| Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
|
(Sambucus nigra, Sambucus nigra)
((50:1 Concentrate)(Equivalent to 2,500 mg))
|
50 mg |
|
(Olea europaea )
(leaf)
(Oleuropein)
(min. 18% Oleuropein)
|
40 mg |
|
(Allium sativum )
(bulb)
|
40 mg |
|
(Origanum vulgare )
(min. 55% Carvacrol)
|
40 mg |
|
ImmunEnhancer
(Arabinogalactan)
|
10 mg |
|
(Rosmarinus officinalis )
|
5 mg |
Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Enteric Coating, Water, Carob, Rice Bran Oil, Beeswax, Soy Lecithin
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Elderberry & Herbs. 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
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Elderberry & Herbs. 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 used orally in the amounts typically found in foods. Elderberry has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when elderberry fruit extract is used orally, short-term. One specific elderberry fruit extract (Sambucol, Nature's Way) has been used with apparent safety for up to 5 days (5260,12235,103831); another (BerryPharma, Iprona AG) has been used with apparent safety for up to 15 days (91374). A specific elderberry fruit extract lozenge (ViraBLOC, HerbalScience) has been used with apparent safety for 2 days (17022). Other elderberry fruit extracts have been used with apparent safety for up to 12 weeks (21141,21142).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when elder tree leaves and stems, or unripe or uncooked elderberries, are consumed. The unripe green fruit, as well as the leaves and stems of the elder tree, contain a cyanide-producing chemical, which can cause serious toxicity (17020,17021,21143,21144,91374). Cooking eliminates the toxin.
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally for up to 3 days.
A specific fruit extract (Sambucol, Nature's Way) has been used in doses of 15 mL twice daily for 3 days in children 5 years and older (5260,103831).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when unripe or uncooked elderberries are consumed.
The unripe green fruit, as well as the leaves and stems of the elder tree, contain a cyanide-producing chemical , which can cause serious toxicity (17020,17021,21143,21144,91374). Cooking eliminates the toxin.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when consumed in the amounts typically found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of elderberry when used for medicinal purposes; avoid using in amounts greater than those found in foods.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Garlic has been used safely in clinical studies lasting up to 7 years without reports of significant toxicity (1873,4782,4783,4784,4785,4786,4787,4789,4790,4797)(4798,6457,6897,14447,96008,96009,96014,102016,102670,103479)(107238,107239,107352,108607,110722,111763).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically. Garlic-containing gels, lipid-soluble garlic extracts, garlic pastes, and garlic mouthwashes have been safely used in clinical research for up to 3 months (4766,4767,8019,15030,51330,51386). ...when used intravaginally. A vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme has been safely used nightly for 7 nights (88387).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when raw garlic is used topically (585). Raw garlic might cause severe skin irritation when applied topically.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods (3319).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts.
Garlic is reported to have abortifacient activity (11020). One study also suggests that garlic constituents are distributed to the amniotic fluid after a single dose of garlic (4828). However, there are no published reports of garlic adversely affecting pregnancy. In clinical research, garlic 800 mg daily was used during the third trimester of pregnancy with no reported adverse outcomes (9201,51626). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical garlic during pregnancy.
LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods (3319).
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in amounts greater than those found in foods.
Several small studies suggest that garlic constituents are secreted in breast milk, and that nursing infants of mothers consuming garlic are prone to extended nursing (3319,4829,4830). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical garlic during lactation.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately for up to 8 weeks.
Garlic extract 300 mg three times daily has been used with apparent safety for up 8 weeks in children ages 8-18 years (4796). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of garlic when used over longer durations or in higher doses.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when raw garlic is used topically.
Raw garlic might cause severe skin irritation when applied topically (585,51210).
LIKELY SAFE ...when olive fruit is used orally and appropriately in amounts commonly found in foods.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when olive leaf extract is used orally and appropriately. Olive leaf extract providing 51-100 mg oleuropein daily has been used with apparent safety for 6-8 weeks (92245,92247,101860). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of olive fruit extract when used in amounts greater than those found in foods.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; stick with amounts commonly found in foods.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Oregano leaf and oil have Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used orally in amounts greater than those found in food. There is also insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used topically. Oregano oil in concentrations of greater than 1% may be irritating when applied to mucous membranes (67348,88188).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts.
Oregano is thought to have abortifacient and emmenagogue effects (19,7122,19104).
LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of oregano when used in medicinal amounts; avoid amounts greater than those found in food.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts typically found in foods. Rosemary has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the leaf is used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts (18). Powdered rosemary leaf has been used with apparent safety as a single dose of up to 1.5 grams (18246,91731) or at a dose of 1-4 grams daily for up to 8 weeks (91727,98536,105327,109561). ...when the essential oil is used topically and appropriately for up to 7 months (5177,91729,109560). ...when the essential oil is used by inhalation as aromatherapy, short-term (7107,18323,105324,109559).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when the essential oil or very large quantities of rosemary leaf are used orally. Ingestion of undiluted rosemary oil or very large quantities of rosemary leaf can cause serious adverse effects (18,515).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in medicinal amounts.
Rosemary might have uterine and menstrual flow stimulant effects (4,12,18), and might increase metabolism of estradiol and estrone (18331); avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of rosemary when used topically during pregnancy.
LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using rosemary in medicinal amounts during lactation; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Elderberry & Herbs. 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, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
 Details
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor (10796).
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Garlic may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, taking garlic with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
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Theoretically, taking garlic with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Details
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Theoretically, garlic might decrease levels and effects of atazanavir.
Details
In a case report, a patient consuming six stir-fried garlic cloves three times weekly developed suboptimal atazanavir levels and increases in HIV viral load. While the exact cause of this interaction is unclear, there is speculation that garlic might decrease the intestinal absorption of atazanavir or increase its metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) (88388). Until more is known, advise patients not to consume large amounts of garlic while taking atazanavir.
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Garlic might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Details
Clinical research suggests garlic oil can inhibit the activity of CYP2E1 by 39% (10847). Use garlic oil cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
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Theoretically, garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4 and inhibit hepatic CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Details
Some human research suggests that garlic may induce INTESTINAL CYP3A4, reducing levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. This is primarily based on a study showing that taking a specific allicin-containing garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces saquinavir levels by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induced CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa (7027,93578). Another study shows that giving docetaxel intravenously, bypassing the CYP3A4 enzymes in the gut mucosa, along with the same specific garlic product for 12 consecutive days, does not affect docetaxel levels (17221). Conversely, there is concern that garlic may inhibit HEPATIC CYP3A4. In a single case report, increased tacrolimus levels and liver injury occurred in a liver transplant patient after taking a specific garlic supplement (Garlicin Cardio, Nature's Way) at up to three times the manufacturer recommended dose for 7 days (96010). Several other studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin (10335,10847,15031,94506).
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Theoretically, garlic might decrease levels of isoniazid.
Details
Animal research suggests that an aqueous extract of garlic reduces isoniazid levels by about 65%. Garlic reduced the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC), but not the half-life, of isoniazid. This suggests that garlic extract might inhibit isoniazid absorption across the intestinal mucosa (15031); however, the exact mechanism of this potential interaction is not known.
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Theoretically, garlic products containing allicin might decrease levels of PIs.
Details
Protease inhibitors are metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzymes. There is concern that garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4, reducing plasma levels of protease inhibitors. This is primarily based on a study showing that taking a specific garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces levels of saquinavir, a PI, by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induce CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa (7027,93578). Several studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin (10335,10847,15031,94506).
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Theoretically, garlic containing allicin might decrease levels of saquinavir.
Details
Saquinavir is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzymes. There is concern that garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4 and cause subtherapeutic levels of saquinavir. This is primarily based on a pharmacokinetic study showing that taking a specific garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces saquinavir levels by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induces CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa (7027,93578). Several pharmacokinetic studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin (10335,10847,15031,94506). Until more is known about this potential interaction, use garlic containing allicin cautiously in patients taking saquinavir.
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Theoretically, taking garlic with sofosbuvir might decrease its effectiveness.
Details
Animal research in rats shows that giving aged garlic extract 120 mg/kg orally daily for 14 days decreases the area under the concentration time curve (AUC) after a single sofosbuvir dose of 40 mg/kg by 36%, increases the clearance by 63%, and decreases the plasma concentrations at 1 and 8 hours by 35% and 58%, respectively. This interaction is hypothesized to be due to induction of intestinal P-glycoprotein expression by garlic (109524).
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Theoretically, garlic might increase levels of tacrolimus.
Details
In one case report, a liver transplant patient taking tacrolimus experienced increased tacrolimus levels and liver injury after taking a specific garlic supplement (Garlicin Cardio, Nature's Way) at up to three times the manufacturer recommended dose for 7 days. It is speculated that garlic inhibited hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which increased plasma levels of tacrolimus (96010).
