Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
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Proprietary Blend
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1.6 mL |
(Echinacea angustifolia )
(root)
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Plantain
(leaf)
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(fruit)
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(bark)
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Alcohol, Water, Distilled
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Lymphatic System 3 Tincture. 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
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of pokeweed.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of white oak bark.
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Lymphatic System 3 Tincture. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the fruit is used orally and appropriately, short-term. Powdered bitter melon fruit 0.5-12 grams daily for up to 4 months has been used (92126,100631,100632,109583). Extracts of bitter melon fruit have also been used safely for up to 3 months (36,15566,106408). There is insufficient reliable information available about long-term use of bitter melon or the safety of bitter melon when used topically.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Animal research shows that two proteins isolated from the raw fruit of bitter melon possess abortifacient properties (3724,35719,35722,35728). Also, one animal study shows that bitter melon juice significantly reduces the fertility rate of mice (35728). However, these effects of bitter melon have not been assessed in humans.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately short-term (4).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when excessive doses are used orally. The bloodroot constituent sanguinarine, although thought to be poorly absorbed, is a toxic alkaloid (6,12). ...when applied topically. Use of toothpaste or mouthwash containing bloodroot has been associated with an increased risk of developing oral leukoplakia (36666,36668). When applied to the skin, bloodroot paste causes pain, skin erosion, and a thick scab called an eschar which falls off leaving an indented scar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that patients avoid bloodroot containing topical products such as "black salve" (53499,95442,95444,95445,95446).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally (12); avoid using.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally (4); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Various liquid extracts of Echinacea purpurea have been used safely for up to 10 days, including EchinaGuard (Madaus AG) 20 drops every 2 hours for 1 day, then three times daily (10320), or Echinilin (Inovobiologic Inc.) 40 mL in divided doses for 1 day, then 15 mL in divided doses daily thereafter (12355,20062). Other liquid extracts have been used safely for relatively longer periods, including Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG) 2.4 grams daily for 4 months or 1.6 grams daily for 6 months (7087,18225), and Echinacin (Madaus AG) 5 mL twice daily for 10 days, or 4 mL twice daily for 8 weeks (3282,10802). Specific solid dosage forms of echinacea that have been used safely for up to 10 days include Echinacea purpurea above-ground parts (EchinaFresh, Enzymatic Therapy) 300 mg daily (11970), and mixtures of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia herb in divided doses of 6 grams to 10.5 grams for 1 day then 3 grams to 5.1 grams daily (10800,17519,20059). A specific Echinacea angustifolia extract (ExtractumPharma ZRT) has also been used with apparent safety at a dose of 40 mg once or twice daily for up to 7 days (20064,103233). An Echinacea purpurea product (Natures Resource) has been used safely at a dose of 1.8 grams daily for 8 weeks (17521), and echinacea (Puritan's Pride) has been used safely at 8 grams daily for 28 days (20066).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically, short-term. A specific cream (Linola Plus Cream, Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co.) containing echinacea extract (WO 3260) has been applied to the skin safely 2-3 times daily for up to 12 weeks (97499). There is insufficient reliable evidence about the safety of echinacea when used parenterally.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally, short-term.
Some clinical research shows that an extract of the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea (EC31J2, Echinacin Saft, Madaus AG) in a dose of 3.75 mL twice daily (for ages 2 years to 5 years) or 7.5 mL twice daily (for ages 6 years to 11 years) is safe when used for up to 10 days (4989). However, about 7% of children experienced a rash after taking echinacea, which might have been caused by an allergic reaction (4989). There is concern that allergic reactions could be severe in some children. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom recommends against the use of oral echinacea products in children under 12 years of age due to this risk of allergic reaction (18207). In contrast, another clinical study in children 4-12 years old shows that a specific Echinacea purpurea product (Echinaforce Junior, A. Vogel) does not cause allergic or urticarial reactions more frequently than vitamin C (105719).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally, short-term.
There is preliminary evidence that mothers can safely use echinacea in the form of E. purpurea or E. angustifolia solid dosage forms, 250-1000 mg daily, or tinctures, up to 30 drops daily, for 5 days to 7 days during the first trimester without adversely affecting the fetus (7056,13418,15123). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of echinacea when used for longer than 7 days.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when pokeweed is used orally. All parts of the pokeweed plant, especially the root, are considered to be toxic (3477,3479). The Herb Trade Association recommends against selling pokeweed as an herbal beverage or food (3478). Severe poisoning has been reported from ingesting tea brewed from pokeweed root (3478) and pokeweed leaves (3480,69094). Poisoning also has resulted from ingestion of pokeberry wine and pokeberry pancakes (3479). Consuming just 10 berries can be toxic to an adult (6). Green berries are considered more toxic than mature, red berries (4). ...when applied topically to the skin. Skin contact can cause hematological changes (3477,3481,3482). Protective gloves should be used to handle the plant (3477).
