Ancient Nutrients Vitamin K2 90 mcg by Ancient Nutrition

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for allergic rhinitis. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific astragalus root extract standardized to contain 40% polysaccharides (Lectranal, Milsing d.o.o.) 160 mg orally twice daily for 3-6 weeks improves symptoms such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching when compared with placebo in adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis (17355).
• Amenorrhea. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One preliminary clinical study shows that taking a liquid decoction containing astragalus 30 grams, dong quai 30 grams, zizyphus 10 fruits, horny goat weed 15 grams, dodder 30 grams, and three slices of ginger, daily in two divided doses for 3 months, can increase menstrual frequency when compared to baseline in patients with amenorrhea (33050). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group. Additionally, it is unclear if this effect is due to astragalus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Angina. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for angina. Details: A preliminary clinical trial shows that taking astragalus 20 grams orally three times daily for 2 weeks can improve cardiac output, but not diastolic function, when compared to baseline in patients with angina (33063). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Anthracycline cardiotoxicity. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for preventing cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines. Oral astragalus has not been evaluated for this use. Details: A large unblinded clinical study in patients with breast cancer or lymphoma receiving a chemotherapy regimen containing epirubicin shows that intravenous use of astragalus 500 mg daily for 14 days during 2 courses of chemotherapy modestly attenuates the decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and reduces the occurrence of cardiotoxicity when compared with standard care (110479). However, this study was conducted in China, which limits the generalizability of its results.
• Aplastic anemia. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for aplastic anemia. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients 15 years and older with chronic aplastic anemia shows that giving intravenous astragalus in combination with stanozolol 2 mg three times daily produces greater improvements in symptoms and blood cell counts than stanozolol alone. Astragalus was given as 80-120 grams daily for repeated 15-day courses at 7-10 day intervals for at least 4 months (32840).
• Asthma. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children with mild asthma shows that taking a combination of astragalus, cordyceps, Radix stemonae (Bai Bu), bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae, and Baikal skullcap orally for 6 months does not improve asthma symptoms, measures of lung function, or total steroid use when compared with placebo (32935).
• Beta-thalassemia. Although there has been interest in using oral astragalus for beta-thalassemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of astragalus for this condition.
• Breast cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral astragalus for breast cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of astragalus for this condition.
• Cervical cancer. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of 19 clinical trials in adults with cervical cancer who are receiving chemotherapy shows that the use of Chinese herbal medicines containing astragalus increases tumor response (complete and partial responses) and Karnofsky performance score and reduces chemotherapy-associated adverse effects when compared with chemotherapy alone (107479). However, most studies included in the meta-analysis were low-quality, and all studies were conducted in China. Higher quality studies in other geographic locations are needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, it is unclear if any effects are due to astragalus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Chemotherapy-induced anemia. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer shows that oral or intravenous use of traditional Chinese medicine therapies containing astragalus and other ingredients along with conventional chemotherapy reduces the risk of anemia by 51% when compared with chemotherapy alone (102099). It is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. It is unclear if oral or intravenous astragalus is beneficial for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Details: One preliminary clinical study shows that intravenous infusion of astragalus 40 grams in 250 mL of solution, given daily for 21 days during each of four courses of chemotherapy, reduces diarrhea by 59% when compared to chemotherapy alone (32747). Additionally, a meta-analysis of low-quality clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer shows that oral or intravenous use of traditional Chinese medicine therapies containing astragalus and other ingredients along with conventional chemotherapy reduces the risk of diarrhea by 45% when compared with chemotherapy alone (102099). It is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer shows that oral or intravenous use of traditional Chinese medicine therapies containing astragalus and other ingredients along with conventional chemotherapy reduces the risk of thrombocytopenia by 41% when compared with chemotherapy alone (102099). It is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Early research suggests that intravenous astragalus seems to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy use. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for CINV. Details: A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical research in Chinese patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer shows that intravenous infusion of astragalus along with platinum-based chemotherapy reduces the risk of vomiting by 38% when compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone (100698). Another preliminary clinical study shows that intravenous infusion of astragalus 40 grams in 250 mL of solution, given daily for 21 days during each of four courses of chemotherapy, reduces nausea by 36% and vomiting by 50% when compared with chemotherapy alone (32747). Higher quality studies are needed to confirm these results. The use of astragalus in combination with other ingredients for prevention of CINV has also been investigated. A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer shows that oral or intravenous use of traditional Chinese medicine therapies containing astragalus and other ingredients along with conventional chemotherapy reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting by 44% when compared with chemotherapy alone (102099). It is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of low-quality clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer shows that oral or intravenous use of traditional Chinese medicine therapies containing astragalus and other ingredients along with conventional chemotherapy does not reduce the risk of nephrotoxicity when compared with chemotherapy alone (102099). The effects of astragalus when used alone are unclear.
• Chemotherapy-related fatigue. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for chemotherapy-related fatigue. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition. Details: One clinical study in patients with advanced cancer shows that treatment with an intravenous infusion of a partially purified astragalus extract (PG2, Pharmagenesis), 500 mg three times weekly for 4 weeks during chemotherapy, improves fatigue scores after one week, but not after two and four weeks, when compared with placebo (33034).
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One preliminary clinical study in adults with CFS shows that taking a 200 mL decoction containing astragalus 30 grams, kudzu 30 grams, codonopsis 15 grams, red sage 10 grams, aizoon stonecrop 15 grams, horny goat weed 10 grams, turmeric 10 grams, and calamus 10 grams, in two divided doses daily for 3 months improves fatigue symptoms when compared to baseline (32920). Another preliminary clinical study shows that taking 1.5 grams of a specific product (Myelophil, Samik Pharmaceutical Company) containing 66% of extracts of astragalus and danshen in a 1:1 ratio twice daily for 4 weeks improves fatigue severity when compared with placebo. However, taking 3 grams of the same product twice daily does not seem to have a benefit (32883). It is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for CKD. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition. Details: A meta-analysis of preliminary clinical research in patients with CKD shows that using astragalus, usually as an injection, along with conventional treatment modestly improves creatinine clearance by 6 mL/min, serum creatinine by 0.25 mg/dL, and hemoglobin levels by 1 gram/dL when compared with conventional treatment alone (90660). However, the studies included in the meta-analysis were of low quality. Also, it is not known if astragalus reduces mortality or attenuates the progression to kidney failure.
• Cirrhosis. Intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition. Details: A meta-analysis of results from low-quality clinical studies shows that intravenous injection of a combination of astragalus and danshen for up to 90 days might decrease fibrosis when compared with control in patients with liver cirrhosis (90662). However, it is unclear if this is due to astragalus, danshen, or the combination.
• Colorectal cancer. Oral or intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical trials in patients with colorectal cancer shows that oral or intravenous use of traditional Chinese medicine therapies containing astragalus and other ingredients along with conventional chemotherapy improves quality of life scores and increases the rate of tumor response by 52% when compared with chemotherapy alone (102099). It is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, the other ingredients, or the combination.
• Congestive heart failure (CHF). It is unclear if oral or intravenous astragalus is beneficial for CHF. Details: One preliminary clinical study in adults with CHF shows that intravenous infusion of astragalus 60 grams daily for 20 days improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) when compared with conventional treatment (32755). However, another preliminary clinical study shows that intravenous astragalus 60 grams daily for 28 days in combination with conventional treatment for CHF does not improve LVEF, LVEDV, or left ventricular end-systolic volume when compared with conventional treatment alone (32812). Both of these studies have methodological problems. Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking oral astragalus 2.25-7.5 grams twice daily for 14-30 days in combination with conventional treatment improves cardiac function, LVEF, and walking distance when compared with conventional treatment alone (33018,33022).