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Theoretically, garlic might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Details
Raw garlic and a variety of garlic extracts have antiplatelet activity and can increase prothrombin time (586,616,1874,3234,4366,4802,4803,51397). In addition, there is a report of two patients who experienced an increase in a previously stabilized international normalized ratio (INR) with concomitant garlic and warfarin use (51228,51631). However, this report has been subsequently debated due to limited clinical information. Other clinical studies have not identified an effect of garlic on INR, warfarin pharmacokinetics, or bleeding risk (15032,16416). More evidence is needed to determine the safety of using garlic with warfarin.
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Theoretically, oregano might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, oregano might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, taking rosemary with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
Animal research shows that rosemary extract can decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic models (71821,71923). However, research in humans is conflicting. Although rosemary powder decreased blood glucose levels in healthy adults (105327), no change in blood glucose levels was seen in adults with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs (105323,105327).
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Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin.
Details
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylates (18330).
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Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Details
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate (18330).
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Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A1 substrates.
Details
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Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Details
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Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate.
Details
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate (18330).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Elderberry & Herbs. 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, elderberry extracts prepared from ripe fruit seem to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: When adverse effects occur, they are likely due to ingestion of raw and unripe elderberries, or seeds, leaves, and other plant parts. Due to cyanogenic glycosides, these may cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor. Cooking eliminates the toxin.
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, nausea and vomiting have been reported after consuming a specific elderberry and echinacea product
Vogel Bioforce AG) (95650). However, it is unclear if this was due to the elderberry or Echinacea contained in the product.
Raw and unripe elderberries, and the seeds, leaves, and other elder tree parts might cause nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea due to cyanogenic glycosides (17020,17021). Cooking eliminates the toxin.
Hepatic ...In one case report, a 60-year-old female with underlying autoimmune disease presented with autoimmune hepatitis after taking elderberry at an unknown dose for several years. The patient presented with nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, and abdominal distention. Liver function tests returned to baseline 4 weeks after initiating treatment with prednisone 40 mg daily and discontinuing elderberry (110123).
Immunologic ...Elder tree pollen might cause an allergic reaction characterized by rhinitis and dyspnea in some patients who are allergic to grass pollen. These patients might also experience an allergic reaction to elderberry extracts (11095).
Neurologic/CNS ...Raw and unripe elderberries might cause weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor due to cyanogenic glycosides (17020,17021). Cooking eliminates the toxin.
General
...Orally, garlic is generally well tolerated.
Topically, garlic seems to be well tolerated. Intravenously, there is insufficient reliable information available about adverse effects.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, body odor, flatulence, malodorous breath, and nausea. Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Topically: Burns and dermatitis with fresh garlic.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Some case reports raise concerns about increased risk of bleeding with garlic.
Dermatologic
...Orally, garlic may cause pruritus (51316,51474,107239), flushing, and acne (107239).
Oral intake of a specific garlic product containing allicin (Allimax) has been associated with a case of pruritic rash (51474). Enteric-coated garlic tablets standardized to 1.5% allicin have also been associated with a case of pruritus (51316). Garlic has also been associated with a case of superficial pemphigus in a 49-year-old male with type 2 diabetes (51564). Garlic-induced oral ulcers have also been reported (51467).
Topically, garlic may cause contact dermatitis and urticaria (4833,5004,12635,51258,51265,51375,51403,51412,51459,51483)(51511,51512,51530,51616,51617,51618,111769), as well as contact cheilitis (51384). Fresh garlic may be more likely to elicit a reaction than garlic extract. Most reactions have resolved following withdrawal of garlic therapy. In one case report, applying crushed garlic on the neck to help ease a sore throat resulted in an itchy, burning, erythematous lesion in a young female patient. The lesion healed after one week of treatment with topical antibiotics, steroids, and antihistamine ointments (88390). Cases of occupational eczema or dermatitis have been reported in cooks (51303,51210), food handlers (51292), and caterers (51304). According to one case report, dermatitis appeared in chefs exposed to garlic (15033). Treatment with acitretin 25 mg daily or topical psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) for 12 weeks proved effective in mitigating the symptoms. A 34-year-old female with a history of hand dermatitis and paronychia had a worsening of these conditions after peeling raw garlic. She had a positive skin patch test to fresh, raw garlic but not to any other tested allergens, and the conditions resolved when she avoided contact with garlic (105528). Topically, garlic may also cause chemical burns, usually within 12 hours of application. Second- and third-degree chemical burns have been reported in adults, children, and infants exposed to topical garlic, often as an unintended consequence of using garlic medicinally on the skin (585,4832,51226,51230,51252,51281,51377,51418,51468,51495,51536)(51558,51576,51577,88409,96006). A case of painful blisters on the soles of the feet of a 23-year-old Chinese female has been attributed to chemical burns caused by applying crushed raw garlic for 3 hours (51440). Topically, garlic may also cause hyperpigmentation, ulcers, necrotic lesions, facial flushing, and local irritation (4832,15030,51268,51269,108606). In one case report, applying crushed raw garlic to the palatal mucosa for several minutes to relieve mouth pain resulted in a chemical burn that produced a 3 cm necrotic ulcer in an adult female with trigeminal neuralgia (108606).
