Each capsule (550 mg) contains: Dried, Organically Grown Marshmallow root (althea officinalis) 61 mg • Dried, Wildcrafted Wild Indigo root (baptisia tinctoria) 61 mg • Dried, Wildcrafted Germanium root (geranium maculatum) 61 mg • Fresh Freeze-Dried, Wildcrafted Goldenseal root (hydrastis canadensis) 61 mg • Dried, Wildcrafted Slippery Elm inner bark (ulmus fulva) 61 mg • Fresh Freeze-Dried, Organically Grown Ginger root (zingiber officinale) 61 mg • Fresh Freeze-Dried Okra fruit (hibiscus esculentus) 61 mg • Niacinamide 61 mg • Duodenum powder 61 mg.
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 Bastyr Formula. 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
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 Bastyr Formula. 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 SAFE ...when the seed is used orally in the amounts commonly found in food (11). Ambrette has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of ambrette when used orally or topically in medicinal amounts.
PREGNANCY:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally or topically.
Ambrette passes into mother's milk (6), but the effect is unknown.
LIKELY SAFE ...when germanium is ingested in amounts typically found in food 4-3.4 mg daily) (557,51753).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when products containing organometallic forms of germanium are used orally or intravenously. There is no known biological requirement for germanium in humans, and intake of any form can increase germanium levels in the body well above normal. Renal failure, multi-organ dysfunction, pulmonary toxicity, and neurotoxicity have all been reported in patients using organometallic forms of germanium (10043,10044).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when inorganic germanium compounds, such as germanium oxide are taken orally; avoid using. There have been more than 30 reports of renal tubular cell damage with renal failure, hepatic steatosis, lactic acidosis, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and degeneration of the dorsal column of the spinal cord. These toxic effects can be irreversible and have led to several deaths. Daily doses of elemental germanium associated with toxicity have ranged from 30-961 mg, with total cumulative doses of 15-328 grams consumed over 1 to 42 months (557,10040,10041,10042,10044,10052,10072,10073,10074,51747)(51748,51749,51751,51752,51753) (51755,51762,104529).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally due to reported toxicity (557,10051); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Ginger has been safely used in multiple clinical trials (721,722,723,5343,7048,7084,7085,7400,7623,11346)(12472,13080,13237,13244,17369,17928,17929,89889,89890,89894)(89895,89898,89899,90102,96252,96253,96259,96260,96669) (101760,101761,101762,103359,107903).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately, short-term (89893,89897).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term.
Ginger powder has been used with apparent safety at a dose of up to 750 mg daily for 4 days in girls aged 14-18 years (96255).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used for medicinal purposes.
Despite some early reports of adverse effects (721,7083) and one observational study suggesting that taking dried ginger and other herbal supplements during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy marginally increased the chance of stillbirth (96254), most research shows that ginger is unlikely to cause harm to the baby. The risk for major malformations in infants of parents who took ginger when pregnant does not appear to be higher than the baseline rate of 1% to 3% (721,1922,5343,11346,13071,13080,96254). Also, other research suggests that ginger intake during various trimesters does not significantly affect the risk of spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, stillbirth, perinatal death, preterm birth, low birth weight, or low Apgar scores (18211,90103). Ginger use has been associated with an increase in non-severe vaginal bleeding, including spotting, after week 17 of pregnancy (18211).
LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of ginger when used for medicinal purposes; avoid amounts greater than those found in foods.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately as a single dose (260,261). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of goldenseal when used as more than a single dose.
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in newborns.
The berberine constituent of goldenseal can cause kernicterus in newborns, particularly preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (2589).
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 goldenseal (2589).
LACTATION:
LIKELY UNSAFE when used orally.
Berberine and other harmful constituents can be transferred to the infant through breast milk (2589). Use during lactation can cause kernicterus in the newborn and several resulting fatalities have been reported (2589).
LIKELY SAFE ...when marshmallow root and leaf are used in amounts commonly found in foods. Marshmallow root has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when marshmallow root and leaf are used orally in medicinal amounts (4,12). ...when used topically (4,62020). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of marshmallow flower.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available.