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral or intravenous astragalus is beneficial for diabetes. Details: A meta-analysis of preliminary clinical research in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes shows that astragalus, given as a daily intravenous injection 40-80 grams or taken orally 40-60 grams daily as an aqueous decoction for up to 4 months, modestly improves fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels when compared to a control group. Oral astragalus seems to improve these outcomes slightly more than intravenous astragalus. Orally, astragalus also seems to improve fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance, although its effect on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is inconsistent. (95909). Astragalus has also been evaluated as an adjuvant therapy to metformin. A meta-analysis of several mostly small clinical studies in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking astragalus 10-50 grams daily with metformin modestly reduces fasting blood glucose by approximately 12 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose by 12 mg/dL, and HbA1c by 0.9% when compared with metformin monotherapy (112809). However, the clinical studies included in both of these meta-analyses are of low methodological quality and include only Chinese patients, which limits the reliability and generalizability of the results. Some research has evaluated astragalus in combination with other ingredients. One preliminary clinical study in adults with previously untreated type 2 diabetes shows that taking astragalus 210 mg, goldthread 350 mg, and honeysuckle 840 mg three times daily before meals for 3 months does not improve fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, or HbA1c when compared with placebo, although glucose disposal rate is modestly improved (32925).
• Diabetic nephropathy. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for diabetic nephropathy. Details: Meta-analyses of small, low-quality clinical studies including over 4700 patients shows that adding intravenous astragalus to routine therapy for 2-12 weeks modestly improves blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urinary protein, urinary albumin, and serum albumin when compared with routine therapy alone in patients with diabetic nephropathy (33019,102100).
• Diabetic retinopathy. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for diabetic retinopathy. Details: A meta-analysis of results from preliminary clinical research suggests that taking astragalus-containing products for up to 10 months modestly improves visual acuity and fundus manifestations when compared with control in patients with diabetic retinopathy. However, the included studies had methodological limitations, and the results were heterogeneous (90655).
• Fibromyalgia. Although there has been interest in using oral astragalus for fibromyalgia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of astragalus for this condition.
• Gastric cancer. Oral and intravenous astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of 35 randomized, controlled trials involving 2670 patients with advanced gastric cancer shows that taking either intravenous or oral traditional Chinese medicines containing astragalus in conjunction with platinum-based chemotherapy may improve objective response rate, disease control rate, 1-year survival rate, and quality of life, and may also reduce the severity of chemotherapy-associated adverse effects, when compared with chemotherapy alone (107480). The validity of this meta-analysis is limited by potential publication bias, unclear randomization methods, and substantial heterogeneity among the included studies. Additionally, it is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Hearing loss. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for hearing loss. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that injecting 0.5 mL/kg of solution containing astragalus 2 grams/mL daily for 10 days improves hearing in people with sudden deafness or acute acoustic trauma when compared with a control group (33028,33033).
• Hepatitis B. Although there has been interest in using oral astragalus for hepatitis B, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of astragalus for this condition.
• HIV/AIDS. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One small clinical study shows that taking a combination containing mainly Baikal skullcap root, glossy privet fruit, astragalus root, and Eupolyphaga et polyphage (Ailing granules) 20 grams twice daily for 4 months improves HIV/AIDS symptoms and CD4 cell counts (32824). However, taking a different combination containing licorice, yin chen, white mulberry, astragalus, and safflower orally for 12 weeks is associated with only a slight decline in viral load and no change in CD4 cell counts (32795). The effects of astragalus alone are unclear.
• IgA nephropathy. Although there has been interest in using intravenous astragalus for IgA nephropathy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral or intravenous astragalus for this condition.
• Lung cancer. Early research suggests that oral or intravenous astragalus seems to increase the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy or radiotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Details: One meta-analysis in patients with advanced NSCLC shows that intravenous administration of astragalus along with platinum-based chemotherapy increases the rate of one-year survival by 40% when compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone (100698). Other meta-analyses in these patients show that use of oral or intravenous astragalus-containing herbal products appears to reduce the risk of death at six months by 42%, at one year by 33%, at two years by 27% to 33%, and at three years by 15% to 24% when compared with platinum-based chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone (15001,90656). However, most studies included in the meta-analyses were low-quality, and all studies were conducted in China. Higher quality studies in other geographic locations are needed to confirm these findings.
• Membranous nephropathy. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A meta-analysis of 48 small, low-quality clinical studies in adults with idiopathic membranous nephropathy conducted in China shows that taking astragalus 20-90 grams per day in combination with a variety of other supplements, in addition to conventional therapy, modestly improves the rate of complete or partial renal remission when compared with conventional therapy (e.g. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, immunosuppression). Adding astragalus combinations to conventional therapy also modestly reduces proteinuria and serum creatinine (112010). However, the interpretation of these findings is limited by the heterogeneity of the included studies and variable definitions of complete and partial renal remission. Additionally, it is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Menopausal symptoms. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One preliminary clinical study shows that taking Dang Gui Buxue Tang, an herbal decoction containing astragalus and dong quai extract, 3 grams daily for 6 months does not reduce the incidence of menopausal hot flashes (32857). However, another preliminary clinical study shows that taking Dang Gui Buxue Tang 3-6 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces hot flash frequency by up to 40% and night sweat frequency up to 53% when compared to baseline (90659). Each 1.5 grams of Dang gui Buxue Tang contains extract prepared from dong quai 1.5 grams and astragalus 7.5 grams (90659). Another small clinical study in females with moderate or severe menopausal symptoms shows that taking a tablet containing astragalus and Rubus coreanus extract 1000 mg twice daily for 12 weeks modestly improves symptom and quality of life scores when compared with placebo (110478). However, the validity of these findings is limited by a high rate of study participant discontinuation.
• Myocardial infarction (MI). Although there has been interest in using intravenous astragalus for MI, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral or intravenous astragalus for this purpose.
• Myocarditis. It is unclear if oral or injectable astragalus is beneficial for viral myocarditis. Details: A meta-analysis of 13 mostly small, low-quality clinical studies in adults and children with viral myocarditis shows that astragalus injection may improve the total effective rate and reduce markers of inflammation when compared with conventional treatment (110477). However, most studies included in the meta-analysis were low-quality, dosing was variable, and all studies were conducted in China. Higher quality studies in other geographic locations are needed to confirm these findings. Several clinical studies report improvements in cardiac enzymes, cardiac function, or viral load in peripheral leukocytes with the use of astragalus preparations, but results are inconsistent and the methodological quality of these studies is low (33084,33105,33217,33218,33220,33221,33223). Doses demonstrating benefit include intramuscular astragalus extract, equivalent to 8 grams daily for 3-4 months (33105) and intravenous astragalus extract 40 grams daily for 2 weeks (33218,33221). It is unclear if astragalus speeds recovery or reduces the risk of mortality due to myocarditis.
• Nephrotic syndrome. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for preventing infections in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Details: A meta-analysis of results from two preliminary clinical studies shows that taking astragalus 7.5-15 grams twice daily for 3-6 months reduces the risk of infection by 38% when compared to control in children with nephrotic syndrome (33036).
• Obesity. Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a combination of astragalus, rhubarb, turmeric, red sage root, ginger, and gallic acid concurrently with a reduced-calorie diet does not improve weight loss when compared with a reduced-calorie diet alone in adults who are overweight or obese (20347).
• Post-stroke fatigue. It is unclear if oral astragalus is beneficial for post-stroke fatigue. Details: A preliminary clinical study shows that taking astragalus extract (Sun Ten Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.) 2.8 grams three times daily for 28 days improves fatigue and some quality of life measures such as social functioning, role functioning, and physical functioning, when compared with placebo in patients experiencing fatigue following a recent stroke (95908).
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for lupus nephritis. There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of oral astragalus for this condition. Details: A preliminary clinical study in adults with lupus nephritis shows that intravenous infusions of astragalus 40 grams daily for 12 consecutive days monthly for 3 months, in combination with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide once monthly as an intravenous drip, can improve symptoms, reduce infections, and reduce urinary protein excretion when compared to treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide alone (32838).
• Tinnitus. It is unclear if intravenous astragalus is beneficial for tinnitus. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that injecting 0.5 mL/kg of solution containing astragalus 2 grams/mL daily for 10 days reduces tinnitus in patients with acute acoustic trauma when compared to a control group (33028).
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Although there has been interest in using oral astragalus for URTI prevention, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of astragalus for this purpose.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Oral astragalus has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A moderate-size clinical study in females aged 18-45 with uncomplicated UTIs shows that taking a supplement containing astragalus root extract 100 mg, d-mannose, citric acid, dandelion, and prebiotics as a sachet dissolved in water twice daily for 5 days improves complete resolution of UTI symptoms and clearance of bacteriuria at days 6 and 35 when compared with placebo (111757). However, it is unclear if these effects are due to astragalus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Wound healing. Although there has been interest in using topical astragalus for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of astragalus for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate astragalus for these uses.

