Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
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Proprietary Blend
(Herb: Solvent Ratio 1:7 (Distilled Water and Neutral Grain Spirits 28-38% ABV))
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1935 mg |
(Equisetum sp. )
(aerial parts)
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Wheat Germ Seed Extract
(Triticum aestivum )
(seed)
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East Indian Sarsaparilla Root Extract
(Hemidesmus indicus )
(root)
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(Avena sativa )
(aerial parts)
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(Maranta arundinacea )
(root)
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(Ascophyllum sp. )
(whole algae)
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(Fucus sp. )
(algae)
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(Chondrus crispus )
(moss)
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None
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product HME-H. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product HME-H. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when the starch from the root or rhizome is used orally in the amounts found in foods (12). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of arrowroot when used in medicinal amounts.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used in amounts found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of larger amounts used during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally, short-term. Ascophyllum nodosum dried powder has been used with apparent safety at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months (94996,94997,103900). However, marine products such as Ascophyllum nodosum are known to accumulate heavy metals such as arsenic (94997,94999). Some supplement products are prospectively analyzed to confirm a lack of contaminants and that heavy metal levels are below threshold (94997).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using amounts greater than those found in food.
LIKELY SAFE ...when undegraded carrageenan is used orally in the amounts found in foods (11). Carrageenan has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912,102538).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used intranasally, short-term. Saline solution containing iota-carrageenan 0.12% has been sprayed into the nose with apparent safety three times daily for up to 7 days (99449,99450,99451,99452,99466). Also, saline solution containing iota-carrageenan 0.17% has been sprayed into both nostrils with apparent safety four times daily (providing 1 mg daily) for up to 21 days (107852).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when the degraded form, called poligeenan, is used orally. Poligeenan contains a lower molecular weight product that is partially absorbed. There is concern about the safety of this form because it has been linked to colonic lesions, neoplasms, and bleeding in animals (40065,40047). Due to public concern that commercial carrageenan contains poligeenan or can be degraded to poligeenan in the stomach, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reevaluated the safety of carrageenan and reaffirmed its status as GRAS in 2012 (99466). Carrageenan that is not degraded has an average molecular weight of 453-652 kDA, while degraded carrageenan is usually 20-30 kDA. In order to limit potential safety concerns, the European Commission Scientific Committee on Food advises that the total weight of any carrageenan food additives contain no more than 5% of a molecular weight below 50 kDa (99901). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of carrageenan when used topically.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used in food amounts (11).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using larger amounts; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when applied topically to the skin. A gel containing 1% Fucus vesiculosus extract, applied to the skin twice daily, has been used in clinical research with apparent safety for up to 5 weeks (12799).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally due to its iodine content and possible heavy metal content. Fucus vesiculosus contains up to 0.05% iodine or 226 mcg/gram dry weight (12789,74217). Ingesting more than 150 mcg of iodine daily can cause hyperthyroidism or exacerbate existing hyperthyroidism (12788). Fucus vesiculosus can also contain heavy metals, including cadmium, arsenic, and lead, and can cause heavy metal nephropathy (12789,12800,74213).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally because it may contain iodine and heavy metals (12789,74213,74217); avoid using.
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when horsetail products containing thiaminase are used orally, long-term. Thiaminase is an enzyme that destroys thiamine, which could theoretically lead to thiamine deficiency. In Canada, horsetail products are required to be thiaminase-free (105301).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in food amounts (4960,4969,5792,5797). Oat bran has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). Whole grain oats 50-100 grams daily have been used for up to 1 year without serious adverse effects (97520).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately (12). Lotion containing colloidal oat 1% has been used topically without adverse effects for up to 6 weeks (97518,103340). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oats when used orally in medicinal amounts.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in food amounts (5792,5797).
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product HME-H. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, combining Ascophyllum nodosum with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Details
Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine (94997,95000,95102), although the bioavailability of iodine from Ascophyllum nodosum is lower than that of potassium iodide (94997). Amiodarone contains 37.3% iodine and can increase iodine levels. Concomitant use might increase the risk of having excessive iodine levels and adversely affecting thyroid function (7135,17574). Monitor thyroid function.
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Due to its iodine content, Ascophyllum nodosum might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Details
Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine (94997,95000,95102), although the bioavailability of iodine from Ascophyllum nodosum is lower than that of potassium iodide (94997). Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs (17574).
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Due to its iodine content, Ascophyllum nodosum might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Details
Ascophyllum nodosum contains iodine (94997,95000,95102), although the bioavailability of iodine from Ascophyllum nodosum is lower than that of potassium iodide (94997). Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Ascophyllum nodosum while using thyroid hormone could alter the effects of thyroid hormone (17574).
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Theoretically, carrageenan may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
Laboratory research suggests that carrageenan has anticoagulant effects (6002). However, this has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, combining Fucus vesiculosus with amiodarone might cause excessively high iodine levels.
Details
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Theoretically, taking Fucus vesiculosus with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Details
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Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of antithyroid drugs.