LIKELY SAFE ...when prescription products are used orally and appropriately (12033). ...when niacinamide supplements are taken orally in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) set by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The UL of niacinamide is 30 mg daily for adults 18 years of age and 35 mg daily for adults 19 years and older (6243).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in doses greater than 30 mg but less than 900 mg daily. The European Food Safety Authority has set the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of niacinamide at 900 mg daily (104937). However, oral niacinamide has been safely used in doses up to 1500 mg daily for 12 weeks in some clinical trials (25561,94188,98940,107709,110502). ...when used topically and appropriately for up to 12 weeks (5940,93360,110498,110501).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Niacinamide has been safely used in children for up to 7 years in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) (4874,9957). The UL of niacinamide for children by age is: 1-3 years, 10 mg daily; 4-8 years, 15 mg daily; 9-13 years, 20 mg daily; 14-18 years, 30 mg daily (6243).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts that do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for niacinamide.
The UL of niacinamide during pregnancy and lactation is 30 mg daily for those 14-18 years of age and 35 mg daily for those 19 years and older (6243). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of larger oral doses of niacinamide or topical niacinamide; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately (4,12,272,512,1740).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Slippery elm bark has historically been inserted into the cervix to induce abortion. As a result, slippery elm has been reported in some sources to have abortifacient activity. However, there is no reliable information available about whether slippery elm has abortifacient activity when taken orally.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally in large doses. Wild indigo is considered poisonous when consumed in doses of about 30 grams (12,19).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally or topically due to its toxic potential (12,19).
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Bastyr Formula. 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, concomitant use of ambrette with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Details
Laboratory research suggests that ginger inhibits thromboxane synthetase and decreases platelet aggregation (7622,12634,20321,20322,20323,96257). However, this has not been demonstrated unequivocally in humans, with mixed results from clinical trials (96257). Theoretically, excessive amounts of ginger might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
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Theoretically, taking ginger with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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Theoretically, taking ginger with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
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Some animal and in vitro research suggests that ginger has hypotensive and calcium channel-blocking effects (12633). Another animal study shows that concomitant administration of ginger and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine leads to greater reductions in blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone (107901).
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Theoretically, when taken prior to cyclosporine, ginger might decrease cyclosporine levels.
Details
In an animal model, ginger juice taken 2 hours prior to cyclosporine administration reduced the maximum concentration and area under the curve of cyclosporine by 51% and 40%, respectively. This effect was not observed when ginger juice and cyclosporine were administered at the same time (20401).
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Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
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In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP1A2 activity (111544). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2B6 substrates.
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In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2B6 activity (111544). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
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In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2C9 activity (111544). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
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In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP3A4 activity (111544). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of losartan and the risk of hypotension.
Details
In animal research, ginger increased the levels and hypotensive effects of a single dose of losartan (102459). It is not clear if ginger alters the concentration or effects of losartan when taken continuously. Additionally, this interaction has not been shown in humans.
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Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of metronidazole.
Details
In an animal model, ginger increased the absorption and plasma half-life of metronidazole. In addition, the elimination rate and clearance of metronidazole was significantly reduced (20350).
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Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and increase the risk of bleeding if used with nifedipine.
Details
Clinical research shows that combined treatment with ginger 1 gram plus nifedipine 10 mg significantly inhibits platelet aggregation when compared to nifedipine or ginger alone (20324).
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Theoretically, ginger might increase the absorption and blood levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
Details
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits drug efflux by P-gp, potentially increasing absorption and serum levels of P-gp substrates (111544).
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Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with phenprocoumon.
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Phenprocoumon, a warfarin-related anticoagulant, might increase the international normalized ratio (INR) when taken with ginger. There is one case report of a 76-year-old woman with a stable INR on phenprocoumon that increased to greater than 10 when she began consuming dried ginger and ginger tea (12880).
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Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Details
Laboratory research suggests that ginger might inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation (7622,12634,20321,20322,20323). In one case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with phenprocoumon, which has similar pharmacological effects as warfarin (12880). In another case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with a combination of warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, and acetaminophen (20349). A longitudinal analysis suggests that taking ginger increases the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin for at least 4 months (20348). However, research in healthy people suggests that ginger has no effect on INR, or the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin (12881,15176). Until more is known, monitor INRs closely in patients taking large amounts of ginger.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
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Goldenseal contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can have hypotensive effects (33692,34308). Also, an analysis of clinical research shows that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone (91956). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
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In vitro research shows that goldenseal root extract can modestly inhibit CYP2C9. This effect may be due to its alkaloid constituents, hydrastine and berberine (21117). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
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Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
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In vitro research shows that goldenseal root extract can inhibit the activity of CYP2E1 (94140). However, this effect has not been reported in humans.