(Read more about ASTRAGALUS)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Alzheimer disease. It is unclear if oral lion's mane mushroom is beneficial in patients with Alzheimer disease. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients over 50 years of age with mild Alzheimer disease shows that taking lion's mane mushroom mycelia (standardized to contain 5 mg/gram of erinacrine A) 1.05 grams daily for 49 weeks improves performance of activities of daily living when compared with placebo. It also improves scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination when compared with baseline (105546). The validity of these findings is reduced by the lack of an intention to treat analysis, and the comparison of some outcomes to baseline instead of placebo.
• Anxiety. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Athletic performance. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for improving athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this purpose.
• Cancer. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lions mane mushroom for this purpose.
• Cognitive function. Small clinical trials suggest that lion's mane mushroom does not improve cognitive function. Details: A small clinical trial shows that taking lion's mane mushroom 3.2 grams daily for 12 weeks does not improve most measures of cognitive function when compared with placebo in middle aged to older adults (101770). Additional clinical research in younger adults shows that taking lion's mane mushroom 10 grams daily for 4 weeks does not improve markers of cognition during a period of exercise-induced fatigue when compared with taking placebo. The lion's mane product is 50% dried mushroom and 50% extract (111932). These studies were small and may have been underpowered to detect differences.
• Cognitive impairment. It is unclear if oral lion's mane mushroom is beneficial in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Details: One clinical study in Japanese patients aged 50-80 years old with mild cognitive impairment shows that taking lion's mane mushroom powder 1 gram three times daily for 16 weeks increases cognitive function when compared with placebo. However, cognitive function regresses within 4 weeks of treatment termination (91999).
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there has been interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for COVID-19, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this purpose.
• Dementia. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for dementia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Depression. It is unclear if oral lion's mane mushroom is beneficial in patients with depression. Details: Preliminary clinical research in perimenopausal patients without a formal diagnosis of depression shows that eating 4 cookies daily, each containing 0.5 grams powdered lion's mane mushroom, for 4 weeks is similarly effective to placebo cookies for reducing scores on a depression scale (105547).
• Diabetes. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Gastritis. It is unclear if oral lion's mane mushroom is beneficial in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis shows that taking lion's mane mushroom (unknown dose) before meals daily for 3 months improves upper abdominal pain in about 27% more patients, improves dyspepsia in about 39% more patients, and reduces inflammatory infiltration in about 23% more patients when compared with placebo (92630).
• Hyperlipidemia. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Memory. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for memory, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this purpose.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for MS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Obesity. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Parkinson disease. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for Parkinson disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Peptic ulcers. Although there is interest in using oral lion's mane mushroom for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition.
• Wound healing. Although there is interest in using topical lion's mane mushroom for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of lion's mane mushroom for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate lion's mane mushroom for these uses.

(Read more about LION'S MANE MUSHROOM)

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Daily injections of a combination of folic acid, bovine liver extract, and cyanocobalamin for 3 weeks appear to have no effect on CFS symptoms (7561).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Hepatitis C. Preliminary clinical research suggests that intravenous treatment with liver extract plus flavin adenine dinucleotide improves response to interferon-beta therapy in patients with hepatitis C (59952). Also, giving a specific combination of liver extract and flavin adenine dinucleotide (Adelavin) intravenously or intramuscularly appears to improve hepatitis C virus RNA levels in patients with hepatitis C who are being treated with interferon-alpha compared with those being treated with interferon-alpha alone. Researchers have attributed this effect to enhancement of 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthetase production (59964). More evidence is needed to rate liver extract for these uses.

(Read more about LIVER EXTRACT)