CHILDREN: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Children have died after ingesting pokeweed berries. Consumption of even one berry can be toxic (3479).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when pokeweed is used orally or applied topically; avoid using.
Evidence suggests the pokeweed berry has uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects (4,19). Pokeweed is generally considered unsafe for any use.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally for up to 3-4 days for treating diarrhea (2,12,7). ...when used topically up to 2-3 weeks on intact skin (2).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used topically on extensive areas of damaged skin or for longer than 2-3 weeks (2).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Lymphatic System 3 Tincture. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Taking bitter melon with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
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Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Details
Bitter melon might inhibit the p-glycoprotein (P-gp) intestinal pump and increase intracellular levels of P-gp substrates. In vitro research in intestinal cells shows that 1-monopalmitin, a constituent of bitter melon, increases levels of daunomycin, a P-gp substrate (97509). Additionally, drinking bitter melon juice has been associated with a case of acute pancreatitis in a patient who had been taking pazopanib, a P-gp substrate, for 8 years. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-gp led to increased levels of pazopanib, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis (109581).
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Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Details
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 8 years for renal cell carcinoma experienced signs and symptoms consistent with acute pancreatitis 4 days after drinking bitter melon juice at a dose of 100-150 mL daily. The patient's symptoms, amylase levels, and lipase levels improved upon discontinuation of bitter melon and pazopanib. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated with no further evidence of pancreatitis. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-glycoprotein by bitter melon led to increased levels of pazopanib, a P-glycoprotein substrate, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis (109581).
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Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Details
Echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine by around 30% (12155). This is likely due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) by echinacea.
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Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Details
Echinacea appears to inhibit CYP1A2 enzymes in humans. Additionally, echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate, by around 30% (12155). Theoretically, echinacea might increase levels of other drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
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Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Details
Several clinical trials have shown that taking echinacea for up to one month does not significantly affect the metabolism of various CYP3A4 substrates, including midazolam, docetaxel, etravirine, lopinavir-ritonavir, and darunavir-ritonavir (13712,48618,88164,88165). However, other clinical research shows that echinacea may increase the clearance of midazolam, suggesting that echinacea might induce CYP3A4 (48618). The discrepancy is thought to be due to differing effects of echinacea on intestinal versus hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes. Echinacea appears to induce hepatic CYP3A4 but inhibit intestinal CYP3A4 (12155). In some cases, these effects might cancel each other out, but in others, drug levels may be increased or decreased depending on the level of effect at hepatic and intestinal sites. The effect of echinacea on CYP3A4 activity may differ depending on the CYP3A4 substrate (6450,11026,88162,88167).
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Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of darunavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Details
Darunavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but administration of an E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg four times daily for 14 days did not affect darunavir/ritonavir pharmacokinetics in 15 HIV-infected patients (88163,93578).
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Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of docetaxel; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Details
Docetaxel is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea whole plant extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Biopharma AG) 20 drops three times daily for 2 weeks did not alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in one clinical study (88164).
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Echinacea may increase levels of etoposide.
Details
In one report, concomitant use of etoposide and echinacea was associated with more severe thrombocytopenia than the use of etoposide alone, suggesting inhibition of etoposide metabolism (20082). Etoposide is a cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrate. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but some studies have reported inhibition of the enzyme (6450,11026,12155,88162,88167).
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Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of etravirine; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Details
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Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Details
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Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of lopinavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Details
Lopinavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea (Echinamide, Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Inc.) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir/ritonavir in healthy volunteers (48618,93578).
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Theoretically, echinacea may increase the metabolism of intravenous midazolam.
Details
Echinacea induces hepatic CYP3A4 and might decrease plasma levels of midazolam by about 20%, reducing the effectiveness of intravenous midazolam (12155). Echinacea also appears to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, which could theoretically increase the bioavailability of oral midazolam. This may cancel out the decrease in availability caused by induction of hepatic CYP3A4, such that overall plasma levels after oral administration of midazolam are not affected by echinacea.
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Echinacea seems to increase the clearance of warfarin, although the effect may not be clinically significant.
Details
Preliminary clinical research in healthy male volunteers suggests that taking echinacea increases the clearance of the active S-isomer of warfarin after a single dose of warfarin, but there was not a clinically significant effect on the INR (20083).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Lymphatic System 3 Tincture. 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, bitter melon is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, flatulence, headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hypoglycemic coma and seizures (in children).
Dermatologic ...In one clinical study, two out of 31 patients taking bitter melon 4 grams daily experienced skin rash. Reports of skin rashes did not occur for patients taking bitter melon 2 grams daily (92126).
Endocrine ...Two cases of hypoglycemic coma have occurred in children after administration of a bitter melon tea (15568).