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, dehydrated garlic preparations or raw garlic may cause malodorous breath (51438,51444), body odor (732,1873,4784,4793,4795,4798,9201,10787,42692,49769)(51269,51316,51467,51602), abdominal pain or fullness, anorexia, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, belching, heartburn, nausea, unpleasant taste, reflux, and bowel obstruction (1884,6457,6897,9201,49769,51269,51343,51380,51438,51442)(51450,51457,51466,51471,51474,51520,51593,51602,51623,88398)(88405,111766).
Large quantities of garlic may damage the gastrointestinal tract. In one case report, a patient taking garlic for hypertension reported odynophagia and retrosternal pain after taking garlic without any water the previous day. An esophageal lesion 3 cm in length was detected upon endoscopy. The symptoms resolved 3 days after starting a liquid diet and taking lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily and sucralfate four times daily (88389). One case of bowel obstruction was reported in a 66-year-old male who ingested an entire garlic bulb (51525). Esophageal perforation has been reported in at least 17 individuals who consumed entire garlic cloves. In one case the perforation led to mediastinitis and death (102672).
Garlic has also been associated with eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract. In one case report a 42-year-old female presented with symptoms of eosinophilic gastroenteritis, which included pollinosis, asthma, diarrhea, heart burn, peripheral eosinophilia, and urticaria. After stopping use of garlic and sesame, the patient improved (51441). In a case report of eosinophilic esophagitis, garlic was determined to be the causative agent in a patient with long-standing gastrointestinal symptoms. The patient had attempted to treat upper gastrointestinal symptoms as gastrointestinal reflux disease without success for many years. Skin prick testing showed a positive reaction to garlic, of which the patient noted frequent consumption. Marked symptom improvement was noted within 3 weeks of garlic avoidance (88393).
Intravenously, garlic 1 mg/kg of body weight daily diluted into 500 mL saline and administered over 4 hours has been reported to cause abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, flatulence, weight loss, and garlicky body odor (51462).
Clinical research suggests that patients with metabolic syndrome taking 1600 mg of powdered garlic by mouth daily for 3 months may experience improved intestinal transit time when compared with placebo, suggesting that garlic powder may reduce symptoms of constipation (110722).
Genitourinary ...Orally, garlic might cause dysuria, hematuria, or polyuria (51438,51450,51467,113618). In one case, an older male with high dietary and supplemental garlic intake at doses of 300-5400 mg daily for 3-4 years developed severe hematuria with clots after undergoing a minimally invasive prostate procedure (113618).
Hematologic
...Oral use of dietary garlic or supplements containing garlic has caused platelet dysfunction, increased fibrinolytic activity, prolonged bleeding time, retrobulbar hemorrhage (bleeding behind the eye) postoperative bleeding, and spinal epidural hematoma (586,587,4801,4802,11325,51397,51473,51491,51532,51534)(51570,51584,51593,51594,113618).
Also, a case of kidney hematoma following extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) has been reported in a patient with nephrolithiasis who took aged garlic (51630). A case of increased bleeding time that complicated epistaxis management has been reported in a patient taking garlic, aspirin, and milk thistle (51426).
Intravenously, garlic has been associated with the development of thrombophlebitis at the injection site (51462).
Immunologic
...There is a case report of an immediate sensitivity reaction to oral raw garlic, resulting in wheals, in a 31-year-old female.