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Hyperlipidemia. Preliminary clinical studies show that oral reishi mushroom does not improve lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia or type 2 diabetes. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1440 mg daily for 12 weeks does not significantly improve the lipid profile in patients with hyperlipidemia (70776). Also, a meta-analysis shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1400-4000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes (91435).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Aging. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Altitude sickness. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for altitude sickness, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Alzheimer disease. A small clinical study suggests that oral reishi mushroom does not improve Alzheimer disease symptoms. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with Alzheimer disease shows that taking reishi mushroom powder 1000 mg three times daily for 6 weeks does not improve memory, language skills, or quality of life when compared with placebo (97942).
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Preliminary clinical research suggests that oral reishi mushroom extract can help reduce some lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with BPH. Details: Clinical research in patients with mild to moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, or other conditions, shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 6 mg orally once daily for up to 12 weeks moderately improves total symptom severity measured on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scale, when compared with placebo (91436,91437). A higher dose of 60 mg daily is not more effective than the 6 mg dose, and a lower dose of 0.6 mg daily is not more effective than placebo (91437). Reishi mushroom extract does not improve peak urine flow rate, residual urine volume, prostate volume, or quality of life when compared with placebo (91436,91437). The relevance of these results is unclear since not all of the patients with LUTS had BPH.
• Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Cancer. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Details: A meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials using various reishi mushroom products in combination with chemotherapy found that complete and partial responses increased by 30% with combination therapy when compared with chemotherapy alone. However, there was no difference in overall survival (102915). The reliability and applicability of these results are unclear since the trials looked at several different types of cancer, used varying doses and durations of therapy, and were all conducted in China or other Asian countries.
• Cancer-related fatigue. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial in patients with breast cancer and fatigue. Details: Results from a small clinical study in breast cancer patients show that taking reishi mushroom powder 1000 mg orally three times daily for 4 weeks can improve cancer-related fatigue when compared with placebo (91438). However, it is not clear if the improvement is clinically meaningful.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for reducing CVD risk factors. Details: A meta-analysis of 5 low-quality studies in adults with diabetes shows that taking reishi mushroom 1400-3000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce CVD risk factors, including total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body mass index, when compared with placebo (91435).
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for CKD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Colorectal adenoma. Limited clinical research suggests that oral reishi mushroom extract may be beneficial for reducing colorectal adenoma size. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with colorectal adenomas shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1500 mg orally in two divided doses daily for 12 months reduces the number and size of adenomas when compared with no treatment (70774).
• Coronary heart disease (CHD). It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for CHD. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg orally three times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms of CHD, such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath, in a greater percentage of patients when compared with placebo (70800).
• Diabetes. Evidence on the use of oral reishi mushroom in patients with type 2 diabetes is conflicting. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1400-4000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or plasma lipids (91435). However, one preliminary clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg three times daily for 12 weeks reduces HbA1c, but not fasting blood glucose, when compared with placebo (70801).
• Fibromyalgia. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for fibromyalgia. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with fibromyalgia shows that taking reishi mushroom (MundoReishi Salud S.L.) powder 3 grams twice daily for 6 weeks does not improve mood, quality of life, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, or glycemic or lipid parameters when compared with placebo (108309,108310). However, the study may have been underpowered to detect any differences between groups.
• Genital herpes. Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with recurrent genital herpes shows that taking 4.4 grams of a mixture of hot water extracts of reishi mushroom, terminalia, Job's tears, Wisteria floribunda, Trapa natans, and Elfvingia applanata orally once daily for 2 days, then 2.2 grams daily thereafter until outbreak resolution, decreases the time to outbreak resolution by 6 days when compared with previous outbreaks (91434).
• Gulf war syndrome. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for Gulf war syndrome. Details: A very small exploratory clinical trial in adults with Gulf war syndrome shows that taking reishi mushroom extract (JHS Natural Products, Mushroom Science) 1600 mg in two divided doses daily for 30 days does not improve symptoms when compared with placebo. Also, symptoms modestly worsened after an additional 30 days of treatment at a dose of 3200 mg daily (108311).
• Hepatitis B. One small clinical study suggests that a specific reishi mushroom extract may reduce hepatitis B activity and improve liver function. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg orally three times daily for 12 weeks reduces levels of hepatitis B viral DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen, which are markers of hepatitis B activity, and normalizes aminotransferase levels in a greater percentage of patients when compared with placebo (70799).
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with recurrent herpes labialis shows that taking 4.4 grams of a mixture of hot water extracts of reishi mushroom, terminalia, Job's tears, Wisteria floribunda, Trapa natans, and Elfvingia applanata orally once daily for 2 days, then 2.2 grams daily thereafter until outbreak resolution, decreases the time to outbreak resolution by almost 4 days when compared with previous outbreaks (91434).
• Herpes zoster (shingles). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for herpes zoster, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with oral HPV shows that taking a combination of reishi and coriolus mushroom powders, 400 mg orally daily for 2 months, clears HPV in 88% of patients when compared with baseline (91433). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Hypertension. Limited research suggests that oral reishi mushroom may be beneficial in some types of hypertension. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1440 mg daily for 12 weeks does not lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension (70776). However, in other clinical research, taking reishi mushroom extract 330-1440 mg daily for 1-6 months reduces blood pressure in patients with stage II or essential hypertension, but not in those with mild hypertension or diabetes (70786,70802,91435).
• Influenza. Although there has been interest in using reishi mushroom for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Insomnia. Although there has been interest in using reishi mushroom for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Lung cancer. Small clinical studies suggest that oral reishi mushroom does not reduce the size of lung tumors. Details: A meta-analysis of preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom does not reduce the size of lung tumors. However, it may stimulate immune function and improve quality of life in lung cancer patients when compared with control (70779).
• Peptic ulcers. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with active RA who are taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 4 grams in combination with San Miao San (containing 2.4 grams each of atractylodes, phellodendron, and Achyranthes bidentata) daily for 24 weeks does not increase the percentage of patients achieving a 20% response based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria or modify blood markers of disease and inflammation when compared with placebo (70767).
• Stress. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate reishi mushroom for these uses.

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Aging. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this purpose.
• Asthma. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this condition.
• Athletic performance. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this purpose.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Oral schisandra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in adults with a history of COVID-19 infection and current symptoms of long COVID-19 shows that taking 30 mL of a specific combination product (Chisan / ADAPT-232, Swedish Herbal Institute) containing schisandra extract 300 mg, rhodiola extract 90 mg, and eleuthero extract 78 mg twice daily for 2 weeks increases exercise capacity, but does not reduce the number of days with fatigue, headache, cough, respiratory problems, or other symptoms of long COVID-19, when compared with placebo (109635).
• Cough. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this purpose.
• Diarrhea. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this condition.
• Familial Mediterranean fever. Oral schisandra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: One small clinical study in children ages 3-15 years with familial Mediterranean fever shows that taking a combination product (ImmunoGuard, Inspired Nutritionals) containing schisandra extract 100 mg, andrographis, Siberian ginseng, and licorice reduces symptom duration, frequency, and severity when compared with placebo (12382). It is unclear if these effects are due to schisandra, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Hepatitis. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for hepatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this condition.
• Hypercholesterolemia. Although there is interest in using oral schisandra for hypercholesterolemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this condition.
• Menopausal symptoms. It is unclear if oral schisandra is beneficial for improving menopausal symptoms. Details: A small clinical trial in healthy patients with moderate or severe menopausal symptoms shows that taking schisandra extract (BMO-30, Biomix Inc) 784 mg in two divided doses daily for 6 weeks improves hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms when compared with placebo (96632).
• Muscle strength. It is unclear if oral schisandra is beneficial for improving muscle strength. Details: A small clinical study in healthy middle-aged females shows that taking schisandra powdered extract (Bioport Korea Inc.) 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks seems to modestly increase quadriceps muscle strength and grip strength, but does not affect overall muscle mass, when compared with placebo (105563).
• Myopia. Although there is interest in using topical schisandra for myopia in children, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of schisandra for this condition.
• Physical performance. It is unclear if oral schisandra is beneficial for improving physical function in older adults. Details: A small clinical study in healthy adults over 50 years of age shows that taking schisandra 500 mg twice daily, 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner, for 12 months improves knee extension peak torque, but does not improve hand grip strength or body composition, when compared with placebo (105562).
• Pneumonia. Oral schisandra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in adults with acute, nonspecific pneumonia shows that taking 20 mL of a specific combination product (ADAPT-232 CHI San, Swedish Herbal Institute) containing schisandra berry extract 51%, rhodiola root extract 27.6%, and eleuthero root extract 24.4% twice daily for 10-15 days reduces the duration of antibiotic treatment and may improve quality of life when compared with standard treatment alone (71152). It is unclear if these effects are due to schisandra, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Stress. Oral schisandra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in healthy, fatigued females under experimental stress suggests that taking a single, 270 mg dose of a combination product (ADAPT-232, Swedish Herbal Institute) containing schisandra, rhodiola, and Siberian ginseng improves attention, as well as cognitive task speed and accuracy, when compared with placebo (19289). It is unclear if these effects are due to schisandra, other ingredients, or the combination. More evidence is needed to rate schisandra for these uses.

(Read more about SCHISANDRA)

