaiba balsam is well tolerated when used as a food additive.
In doses of 5 grams or greater, copaiba balsam can cause serious adverse effects.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Contact dermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Doses of 5 grams or more have been reported to cause diarrhea, shivers, stomach pain, tremor, and vomiting.
Dermatologic ...When applied topically, copaiba balsam can cause contact dermatitis with erythema, a papular or vesicular rash, urticaria, and petechiae. The rash may leave brown spots after healing (18).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, copaiba balsam in single doses of 5 grams or more has been reported to cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea (11,18).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, copaiba balsam in repeated doses of 5 grams or more has been reported to cause shivering, tremor, and insomnia (18).
General ...European barberry is generally well tolerated when consumed in amounts commonly found in food. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted for the use of larger, medicinal amounts. Topically, European barberry seems to be well tolerated.
Hepatic ...Orally, a case of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia is reported in an adult male after consuming European barberry 15 drops and nannari root 15 drops twice a day for 2 weeks. The patient presented with lethargy, loss of appetite, and jaundice that progressed to high-grade fevers, chills, rigors, severe pancytopenia, and abnormal liver function tests. Liver biopsy was suggestive of drug-induced liver injury. The patient was hospitalized for multiple infections and symptomatic thrombocytopenia. Despite receiving supportive care, blood transfusions, and corticosteroids, the patient died 7 weeks after diagnosis (110021). The exact reason for this adverse effect is not clear.
General ...Orally and topically, juniper seems to be generally well tolerated when used short-term. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted. Most reported adverse effects are related to ingestion of excessive amounts of juniper berry oil. Symptoms of overdose include kidney pain and irritation, diuresis, albuminuria, hematuria, purplish urine, tachycardia, hypertension, convulsions, metrorrhagia, and abortion (4). Topically, juniper can cause skin irritation (4,103756). Repeated exposure to the juniper pollen can cause occupational allergies (6).
Dermatologic ...Topically, juniper can cause skin irritation. Signs of topical poisoning include burning, erythema, inflammation with blisters, and edema (4). Repeated exposure to the juniper pollen can cause occupational allergies that affect the skin (6). In a case report, a 62-year-old woman developed burn-like blistering lesions after carrying juniper in close contact to her skin. Concurrent sun exposure was thought to worsen the skin irritation caused by juniper (103756).
Genitourinary ...Orally, large amounts of the juniper berry can cause purplish urine (4).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Repeated exposure to the juniper pollen can cause occupational allergies that affect the respiratory tract (6).
General
...Orally, parsley seems to be well tolerated when used low to moderate doses.
In rare cases, allergy to parsley has been reported (92869,92870). In large doses (i.e., 200 grams) parsley oil may cause significant adverse effects due to its potentially toxic constituents, apiole and myristicin (11). Adverse effects specifically associated with more than 10 grams of the constituent apiole include hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia purpura, nephrosis, hepatic dysfunction, and kidney irritation (4). Adverse effects specifically associated with the constituent myristicin include giddiness, deafness, hallucinations, hypotension, bradycardia, paralysis, and fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys (4). Parsley oil can also cause contact photodermatitis with sun exposure (4).
Topically, parsley can cause contact photodermatitis (4).
Cardiovascular ...Parsley contains the potentially toxic constituent, myristicin, which can cause significant adverse effects at high doses (11). Adverse effects specifically associated with myristicin include hypotension and bradycardia (4).
Dermatologic
...Orally, parsley oil can cause contact photodermatitis with sun exposure (4).
Topically, parsley can cause contact photodermatitis (4).
Hematologic ...Parsley contains the potentially toxic constituent apiole, which can cause significant adverse effects at high doses (11). Adverse effects specifically associated with more than 10 grams of the constituent apiole include hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia purpura (4).
Hepatic ...Parsley contains the potentially toxic constituents, apiole and myristicin, which can cause significant adverse effects at high doses (11). Adverse effects specifically associated with more than 10 grams of the constituent apiole include hepatic dysfunction (4). Adverse effects specifically associated with the constituent myristicin include fatty degeneration of the liver (4).
Immunologic ...A case of anaphylaxis involving severe angioedema leading to unconsciousness has been reported in a woman who consumed parsley 45 minutes prior to symptoms. The patient responded to epinephrine, antihistamines, intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and 1 mg/kg methylprednisolone. The woman had consumed one cup of chopped parsley nearly every day for several years, but upon skin testing, the patient tested positive to parsley (92869). There is also a report of lip angioedema after consumption of raw parsley. The patient had anaphylaxis to raw arugula, and reported itchy red lesions after contact with the leaves of either raw parsley or arugula. The patient had positive skin prick tests to both plants. The reaction may have been due to oral allergy syndrome, as the patient could tolerate cooked arugula and parsley, but not raw (92870).
Ocular/Otic ...Parsley contains the potentially toxic constituent, myristicin, which can cause significant adverse effects at high doses (11). An adverse effect specifically associated with the constituent myristicin includes deafness (4).
Psychiatric ...Parsley contains the potentially toxic constituent, myristicin, which can cause significant adverse effects at high doses (11). Adverse effects specifically associated with the constituent myristicin include giddiness and hallucinations (4).
Renal ...Parsley contains the potentially toxic constituents, apiole and myristicin, which can cause significant adverse effects at high doses (11). Adverse effects specifically associated with more than 10 grams of the constituent apiole include nephrosis and kidney irritation (4). Adverse effects specifically associated with the constituent myristicin include fatty degeneration of the kidneys (4).
General ...Orally, sarsaparilla seems to be well tolerated.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, there is some concern that sarsaparilla may cause GI irritation when used in large amounts (11,18). However, these claims cannot be substantiated.
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Occupational exposure to sarsaparilla root dust can cause rhinitis and asthma symptoms (4111).
Renal ...Orally, there is some concern that sarsaparilla may cause temporary kidney impairment and diuresis, possibly leading to shock, when used in large amounts (11,18). However, these claims cannot be substantiated.