Details
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine (7135). Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using antithyroid drugs could alter the effects of the antithyroid drugs (2138,17574).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C8 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C8 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2C9 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP2C9 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP2D6 substrates might alter the effects of these substrates.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, both inhibits and induces CYP2D6 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus with CYP3A4 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects.
Details
In vitro research shows that fucoidan, a constituent of Fucus vesiculosus, inhibits CYP3A4 (97791). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
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Concomitant use of Fucus vesiculosus and lithium has resulted in hyperthyroidism.
Details
There is a case of hyperthyroidism occurring in a patient taking Fucus vesiculosus and lithium (74217). Monitor thyroid hormones closely in patients taking lithium and Fucus vesiculosus concomitantly.
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Due to its iodine content, Fucus vesiculosus might alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
Details
Fucus vesiculosus contains high concentrations of iodine (7135). Iodine in high doses has been reported to cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, depending on the individual's past medical history. Taking Fucus vesiculosus while using thyroid hormone could alter the effects of thyroid hormone.
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Theoretically, taking horsetail with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
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Theoretically, taking horsetail with diuretic drugs might increase potassium loss and the risk of hypokalemia.
Details
Laboratory research shows that various species of horsetail have diuretic properties (13574,13575). Due to its diuretic effects, there has been concern that taking horsetail along with potassium-depleting diuretics might increase the risk for hypokalemia. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that taking horsetail 900 mg daily for 4 days does not affect urinary excretion of electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, despite having a diuretic effect similar to taking hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily (92288). It is unclear if taking horsetail for a longer duration would affect electrolyte levels. Until more is known, use with caution.
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Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of efavirenz.
Details
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral regimen that included efavirenz. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing horsetail, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown (97573). It is also unclear if this interaction is specific to efavirenz or if it is related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.
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Theoretically, horsetail might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Details
Animal research suggests that horsetail has diuretic properties (13574). Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, horsetail might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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Theoretically, horsetail might decrease the levels and clinical effects of NRTIs.
Details
In two case reports, patients were found to have detectable viral loads when taking horsetail-containing supplements along with an antiretroviral therapy. In one case, the antiretroviral regimen included zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz; in the other case, the regimen consisted of emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and efavirenz. One month after discontinuing the supplement, the viral loads became undetectable in both cases. The exact mechanism of these interactions is unknown (97573). It is also unclear if these interactions are specific to NRTIs or if they are related to various components of antiretroviral therapy.
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Theoretically, oats may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
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Concomitant use of oats and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
In patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control (103336).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product HME-H. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General ...Orally, arrowroot starch from the root or rhizome is well tolerated when used in the amounts found in foods (12). There is a limited amount of information available about the adverse effects of arrowroot when used in medicinal amounts. In one clinical trial, it was reported to cause dyspepsia, constipation, and dark stools (12,32448).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, arrowroot has been reported to cause dyspepsia, constipation, and dark stools in one clinical trial (32448).
General ...Orally, Ascophyllum nodosum seems to be generally well-tolerated.
Endocrine ...Orally, taking Ascophyllum nodosum powder 500 mg daily for 14 days has been reported to cause elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in 2 of 22 women in a clinical trial. The powder contained 356 mcg iodine per 500 mg. Levels of free thyroxine (T4) were unaffected (94997).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, Ascophyllum nodosum has been reported to cause stomach discomfort in one clinical trial (94996).
General
...Orally, carrageenan is well tolerated in amounts found in foods.
Intranasally, carrageenan seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects: None known.
Dermatologic ...Topically, when carrageenan gel was applied to the penis or anus prior to anal intercourse in one clinical study, it was reported to cause discomfort or adverse reactions in 59% of males, compared with 44% of those using placebo (107851).
Genitourinary ...Intravaginally, carrageenan gel has been associated with mild vaginal itching and burning, a vaginal abrasion, bladder fullness, and urinary hesitancy. However, it is unclear if carrageenan was the causal factor of these symptoms (40044,40068).
Hematologic ...In one clinical study in males, carrageenan gel applied topically to the penis and anus prior to anal intercourse was reported to cause rectal bleeding that was not directly related to anal intercourse in 8% of patients, compared with 0% of patients using placebo (107851).
Oncologic ...Observational research has found that increased consumption of carrageenan is associated with an increase in breast cancer incidence (40046).
General
...When used orally, Fucus vesiculosus may be unsafe due to its iodine content.
Topically, Fucus vesiculosus appears to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Thyroid cancer.
Cardiovascular ...In one report, a young adult with obesity developed palpitations and syncope after taking an oral weight loss supplement containing a combination of Fucus vesiculosus, dandelion, and boldo for 3 weeks. The patient was found to have a prolonged QT interval on ECG and frequent episodes of sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (14321). It is not clear whether Fucus vesiculosus, another ingredient, or the combination of ingredients is responsible for this adverse effect. The product was not analyzed to determine the presence of any potential toxic contaminants.
Endocrine
...Orally, Fucus vesiculosus can cause or exacerbate hyperthyroidism due to its high iodine content (12789,13061,74217).