EFFECTIVE

• Hemorrhagic disease. Oral or intramuscular vitamin K1 is effective for preventing hemorrhagic disease in newborns. Details: Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) administered orally or intramuscularly can prevent classic hemorrhagic disease of newborns (15,85367,85484). A single intramuscular administration of vitamin K1 1 mg is considered to be the most effective method, while oral administration of three doses of vitamin K1 1-2 mg over 8 weeks is considered to be an acceptable alternative (85506). The effects of vitamin K on late hemorrhagic disease of newborns is less clear (85367,85484). In the Netherlands, an oral dose of 25 mcg daily for 3 months was used until 2011, when it was increased to 150 mcg daily. A reduction of late intracranial vitamin K deficiency bleeding in the general pediatric population, from 1.6 per 100,000 to 1.3 per 100,000, was associated with this dose increase (102351).
• Hypoprothrombinemia. Oral or parenteral vitamin K1 is effective for treating and preventing hypoprothrombinemia. Details: Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 2.5-25 mg, used orally or parenterally, can prevent and treat hypoprothrombinemia caused by vitamin K deficiency or induced by salicylates, sulfonamides, quinine, quinidine, or broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (15).
• Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors deficiency (VKCFD). Oral and intravenous vitamin K1 is the primary treatment for VKCFD. Details: Oral supplementation with vitamin K 10 mg two to three times weekly seems to prevent major hemorrhages and reduce mucocutaneous bleeding in individuals with VKCFD. Also, intravenous vitamin K may improve the prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) values in these patients. While vitamin K supplementation is the primary treatment method for VKCFD, the response to treatment varies significantly (85481).
• Warfarin anticoagulation. Oral and intravenous vitamin K1 reverse warfarin-related excessive anticoagulation. Evidence for the use of oral vitamin K1 in patients with an unstable INR is conflicting. Details: Taking vitamin K1 (phytonadione) orally or parenterally, but not subcutaneously, can counteract excessive warfarin anticoagulation and restore therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) levels. Usually a single dose of 1-5 mg is used (85406,85425,85429). Vitamin K might also be effective for stabilizing warfarin anticoagulation in patients with low intake of vitamin K. Patients with a low dietary vitamin K intake are significantly more likely to have an unstable INR than those who ingest higher amounts of vitamin K (16803). It is thought that vitamin K-depleted patients become more sensitive when vitamin K is ingested, even in small quantities, resulting in erratic or unstable INR (16804). One small clinical study and one small retrospective chart review show that taking oral vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 100-150 mcg daily improves INR stability in patients taking warfarin who previously had an unstable INR (16805,16806). However, a larger clinical study found no significant differences in INR stability in patients taking vitamin K 100 mcg daily when compared with placebo (16807). Also, some research suggests that, although taking vitamin K 1250 mcg daily may reduce INR in patients with excessive warfarin anticoagulation more significantly than placebo, there may not be a significant difference in the risk of bleeding complications (23380). It is important to keep in mind that, if a patient is stabilized on warfarin therapy plus vitamin K supplementation, discontinuing vitamin K can significantly increase the INR within 2-3 weeks after discontinuation (17714). The most recent guidelines by the American College of Chest Physicians do not recommend routine use of vitamin K supplementation for patients on warfarin therapy with unstable INR (94926). However, the previous guidelines recommended vitamin K 100-200 mcg daily for these patients. Therefore, some providers still use vitamin K for this purpose (16808).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Osteoporosis. Oral vitamin K might reduce the risk of fractures and bone loss in patients with osteoporosis. However, it may not be beneficial in patients at risk for developing osteoporosis. Details: Although observational and clinical research on dietary and supplemental vitamin K for osteoporosis has been conflicting (14364,85392,85445,102354), overall, vitamin K supplementation seems to slightly reduce fracture risk (102354). A meta-analysis combining data from 36 heterogeneous studies in osteoporotic or postmenopausal patients shows that taking different regimens of either vitamin K1 or vitamin K2 is associated with a small reduction in clinical fractures (from 3.1% to 2.2%), but not with changes in vertebral fractures or BMD when compared with control (102354). This analysis is limited by the high variability in study designs and a lack of subgroup analyses stratifying different patient populations and forms of vitamin K. An older meta-analysis of 19 clinical studies in osteoporotic or postmenopausal patients shows that taking vitamin K2 (menaquinone) 45 mg, primarily used in the MK-4 form, daily does not reduce the risk of fractures when compared with control, although there was a non-significant trend towards a reduction (91451). A sensitivity analysis that excluded the largest negative study of over 4000 postmenopausal Japanese females with mild osteoporosis (85456), showed that vitamin K2 45 mg daily reduces the risk of fractures by 53% and improves lumbar and vertebral BMD in patients with osteoporosis when compared with control (91451). This effect was not seen in patients without osteoporosis (91451). Vitamin K2 also does not seem to benefit patients with osteopenia. A recent clinical trial in postmenopausal patients with osteopenia shows that taking a larger dose of vitamin K2 (375 mcg, MK-7) with calcium 800 mg and vitamin D 1500 IU daily for 3 years does not seem to affect BMD, bone turnover, or bone microarchitecture when compared with placebo (105035). Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) has also been evaluated, with mixed findings. One clinical study in postmenopausal patients with osteopenia shows that taking vitamin K1 5 mg daily with calcium 1500 and vitamin D 800 IU for up to 4 years reduces clinical fractures, but does not reduce clinical fragility fractures or improve BMD, when compared with placebo and vitamin D with calcium (85453). In healthy, non-osteoporotic patients ages 60-80 years, one clinical study shows that taking vitamin K1 500 mcg daily with calcium 600 mg and vitamin D 400 IU for 3 years does not affect BMD, despite increased plasma vitamin K levels and reduced undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations, when compared with taking calcium and vitamin D alone (16404). The same null effect on BMD and a reduced undercarboxylated osteocalcin was shown in a small clinical study in patients with Crohn disease without osteoporosis, taking vitamin K1 1-2 mg in combination with vitamin D3 400 IU and calcium 500 mg daily for 12 months (91454).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Intraventricular hemorrhage. Oral vitamin K does not reduce the risk of periventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants. Details: A meta-analysis of results from clinical research shows that administering vitamin K to pregnant patients at risk for very preterm birth does not reduce the overall risk of periventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants, perinatal mortality, or the associated neurological injury by the age of 7 years when compared to control. A subgroup analysis shows that vitamin K might reduce the risk of severe periventricular hemorrhage by 42% in preterm infants. However, when trials with inadequate blinding were excluded, this result was not statistically significant (85469).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral vitamin K2 improves athletic performance. Details: A small clinical study shows that taking vitamin K2 (menaquinone) 320 mcg orally daily for 4 weeks followed by 160 mg daily for 4 weeks, increases maximal cardiac output by 12% when compared with placebo in trained athletes performing standardized cycle ergometer exercise tests (95937).
• Beta-thalassemia. Oral vitamin K2 has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form of vitamin K2 50 mcg daily plus vitamin D3 (calcitriol) 5 mcg daily for 12 months modestly improves bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine when compared to baseline in children with beta-thalassemia aged 3-18 years (91456). It is not clear if this improvement can be attributed to vitamin K, vitamin D3, or the combination.
• Breast cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K2 reduces the risk of breast cancer. Details: Population research has found that higher dietary intake of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) or vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is not associated with a reduced risk of premenopausal or postmenopausal breast cancer (85474).
• Cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces the risk of cancer or cancer-related mortality. Details: One large population study involving healthy German patients has found that consuming more than 42-46 mcg of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) daily is associated with a 27% reduced risk of cancer mortality, but not cancer incidence, when compared with consuming less than 23-26 mcg daily. Dietary intake of vitamin K1 (phytonadione) was not associated with the risk of cancer or cancer mortality (85474). Another population study involving Mediterranean patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease has found that consuming about 630 mcg of vitamin K1 daily is associated with a 46% lower risk of cancer mortality when compared with consuming about 171 mcg of vitamin K1 daily. However, higher dietary intake of vitamin K2, 87 mcg daily, was not associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality when compared to those with lower dietary intake (79 mcg daily) (91452). Reasons for these discrepancies may relate to the definitions for high and low intake, the use of different databases to calculate vitamin K intake, and the different populations studied.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if dietary or supplemental vitamin K reduces the risk of CVD events; the available research is conflicting. Details: Most population research, including a meta-analysis of 21 observational cohort studies, has found that dietary intake of vitamin K1 (phytonadione) or vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is not associated with reduced risk for most cardiovascular events, such as CVD mortality, nonfatal MI, or stroke, although there might be a slightly reduced risk for CHD (85414,85482,91452,102353,103922). However, some population studies have found benefit. Observational research in a Danish cohort aged 50-65 years with no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at baseline shows that those in the highest quintile of dietary vitamin K1 intake have a 21% lower risk of CVD-related hospitalization and complications, such as ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, or peripheral artery disease, over 17-22 years when compared with the lowest quintile of intake. This inverse association tapers off at intakes above 100 mcg daily. For vitamin K2 intake, the highest quintile has a 14% lower risk of hospitalization when compared with the lowest quintile, although the association is U-shaped, indicating an increased risk at high doses. The researchers theorize that this may be due to the fact that vitamin K2-rich foods include cheese, eggs, and butter (109910,109920). There is also interest in using vitamin K to slow aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC), which are CVD risk factors. In healthy patients ages 60-80 years with pre-existing CAC, taking a multivitamin with vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 500 mcg orally daily for 3 years reduces CAC progression by 6% when compared with the multivitamin alone (85461). However, research in patients with AVC has found no benefit. One small clinical study in patients on hemodialysis shows that taking the menaquinone-7 form of vitamin K2, 200 mcg orally daily for 1 year, does not affect the rate of AVC progression when compared with placebo (102352). Also, clinical research in males with significant AVC shows that taking the menaquinone-7 form of vitamin K2 720 mcg and vitamin D 25 mcg orally daily for 2 years does not reduce the rate of AVC progression or the rate of cardiovascular events, heart valve surgery, or all-cause mortality when compared with placebo (109916).