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Goldenseal might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Details
Most clinical and in vitro research shows that goldenseal inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity and increases serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates, such as midazolam (6450,13536,21117,91740,111725). However, in one small clinical study, goldenseal did not affect the levels of indinavir, a CYP3A4 substrate, in healthy volunteers (10690,93578). This is likely due to the fact that indinavir has a high oral bioavailability, making it an inadequate probe for CYP3A4 interactions (13536,91740) and/or that it is primarily metabolized by hepatic CYP3A, while goldenseal has more potential to inhibit intestinal CYP3A enzyme activity (111725). Both goldenseal extract and its isolated constituents berberine and hydrastine inhibit CYP3A, with hydrastine possibly having more inhibitory potential than berberine (111725).
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Details
Goldenseal contains berberine. A small clinical study shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan (34279).
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Goldenseal might increase serum levels of digoxin, although this effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.
Details
Clinical research shows that goldenseal modestly increases digoxin peak levels by about 14% in healthy volunteers. However, goldenseal does not seem to affect other pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC) (15132). This suggests that goldenseal does not cause a clinically significant interaction with digoxin. Digoxin is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Some evidence suggests that goldenseal constituents might affect P-glycoprotein; however, it is unclear whether these constituents inhibit or induce P-glycoprotein.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might decrease the conversion of losartan to its active form.
Details
Goldenseal contains berberine. A small clinical study shows that berberine inhibits cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduces the metabolism of losartan (34279). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might reduce blood levels of metformin.
Details
In vitro research shows that goldenseal extract decreases the bioavailability of metformin, likely by interfering with transport, intestinal permeability, or other processes involved in metformin absorption. It is unclear which, if any, of metformin's transporters are inhibited by goldenseal. Goldenseal does not appear to alter the clearance or half-life of metformin (105764).
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Theoretically, goldenseal might reduce the therapeutic effects of oseltamivir by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Details
In vitro evidence suggests that goldenseal reduces the formation of the active compound from the prodrug oseltamivir (105765). The mechanism of action and clinical relevance is unclear.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase or decrease serum levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
Details
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of goldenseal on P-gp. In vitro research suggests that berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, modestly inhibits P-gp efflux. Other evidence suggests that berberine induces P-gp. In healthy volunteers, goldenseal modestly increases peak levels of the P-gp substrate digoxin by about 14%. However, it does not seem to affect other pharmacokinetic parameters such as area under the curve (AUC) (15132). This suggests that goldenseal is not a potent inhibitor of P-gp-mediated drug efflux. Until more is known, goldenseal should be used cautiously with P-gp substrates.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Details
Animal research shows that berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (13519). However, this effect has not been reported with goldenseal.
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Theoretically, goldenseal might increase serum levels of tacrolimus.
Details
Goldenseal contains berberine. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of tacrolimus dosing to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL (91954).
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Theoretically, marshmallow flower might have antiplatelet effects.
Details
Animal research suggests that marshmallow flower extract has antiplatelet effects (92846). However, the root and leaf of marshmallow, not the flower, are the plant parts most commonly found in dietary supplements. Theoretically, use of marshmallow flower with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs can have additive effects, and might increase the risk for bleeding in some patients.
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Theoretically, due to potential diuretic effects, marshmallow might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
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Marshmallow is thought to have diuretic properties. To avoid lithium toxicity, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when used with marshmallow.
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Theoretically, mucilage in marshmallow might impair absorption of oral drugs.
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Theoretically, niacinamide may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, especially in patients on hemodialysis.
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Niacinamide might increase the levels and adverse effects of carbamazepine.
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Plasma levels of carbamazepine were increased in two children given high-dose niacinamide, 60-80 mg/kg/day. This might be due to inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in carbamazepine metabolism (14506). There is not enough data to determine the clinical significance of this interaction.
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Niacinamide might increase the levels and adverse effects of primidone.
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Case reports in children suggest niacinamide 60-100 mg/kg/day reduces hepatic metabolism of primidone to phenobarbital, and reduces the overall clearance rate of primidone (14506); however, there is not enough data to determine the clinical significance of this potential interaction.
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Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.