The patient did not react to cooked garlic, and skin prick tests showed allergy only to raw garlic (96015). Researchers note that at least some allergens in raw garlic are heat labile (88392,96012,96015). This suggests that consuming cooked rather than raw garlic may help avoid this reaction in patients allergic to raw garlic. However, different people react to different allergens in garlic. At least some of these allergens are heat stable (96012). While rare, garlic-induced anaphylaxis has been reported (88392,96012).
Topically, allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in case reports (51406,51498,51510,51519,51560).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, garlic has been associated with individual cases of gout and low back pain (51474,51467), but it is not clear if these adverse events can be attributed to garlic.
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, diaphoresis, fever, chills, somnolence, increased appetite, euphoria, and weight loss have been reported with garlic (15032,42692,51316,51467,51471,51520). In one case, the smell of garlic was identified as a trigger for migraines in a 32-year-old female. The subject reported fortification spectra along with visual spots for a few seconds followed by instantaneous biparietal, crushing level (10/10) headaches upon exposure to the scent of garlic or onion (88404).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Garlic exposure, most notably in occupational settings, may cause asthma and other symptoms such as sneezing, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and sinusitis (40661,51218). A case of minor hemoptysis has been reported for one patient with cystic fibrosis following intake of garlic capsules orally once daily for 8 weeks (51438). A 77-year-old female developed pneumonia related to the intake of one whole black garlic clove daily. The cloves were prepared by heating a whole garlic bulb in a pot for one month. Symptoms included dyspnea and coughing, and test results were positive for lymphocyte-induced stimulation by black garlic and raw garlic. The patient required treatment with oral steroids and was told to avoid garlic (96011).
General
...Orally, olive fruit is well tolerated when used in typical food amounts.
Olive leaf extract seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Headache and stomach discomfort.
Dermatologic ...Orally, one patient in one clinical trial reported bad skin and acne after using olive leaf extract (101860).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, three patients in one clinical trial reported stomach ache after using olive leaf extract (101860).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, three patients in one clinical trial reported headache after using olive leaf extract (101860).
Psychiatric ...In one case report, a 67-year-old female experienced irritability, anger, a lack of control, and feelings of sadness and negativity after consuming a multi-ingredient product containing olive leaf extract 5 grams, horseradish root, and eyebright daily for 38 days. All psychiatric symptoms disappeared within days of stopping the combined product. It is hypothesized that the hydroxytyrosol component of olive leaf extract contributed to these symptoms due to its chemical similarity to dopamine; however, it is not clear if these symptoms were due to the olive leaf extract or to the other ingredients (96245).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Olive tree pollen can cause seasonal respiratory allergy (1543).
General
...Orally, oregano is well tolerated when used in amounts typically found in foods.
There is currently a limited amount of information available about the safety of oregano when used in larger amounts as medicine.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Gastrointestinal upset.
Topically: Dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in sensitive individuals.
Dermatologic ...Oregano has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis (46902). Topically, oregano oil in concentrations of greater than 1% has been reported to cause irritation when applied to mucous membranes (67348,88188).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large amounts of oregano can cause gastrointestinal upset. Concentrated, non-emulsified oil of oregano can cause localized irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (6878).
Immunologic ...Systemic allergic reactions have been reported with oregano. A 45-year-old male developed pruritus, respiratory difficulty, hypotension, swelling of the lips and tongue, and facial edema after ingesting pizza seasoned with oregano. He had 2 similar episodes after ingesting foods seasoned with thyme, another member of the Lamiaceae family. He did not react to similar foods without the seasoning, and he had positive skin tests to plants of the Lamiaceae family (3705).
General ...Orally, rosemary seems to be well tolerated when used in appropriate medicinal amounts. Undiluted rosemary oil or very large quantities of rosemary leaf should not be consumed. Topically and as aromatherapy, rosemary seems to be well tolerated.
Dermatologic ...Topically, rosemary use can lead to photosensitivity, erythema, dermatitis, and cheilitis in hypersensitive individuals (4,6).
Immunologic
...Topically, allergic reactions can occur.
When used in the mouth, lip and gum edema have occurred (101173). When used on the skin, allergic contact dermatitis has occurred, likely due to the constituent carnosol (71715,71924,71926).
Rosemary might also cause occupational asthma. A case of occupational asthma caused by several aromatic herbs including thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and garlic has been reported. The diagnosis was confirmed by inhalation challenges. Although all of the herbs caused immediate skin reactivity, a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) showed that garlic was the most potent allergen by weight, with rosemary and the other herbs showing less reactivity (783).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, the undiluted oil, as well as the camphor constituent of rosemary, might cause seizures (4,5,6,12868).