• Cataracts. It is unclear if dietary vitamin K reduces the risk of cataracts in older adults. Details: A secondary analysis of results from clinical research has found that higher dietary vitamin K1 (phytonadione) intake over a mean 5.6 years' follow-up is associated with a lower risk of cataracts and a lower incidence of cataract surgery in older adults at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The hazard ratio for developing cataracts was 0.71 and the hazard ratio for cataract surgery was 0.75 for people in the highest tertile of dietary vitamin K1 intake when compared with the lowest tertile (95936).
• Cognitive impairment. It is unclear if dietary vitamin K alters the rate of decline in adults with cognitive impairment. Details: Clinical research in adults aged 55-75 years with overweight or obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairment shows that the largest increases in dietary vitamin K intake over a 2-year period are linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline when compared with the lowest increases in intake. This is demonstrated by higher scores on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and verbal fluency tests, and a greater number of patients maintaining an MMSE score of at least 24 (109919).
• Colorectal cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K2 reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Details: Population research has found that higher dietary intake of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) or vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is not associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (85474).
• Cystic fibrosis. It is unclear if oral vitamin K improves coagulopathy in patients with cystic fibrosis. Details: Suboptimal vitamin K status is common in patients with cystic fibrosis, especially those with pancreatic insufficiency, due to problems with fat digestion (85359,85479). Preliminary clinical research in patients with cystic fibrosis shows that taking vitamin K 1-5 mg orally for one month might decrease osteocalcin levels when compared with baseline, which suggests a lower risk of bone fractures (103920). Also, a small clinical trial in adults and children with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency shows that taking a supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K for an average of 8.6 months reduces the number of patients with abnormal levels of protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II), a defective form of prothrombin (85374).
• Depression. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces depression. Details: Population research has found that a dietary intake of vitamin K greater than 232 mcg daily is associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms when compared with intakes of less than 83 mcg daily in older adults who are not taking vitamin D supplements. For every 100 mcg increase in vitamin K intake per day, the study found an 18% reduction in odds of depressive symptoms. However, there was no association identified in individuals taking vitamin D (100181). The effect of vitamin K for the prevention or treatment of clinical depression has not been investigated.
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral vitamin K1 improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Details: A small clinical study in patients with diabetes who are taking oral antidiabetes medications shows that taking vitamin K2 (MK-7) 180 mcg twice daily for 12 weeks seems to reduce glycated hemoglobin by 1.6%, compared with a slight increase in the placebo group (105034). This study is limited due to high dropout rate in the placebo group.
• EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform rash. It is unclear if topical vitamin K is beneficial for the treatment or prevention of acneiform rash caused by EGFR inhibitors. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults receiving treatment with cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, shows that applying vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 0.1% cream (Vigorskin, Merck Serono SpA) twice daily to the face and trunk for 12 weeks may modestly reduce the percentage of patients who develop a moderate to severe acneiform rash (91455). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a control group. In patients with an existing rash after receiving the EGFR inhibitors cetuximab and panitumumab, a small clinical study shows that applying vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 1% ointment twice daily for 8 weeks to half of the affected area does not reduce the number of acneiform eruptions when compared with using placebo ointment on the other half of the affected area (103919). Patients in this study were allowed to use concomitant antibiotics and moisturizing agents, which may have confounded the results.
• Kidney failure. It is unclear if oral vitamin K2 reduces the incidence or severity of muscle cramps in adults with kidney failure. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months with treatment-resistant muscle cramps shows that taking the menaquinone form of vitamin K2 360 mcg orally daily for 8 weeks reduces the frequency, severity, and duration of muscle cramps when compared with placebo (109917).
• Kidney transplant. It is unclear if vitamin K is beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk in kidney transplant recipients. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with a stable kidney transplant for at least 1 year shows that taking vitamin K (menadiol diphosphate) 5 mg orally three times weekly for 1 year does not reduce aortic stiffness or coronary artery calcification, which are markers of cardiovascular disease, when compared with placebo (109913). The effects of long-term supplementation are unclear.
• Liver cancer. Small clinical studies suggests that vitamin K2 reduces mortality and the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. Details: Meta-analyses of 9-11 small clinical trials in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma show that adding vitamin K2 45 mg daily for up to 3 years seems to reduce cancer recurrence by 9.5% and reduce the risk of mortality by 7% when compared with control. Meta-analyses of 3-4 small clinical trials in patients with non-resectable carcinoma show that taking vitamin K2 45 mg for up to 2 years seems to reduce cancer recurrence by 3% and reduce mortality by 16% when compared with control (105032). Most of the included studies were conducted in Japan, so it is unclear if these results are generalizable to other geographic locations.
• Liver disease. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces the risk of liver disease. Details: A small observational study in patients with chronic liver failure due to cholestatic liver disease has found that receiving intramuscular vitamin K1 10 mg daily for an average of 16 days is associated with a lower risk of death when compared with control (103926).
• Lung cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces the risk of lung cancer. Details: Population research has found that consuming greater than 42-46 mcg of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) daily is associated with a 62% lower risk of lung cancer occurrence and a 59% lower risk of lung cancer mortality when compared to those who consume less than 23-26 mcg of vitamin K2 daily. Dietary intake of vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is not associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer or lung cancer mortality (85474).
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). It is unclear if topical vitamin K reduces cutaneous adverse effects of MS treatment. Details: In patients with relapsing-remitting MS, burning and pain can accompany subcutaneous interferon treatment. Preliminary clinical research shows that topical application of vitamin K cream (dose not specified) for 8 weeks reduces burning by approximately 8% and pain by 9% when compared with no prophylactic treatment. Redness of the skin is also reduced with vitamin K (91453).
• Overall mortality. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces overall mortality. Details: Observational research in healthy older adults has found that serum vitamin K levels 0.5 nmol/L or less, which corresponds to consuming about 50% of the recommended vitamin K adequate intake, is associated with a 19% higher risk of overall mortality when compared with higher serum levels of vitamin K (103922). In a Danish cohort of adults with a median age of 56 years at baseline, the comparative risk for all-cause mortality between the highest and lowest quintiles of K1 intake over a period of 17-23 years was 0.76. The risk for cardiovascular mortality was 0.72, and the risk of cancer-related mortality in smokers or former smokers, specifically, was 0.8. However, the correlation tapered off above a daily intake of 100 mcg (109911).
• Pancreatic cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer. Details: Observational research in over 100,000 Americans aged 55-74 years at baseline has found no association between dietary vitamin K2 intake and pancreatic cancer incidence over an average follow-up of 9 years. However, the hazard ratio for development of pancreatic cancer was 0.57 for the highest quintile of dietary vitamin K1 intake when compared with the lowest quintile (109912).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is unclear if vitamin K improves PCOS symptoms. Details: Small clinical study in patients with PCOS show that taking vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) 90 mcg daily for 8 weeks does not reduce fasting blood glucose, acne, hirsutism, or weight, although it improves depression and seems to reduce fasting insulin, when compared with placebo (105036,109918).
• Prostate cancer. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Details: Population research has found that higher dietary intake of vitamin K2 (menaquinone), but not vitamin K1 (phytonadione), is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, particularly advanced prostate cancer (85443,85474).
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unclear if oral vitamin K improves RA symptoms. Details: One small clinical study in patients with RA shows that adding the MK-7 form of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) 100 mcg daily to treatment with conventional antirheumatic agents for 3 months improves disease activity and inflammatory markers when compared with antirheumatic agents alone. When compared to the control group, vitamin K2 reduced disease activity scores by 41% (91449). However, another small clinical study in patients with mild to moderate RA shows that taking vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 10 mg daily for 8 weeks with conventional antirheumatic agents does not improve disease activity or inflammatory markers when compared with placebo (100182). These contrasting outcomes may be related to the type of vitamin K used, the duration of treatment, and the severity of the illness.
• Rosacea. Although there is interest in using topical vitamin K1 for rosacea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of vitamin K for this condition.
• Stroke. It is unclear if dietary intake of vitamin K1 reduces the risk of stroke. Details: Population research has found that higher dietary intake of vitamin K1 is not associated with a reduced risk of stroke (85482).
• Wound healing. Although there is interest in using topical vitamin K1 for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of vitamin K for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate vitamin K for these uses.