Details
Slippery elm inner bark contains mucilage, which may interfere with the absorption of orally administered drugs (19).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Bastyr Formula. 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, germanium is well tolerated in amounts typically found in the diet, 0. 4-3.4 mg daily (557,51753). However, there have been more than 30 reports of renal tubular cell damage with renal failure, hepatic steatosis, lactic acidosis, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and degeneration of the dorsal column of the spinal cord, in some cases leading to death, when organic or inorganic germanium compounds are taken orally (557,10040,10041,10042,10043,10044,10052,10072,10073,10074)(51747,51748,51749,51751,51752,51753)(51755,51762,104529).
Dermatologic ...Orally, one case of skin rash has been reported for a 38-year-old woman who had taken 600 mg of a germanium preparation as an elixir daily for 18 months. The preparation was found to be mainly germanium dioxide with some organic compound present (51762).
Hematologic ...Orally, germanium can cause anemia (557).
Hepatic ...Orally, germanium has caused hepatic steatosis (557,10042,10073).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, muscle weakness or myopathy are among the most common symptoms of germanium toxicity (557,10040). In one case report, a 38-year-old woman presented with myopathy after taking 600 mg of a germanium preparation daily for 18 months as an elixir. The preparation was found to be mainly germanium dioxide with some organic compound present (51762).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, germanium has caused peripheral neuropathy (557). Intravenously, transient lethargy, dizziness, visual blurring, and ataxia were the main adverse effects to the organic compound, spirogermanium. Less common adverse effects were persistent loss of taste and weakness, and a seizure. At doses above 250 mg/m2 daily tremors and mental confusion are more severe (10038,10049,51770).
Psychiatric ...Orally, depression occurred in two patients receiving an organometallic preparation of germanium called propagermanium 30 mg daily (51746).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Intravenously, two cases of pulmonary toxicity have been reported for patients taking an organometallic preparation of germanium called spirogermanium (10044).
Renal ...Orally, germanium can cause renal tubular degeneration and renal failure (557,10041,10042,10044,10073,10074,51740,51751,51753,51762). In one case report, a 38-year-old woman presented with renal failure eventually leading to death after taking 600 mg of a germanium preparation daily for 18 months as an elixir. The preparation was found to be mainly germanium dioxide with some organic compound present (51762). In another case, severe lactic acidosis causing death was thought to be related to renal tubular degeneration leading to renal failure (10073).
General
...Orally, ginger is generally well tolerated.
However, higher doses of 5 grams per day increase the risk of side effects and reduce tolerability. Topically, ginger seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal discomfort, burping, diarrhea, heartburn, and a pepper-like irritant effect in the mouth and throat. However, some of these mild symptoms may be reduced by ingesting encapsulated ginger in place of powdered ginger.
Topically: Dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Cardiovascular ...Orally, use of ginger resulted in mild arrhythmia in one patient in a clinical trial (16306).
Dermatologic
...Orally, ginger can cause hives (17933), as well as bruising and flushing (20316) or rash (20316).
Topically, ginger can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals (12635,46902).
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, common side effects of ginger include nausea (17933,22602,89898,101761), belching (10380,103359), dry mouth (103359), dry retching (10380), vomiting (10380), burning sensation (10380), oral numbness (22602), abdominal discomfort (5343,89898,96253), heartburn (5343,7624,12472,16306,20316,51845,89894,89895,89898,89899)(101760,101761,101762,111543), diarrhea (5343,101760), constipation (89898,101760,101761), or a transient burning or "chilly hot" sensation of the tongue and throat (52076).
Orally, Number Ten, a specific product composed of rhubarb, ginger, astragalus, red sage, and turmeric, can increase the incidence of loose stools (20346).
Four cases of small bowel obstruction due to ginger bolus have been reported following the ingestion of raw ginger without sufficient mastication (chewing). In each case, the bolus was removed by enterotomy. Ginger is composed of cellulose and therefore is resistant to digestion. It can absorb water, which may cause it to swell and become lodged in narrow areas of the digestive tract (52115).
Genitourinary ...In one clinical trial, some patients reported increased menstrual bleeding while taking a specific ginger extract (Zintoma, Goldaru) 250 mg four times daily orally for 3 days (17931). An "intense" urge to urinate after 30 minutes was reported in two of eight patients given 0.5-1 gram of ginger (7624). However, this effect has not been corroborated elsewhere. Dysuria, flank pain, perineal pain, and urinary stream interruption have been reported in a 43-year-old male who drank ginger tea, containing 2-3 teaspoons of dry ginger, daily over 15 years. The adverse effects persisted for 4 years and were not associated with increases in urinary frequency or urgency. Upon discontinuing ginger, the patient's symptoms began to improve within one week and completely resolved after eight weeks, with no relapses six months later (107902).