One case of hyperthyroidism has been reported for a 60-year-old patient taking lithium for bipolar disorder and a combination product containing Fucus vesiculosus 0.125 grams, cascara 0.170 grams, and Frangula 0.222 grams per tablet for laxative purposes. The patient had been taking one tablet of the combination laxative product daily for several years. Following discontinuation of the supplement, thyroid levels normalized (74217). Similar cases of hyperthyroidism have been reported for patients taking other seaweed-containing herbal supplements (Dream Shape; Ever Youth). Analyses of these supplements shows that these products contain triiodothyronine 1 mcg and thyroxine 3-4 mcg. In addition to seaweed, Dream Shape also contains hydrangea vine, maltose, chrysanthemum, Chinese matrimony vine, and sucrose, while Ever Youth contains radish, lotus leaf, chrysanthemum, hawthorn, senna tea, and Chinese matrimony vine (13061).
Orally, prolonged use of Fucus vesiculosus has been associated with hypothyroidism (13664). The iodine in Fucus vesiculosus can cause idiosyncratic reactions.
According to the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board, prolonged, high dietary intake of iodine is associated with goiter and an increased risk of thyroid cancer (7135).
Genitourinary ...A case of hemorrhagic cystitis characterized by dysuria and polyuria has been reported in a young adult who took a specific product (Slim-Kombu, Balestra and Mech) containing Fucus vesiculosus and 19 other herbal extracts orally for weight loss. Upon discontinuation, symptoms improved (46959). It is unclear if this effect was due to Fucus vesiculosus or other ingredients in the supplement.
Renal ...A case of hemorrhagic cystitis characterized by dysuria and polyuria has been reported in a young adult who took a specific product (Slim-Kombu, Balestra and Mech) containing Fucus vesiculosus and 19 other herbal extracts orally for weight loss. Upon discontinuation, symptoms improved (46959). It is unclear if this effect was due to Fucus vesiculosus or other ingredients in the supplement. Nephrotoxicity has been associated with oral intake of Fucus vesiculosus that was contaminated with arsenic (12800).
General
...There is limited clinical research evaluating the safety of horsetail.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal distension, increased bowel movements, and nausea.
Dermatologic ...In one case report, a patient developed seborrheic dermatitis after topical application of horsetail, requiring treatment with local epinephrine and oral antihistamines. The nicotine component of horsetail was determined to be the likely cause of this reaction (13563).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, horsetail has been associated with mild gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal distension, increased frequency of bowel movements, and nausea (55576). Orally, chronic consumption of horsetail infusion has been associated with acute pancreatitis. In a case report, a 56-year-old female presenting with recurrent mild acute pancreatitis every 6-7 months, previously thought to be drug-induced, discontinued ingesting horsetail infusions. The patient had a history of bilateral adrenal gland removal and was being treated for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hormone replacement, and then self-medicated with horsetail infusions. After discontinuing horsetail infusions, there were no further recurrences of pancreatitis during a 14-month follow-up (97574).
Hepatic ...In one case report, a patient with asymptomatic hepatitis B developed symptomatic liver failure following consumption of boiled horsetail juice 500 mL daily for 2 weeks. Liver enzymes returned to normal following discontinuation of the juice (92291). It is not known if the horsetail juice was contaminated or mixed with other ingredients.
Immunologic ...Horsetail has been associated with cross-allergenicity with carrots (13577).
Renal ...There are at least 4 case reports of hyponatremia thought to be at least partially associated with horsetail consumption. In one case report, an elderly patient who had taken oral horsetail 15 mg daily for 10 years presented with hyponatremia and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secondary to reduced oral intake and nausea for the previous 2 days. Horsetail was thought to be a contributing factor. The patient's symptoms resolved after 5 days of treatment with oral sodium chloride and fluid restriction (108851).
Other ...Crude horsetail contains thiaminase, which can cause thiamine deficiency with prolonged consumption. Canadian Equisetum arvense products are required to be certified as free from thiaminase-like activity (55579,105301). In one case report, the development of autism in a child exposed to both horsetail and alcohol during pregnancy was thought to be caused by thiamine deficiency attributed to this combination (92292). However, it is not known if other genetic or environmental factors were involved in the development of this condition in utero.
General
...Orally, oats are well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal distension, bloating, flatulence, and unpleasant taste.
Topically: Burning, contact dermatitis, itching, and redness.
Dermatologic ...Topically, oat-containing preparations can cause contact dermatitis (12515). Redness, burning, and itchiness have also been reported (103340).
Gastrointestinal
...When consumed orally, oats provide fiber.
Increasing fiber in the diet can cause flatulence, bloating, abdominal distention, and unpleasant taste. To minimize side effects, doses should be slowly titrated to the desired level. These adverse effects usually subside with continued use (12514).
In patients who have difficulty chewing food, or those with conditions that decrease small bowel motility, oat bran may cause bezoars (concretions) and intestinal obstruction. Oats and oat bran are unlikely to cause obstruction without other causative factors (4979,4985).