(Read more about VITAMIN K)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Doses of astragalus up to 60 grams daily for up to 4 months have been used without reported adverse effects (32920,33038,95909). ...when used intravenously. Infusion of doses up to 80 grams daily for up to 4 months under the supervision of a medical professional have been used with apparent safety (32811,32812,32828,95909). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of astragalus when used topically.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information in humans. However, astragaloside, a constituent of astragalus, has maternal and fetal toxic effects in animals (32881). Avoid using.

(Read more about ASTRAGALUS)

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of liver extract. However, since some preparations are derived from animals, there is concern about contamination with diseased animal parts (1825). So far, there are no reports of disease transmission to humans due to use of contaminated liver extract.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about LIVER EXTRACT)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when an extract of reishi mushroom is used orally and appropriately for up to one year (12,5485,70767,70774,70786,70799,70800,70801,70802). ...when whole powdered reishi mushroom is used orally and appropriately for up to 16 weeks (70776,70799,70800,70801,91433,91435,91436,91437,108309).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Schisandra extract up to 1 gram daily has been used for up to 12 weeks with apparent safety (12,96632,105562,105563).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally. Some evidence suggests schisandra fruit is a uterine stimulant (11).

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about SCHISANDRA)

LIKELY SAFE ...when vitamin K1 (phytonadione) or vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is used orally and appropriately. Vitamin K1 up to 10 mg daily and vitamin K2 up to 45 mg daily have been safely used in clinical trials lasting up to 2 years. A tolerable upper intake level for vitamin K in adults has not been set (54,55,58,6799,7135,14364). ...when vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is used parenterally and appropriately. Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) in oral and injectable form is an FDA-approved drug (7135).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when vitamin K1 (phytonadione) 0. 1% is used topically in a cream or ointment for up to 12 weeks (91455,103919).

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is used orally or parenterally and appropriately. Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) in oral and injectable form is FDA approved for use in children. A tolerable upper intake level for vitamin K in children has not been set (7135).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts that do not exceed the daily adequate intake level (AI). A tolerable upper intake level for vitamin K in pregnancy and lactation has not been set (7135).

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ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = A Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects (95909,112809). Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.  Details Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression (3713). However, other animal research shows no effect (418).

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.  Details Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function (303,10777). Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.  Details Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties (15103). Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, lion's mane mushroom may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro research suggests that lion's mane mushroom extracts can inhibit platelet aggregation (92619).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, lion's mane mushroom may have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that an aqueous extract of lion's mane mushroom can reduce serum glucose and increase serum insulin (91996).

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concurrent use of lion's mane mushroom might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.  Details In animal and in vitro research, lion's mane mushroom polysaccharides stimulate the immune system (91933,111933).

(Read more about LION'S MANE MUSHROOM)

(Read more about LIVER EXTRACT)

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.  Details A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does (5476,13235).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar (70769). However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent (70801,91435).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.  Details Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research (5488,70784). Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension (70786,70802).

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CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of cyclophosphamide.  Details In vitro research shows that schisandra increases the concentration of cyclophosphamide, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4. After multiple doses of the schisandra constituents schisandrin A and schisantherin A, the maximum concentration of cyclophosphamide was increased by 7% and 75%, respectively, while the overall exposure to cyclophosphamide was increased by 29% and 301%, respectively (109636).

CYCLOSPORINE (Neoral, Sandimmune) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of cyclosporine.  Details A small observational study in children with aplastic anemia found that taking schisandra with cyclosporine increased cyclosporine trough levels by 93% without increasing the risk of adverse events. However, the dose of cyclosporine was reduced in 9% of children to maintain appropriate cyclosporine blood concentrations (109637).

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C19 substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that schisandra inhibits CYP2C19, and animal research shows that schisandra increases the concentration of voriconazole, a CYP2C19 substrate (105566). Theoretically, schisandra may also inhibit the metabolism of other CYP2C19 substrates. This effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, schisandra might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.  Details In vitro and animal research suggests that schisandra induces CYP2C9 enzymes (14441). This effect has not been reported in humans.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = D Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details Most clinical and laboratory research shows that schisandra, administered either as a single dose or up to twice daily for 14 days, inhibits CYP3A4 and increases the concentration of CYP3A4 substrates such as cyclophosphamide, midazolam, tacrolimus, and talinolol (13220,17414,23717,91386,91388,91387,96631,105564,109636,109638,109639,109640,109641). Although one in vitro and animal study shows that schisandra may induce CYP3A4 metabolism (14441), this effect appears to be overpowered by schisandra's CYP3A4 inhibitory activity and has not been reported in humans.

MIDAZOLAM (Versed) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of midazolam.  Details A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy adults shows that taking schisandra extract (Hezheng Pharmaceutical Co.) containing deoxyschizandrin 33.75 mg twice daily for 8 days and a single dose of midazolam 15 mg on day 8 increases the overall exposure to midazolam by about 119%, increases the peak plasma level of midazolam by 86%, and decreases midazolam clearance by about 52%. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of CYP3A4 by schisandra (91388).

P-GLYCOPROTEIN SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.  Details In vitro research shows that schisandra extracts and constituents such as schisandrin B inhibit P-glycoprotein mediated efflux in intestinal cells and in P-glycoprotein over-expressing cell lines (17414,105643,105644). Additionally, a small clinical study shows that schisandra increases the peak concentration and overall exposure to talinolol, a P-glycoprotein probe substrate (91386). Theoretically, schisandra might inhibit the efflux of other P-glycoprotein substrates.

SIROLIMUS (Rapamune) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of sirolimus.  Details A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking 3 capsules of schisandra (Hezheng Pharmaceutical Company) containing a total of 33.75 mg deoxyschizandrin twice daily for 13 days and then taking a single dose of sirolimus 2 mg increases the overall exposure and peak level of sirolimus by two-fold. This effect is thought to be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 by schisandra, as well as possible inhibition of the P-glycoprotein drug transporter (105643).