Immunologic ...In one case report, a 59-year-old Japanese female with multiple allergic sensitivities developed pruritus and then anaphylactic shock after taking an oral ginger-containing herbal supplement for motion sickness (Keimei Gashinsan, Keimeido). The patient had used this supplement previously for over 20 years with no allergic reaction. The authors theorized the development of a cross-reactivity to ginger after the use of an oral supplement containing zedoary and turmeric, which are also in the Zingiberaceae family (102463).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, ginger may cause sedation, drowsiness, or dizziness (16306,17933,51845).
General
...There is limited reliable information available about the safety of goldenseal when used in more than a single dose.
Berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, is generally well tolerated when used orally.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, can cause abdominal distension, abdominal pain, bitter taste, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Dermatologic ...Orally, berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, may cause rash. However, this appears to be rare (34285). A case of photosensitivity characterized by pruritic, erythematous rash on sun-exposed skin has been reported in a 32-year-old female taking a combination product containing goldenseal, ginseng, bee pollen, and other ingredients. The rash resolved following discontinuation of the supplement and treatment with corticosteroids (33954). It is not clear if this adverse effect is due to goldenseal, other ingredients, or the combination.
Endocrine ...A case of severe, reversible hypernatremia has been reported in an 11-year-old female with new-onset type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis who took a goldenseal supplement (52592).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, may cause diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and bitter taste (33648,33689,34245,34247,34285,91953). Theoretically, these effects may occur in patients taking goldenseal. However, this hasn't been reported in clinical research or case reports.
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, berberine, a constituent of goldenseal, may cause headache when taken in a dose of 5 mg/kg daily (33648). Theoretically, this may occur with goldenseal, but this hasn't been reported in clinical research or case reports.
General ...Orally and topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
General
...Orally, niacinamide is well tolerated in amounts typically found in food.
When used topically and orally in higher doses, niacinamide seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Dizziness, drowsiness, itching, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and rash.
Topically: Burning sensation, itching, and mild dermatitis.
Dermatologic ...Orally, large doses of niacinamide are associated with occasional reports of rashes, itching, and acanthosis nigricans (4880,11695,11697,14504,107709). Topically, application of niacinamide in a cream has been reported to cause a burning sensation, itching and pruritus, crusting, and mild dermatitis (93357,93360,110501,110498).
Endocrine ...Orally, niacinamide in high doses, 50 mg/kg daily, has been associated with modestly higher insulin requirements in patients with type 1 diabetes, when compared with taking niacinamide 25 mg/kg daily. Theoretically, high-dose niacinamide might increase insulin resistance, although to a lesser extent than niacin (4881,14512).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large doses of niacinamide can cause gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea, vomiting, heartburn, anorexia, epigastric pain, flatulence, and diarrhea (6243,11694,11695,11696,11697,107709).
Hematologic ...Orally, niacinamide supplementation might increase the risk for thrombocytopenia in patients undergoing hemodialysis (98940,107709). A meta-analysis of small clinical studies shows that taking niacinamide during hemodialysis to reduce phosphate levels is associated with a 2.8-fold increased risk for thrombocytopenia when compared with placebo. In one of the included studies, platelet levels returned to normal within 20 days after niacinamide discontinuation (98940).
Hepatic ...Orally, older reports of elevated liver function tests with high doses of niacinamide (3 grams or more daily) have raised concerns about liver toxicity. However, newer studies have not reported this concern; it is possible that some of these cases were due to contamination with niacin (4880,11694,11695,14503).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, large doses of niacinamide can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches (11694,11695,11696,11697,107709).
General ...Orally, slippery elm seems to be well tolerated. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes with topical use of slippery elm has not been conducted.
Dermatologic ...Topically, slippery elm extracts can cause contact dermatitis. The pollen is an allergen (6). Contact dermatitis and urticaria have been reported after exposure to slippery elm or an oleoresin contained in the slippery elm bark (75131).
General ...Orally, large doses of wild indigo are considered poisonous and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal complaints, and spasms (12). Wild indigo has also been studied in combination with other herbal extracts.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large doses of wild indigo can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal complaints (12).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, large doses of wild indigo are considered poisonous and can cause spasms (12).