TACROLIMUS (Prograf) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of tacrolimus.  Details Clinical research in healthy volunteers and transplant patients shows that taking schisandra with tacrolimus increases tacrolimus peak levels by 183% to 268%, increases overall exposure to tacrolimus by 126% to 343%, and decreases tacrolimus clearance by 48% to 73%. This effect is thought to be due to inhibition of CYP3A4 by schisandra, and possibly also inhibition of the P-glycoprotein drug transporter. It may also be related to the inhibition of CYP3A5 in people who are CYP3A5 expressors. Small clinical studies show that schisandra increases tacrolimus levels in both expressors and non-expressors of CYP3A5 (15570,17414,91387,96631,105623,109639,109641). However, some clinical and observational research shows that schisandra increases tacrolimus levels to a greater degree in CYP3A5 expressors when compared with CYP3A5 non-expressors (109638,109640). Animal research suggests that the greatest increase in tacrolimus levels occurs when schisandra is taken either concomitantly or up to 2 hours before tacrolimus (105564).

TALINOLOL Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Schisandra can increase the levels and clinical effects of talinolol.  Details A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking schisandra extract 300 mg twice daily for 14 days with a single dose of talinolol 100 mg on day 14 increases the peak talinolol level by 51% and the overall exposure to talinolol by 47%. This effect is thought to be due to the possible inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein by schisandra (91386). tly.

VORICONAZOLE (Vfend) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, schisandra might increase the levels and clinical effects of voriconazole.  Details Animal research shows that oral schisandra given daily for 1 or 14 days increases levels of intravenously administered voriconazole, a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 substrate. This effect is thought to be due to inhibition of CYP2C19 by schisandra (105566). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, schisandra might decrease the levels and clinical effects of warfarin.  Details Animal research suggests that oral schisandra extract, given daily for 6 days, reduces levels of intravenously administered warfarin. This effect might be due to the induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 metabolism by schisandra (14441). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

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WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Likely •  Level of Evidence = C Vitamin K can antagonize and reverse the therapeutic effects of warfarin.  Details Vitamin K antagonizes the effects of warfarin (15,23380,25507,25508,85425,85429). Excessive vitamin K intake, either from supplements or from changes in the diet, can reduce the anticoagulant effect of warfarin (15).

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General ...Orally and intravenously, astragalus root seems to be well tolerated. Topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: A case report raises concerns about liver and kidney cysts with astragalus use.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with lacunar angina in one clinical trial. However, this may not have been caused by astragalus (17355). In addition, rapid intravenous administration of astragalus has resulted in temporary palpitations (32812).

Dermatologic ...Intravenously, astragalus may cause rash, eczema, and pruritus (33034).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with enterocolitis and nausea in one clinical trial. However, these effects may not have been caused by astragalus (17355).

Genitourinary ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with vulvitis in one clinical trial. However, this effect may not have been caused by astragalus (17355).

Hepatic ...A case of high serum CA19-9 levels and small liver and kidney cysts has been reported for a 38-year-old woman who drank astragalus tea daily for one month. Levels returned to normal after one month, and cysts disappeared after ten months. Both symptoms returned following a resumption of astragalus use. The authors state that astragalus was the likely cause given the temporal relationship (90658).

Neurologic/CNS ...Rapid intravenous administration of astragalus has resulted in temporary dizziness (32812).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with rhinosinusitis and pharyngitis in one clinical trial. However, these effects may not have been caused by astragalus (17355).

Renal ...A case of high serum CA19-9 levels and small liver and kidney cysts has been reported for a 38-year-old woman who drank astragalus tea daily for one month. Levels returned to normal after one month, and cysts disappeared after ten months. Both symptoms returned following a resumption of astragalus use. The authors state that astragalus was the likely cause given the temporal relationship (90658).

(Read more about ASTRAGALUS)

General ...Orally, lion's mane mushroom is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, skin rash.

Dermatologic ...Orally, lion's mane mushroom may cause skin rash (105546).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, lion's mane mushroom may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea (91999,105546).

(Read more about LION'S MANE MUSHROOM)

General ...No adverse reactions have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted, There is some concern about the possibility of contamination as liver extract is derived from raw animal liver gathered from slaughterhouses, possibly from sick or diseased animals (6616). There is also concern that liver extracts produced from cows in countries where bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) has been reported might be contaminated with diseased tissue (1825).

Immunologic ...There is concern that liver extracts produced from cows in countries where bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) has been reported might be contaminated with diseased tissue. Countries where BSE has been reported include Great Britain, France, The Netherlands, Portugal, Luxembourg, Ireland, Switzerland, Oman, and Belgium (1825). However, there have been no reports of BSE transfer to humans from contaminated liver extract products. Until more is known, tell patients to avoid these products unless the country of origin can be determined. Patients should avoid products that are produced in countries where BSE has been found.

Other ...There is some concern about the possibility of contamination of liver extract. Liver extract is derived from raw animal liver gathered from slaughterhouses, possibly from sick or diseased animals (6616). Products made from contaminated or diseased organs might present a human health hazard.

(Read more about LIVER EXTRACT)

General ...Orally, reishi mushroom is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset.

Dermatologic ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause itching, rash, and other skin reactions (12,5479).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause dryness of the mouth, throat, or nasal cavity, nausea, stomach upset, and, more rarely, diarrhea (12,70779,91438,108309).

Hematologic ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause nosebleed and bloody stools (12,91438).

Hepatic ...One case of hepatotoxicity and one case of fatal fulminant hepatitis have been reported in patients who had used reishi mushroom powder for 1-2 months (70766). There is a case report of a 61-year-old male with hypereosinophilia associated with hepatic nodules following the use of reishi mushroom powder for about 2 months. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the product. Although these side effects were thought to be associated with the use of reishi mushroom powder, it is unclear if other factors played a role. The patient had been taking tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium for about 4 months following anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma but discontinued these agents and initiated reishi mushroom due to liver injury (108312).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause dizziness (91438). Other rare symptoms include insomnia and headache (70776,70779).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Respiratory allergy to reishi spores can occur (12,5479). Sore throat and runny nose have also been reported (70776,91438).

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

General ...Orally, schisandra seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Decreased appetite, heartburn, stomach upset, and urticaria.

Dermatologic ...Orally, schisandra can cause urticaria in some patients (11).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, schisandra can cause heartburn, decreased appetite, and stomach upset (11).

(Read more about SCHISANDRA)

General ...Orally, vitamin K is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Intravenously: There have been rare cases of anaphylaxis and hyperbilirubinemia (in infants).

Dermatologic ...Orally, intake of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) along with calcium and vitamin D3 can cause an increased incidence of skin and skin appendage lesions compared to taking calcium and vitamin D3 alone. However, the risk of this adverse event is low, with 0.5 incidences per 100 patient-years occurring for patients treated with vitamin K, calcium, and vitamin D3 and 0.1 incidences per 100 patient-years occurring for patients treated with calcium and vitamin D3 alone (85467).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, vitamin K can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects (91450,91451). The most common effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (91450,91451).

Hepatic ...Orally, vitamin K3 (menadione) has been linked to hepatotoxicity. Vitamin K3 is no longer used therapeutically in North America because it has been linked to hepatic toxicity and jaundice in animal research (7135).

Other ...Intravenously, vitamin K can cause reactions that resemble hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis (85389). These reactions are rare. It is unclear whether the adverse effect is caused by the drug or a component of the solution. There have been very rare cases of hyperbilirubinemia, particularly in premature neonates, following large doses of vitamin K (15).

(Read more about VITAMIN K)