Gastrointestinal ...The most common adverse effects associated with bitter melon in clinical studies are gastrointestinal, such as heartburn, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort (92126,100632,100633,106408). In one study, these events occurred in about 3% to 16% of patients taking bitter melon (92126).
Neurologic/CNS ...Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue have been reported after the ingestion of bitter melon (15568,92126,100633,112372). In one clinical study, about 5% of patients taking bitter melon 2-4 grams daily reported dizziness (92126). Two cases of seizures have occurred in children after administration of a bitter melon tea (15568).
Renal ...In one case report, a 60-year-old female was diagnosed with acute interstitial nephritis after a gradual decline in renal function over 9 months. The patient later admitted to taking bitter melon extract 600 mg daily for 3 months followed by 1200 mg daily for 4 months for diabetes. Upon discontinuation of bitter melon and treatment with prednisolone, serum creatinine levels returned to baseline within 3 months (109582).
General ...Orally, bloodroot is generally well tolerated when used in appropriate doses, short term (4). Nausea, vomiting, and central nervous system depression have been reported. Higher oral doses can result in glaucoma, hypotension, shock, and coma (6,12). Long term use of bloodroot toothpaste or mouthwash has been associated with leukoplakia, keratoses of the mouth, impaired taste, and staining of the tongue, teeth, and fillings (36666,36668,36707). Topically, skin contact with fresh bloodroot can cause irritation or contact dermatitis (19). Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes because of its irritant properties.
Cardiovascular ...Orally, high doses of bloodroot may cause hypotension (6).
Dermatologic ...Topically, skin contact with fresh bloodroot can cause irritation or contact dermatitis (19). Topical application of bloodroot can corrode skin and produce a thick dry scab called an eschar which falls off and results in a depressed scar. There are numerous cases of patients applying bloodroot salves topically for 3-4 hours daily for 3-12 days to skin cancers, moles and blemishes. These patients report experiencing severe pain, burning, skin erosion, and scarring (53499,95442,95444,95445,95446).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, bloodroot may cause nausea and vomiting (12). Some research shows that bloodroot-containing toothpastes and mouth rinses can be used for up to six months without evidence of adverse effects (36679). However observational research has found an association between chronic use of bloodroot toothpaste or mouthwash and leukoplakia or keratoses of the mouth and lip. Discontinuing these products did not always result in a resolution of leukoplakia (36666,36668). Prolonged use of bloodroot oral rinse causes impaired sensation of taste, as well as staining of the tongue, teeth, and fillings. The impaired taste and staining do seem to resolve after discontinuation of the bloodroot rinse (36707).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, bloodroot may cause CNS depression. High oral doses may cause shock and coma (6).
Ocular/Otic ...There are reports of worsening vision after small oral doses of bloodroot (36680). Glaucoma has been reported after high oral doses of bloodroot (6). However, some experts disagree that oral use of bloodroot causes ocular toxicity (36680). Direct contact of bloodroot with the eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided because of its irritant properties.
General
...Orally, echinacea is well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, rashes, and stomach upset.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Severe allergic reactions and hepatitis have been reported.
Dermatologic ...Itching, urticaria, tingling, and allergic rashes have been reported with various echinacea preparations (8225,12355,17519,20059,20077,101592,111530,111540). In a study of children aged 2-11 years, rash occurred in about 7% of children treated with an extract of the above-ground parts of E. purpurea (EC31J2, Echinacin Saft, Madaus AG), compared with about 3% of those treated with placebo (4989,95652). There is concern that allergic reactions could be severe in some children. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom (UK) recommends against the use of oral echinacea products in children under 12 years of age due to this risk of allergic reaction (18207). However, another study in children 4-12 years old shows that a specific E. purpurea product (Echinaforce Junior, A. Vogel) did not cause allergic or urticarial reactions more frequently than vitamin C (105719).
Gastrointestinal ...Gastrointestinal adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation (10802,11970,12355,13419,17519,20059,48680,105719,106626). An unpleasant taste, dry mouth, and burning, tingling or numbness of the tongue also occur (11970,12355,17519,20059,20070,20077).
Hematologic ...A 51-year-old female presented with leukopenia after taking echinacea 450 mg three times daily for 2 months, along with ginkgo biloba, multivitamins, and calcium. Her leukocyte count recovered upon stopping these supplements, but dropped again when she restarted echinacea alone about a year later. The problem resolved when echinacea was stopped permanently (48533). A 32-year-old male presented with severe thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) about 2 weeks after using an extract of E. pallida to treat a cold. He required admission to an intensive care unit and extensive plasmapheresis. The authors speculate that immunostimulant effects of echinacea induced or exacerbated the TTP (48572).
Hepatic
...Although uncommon, cases of echinacea-induced hepatitis have been reported.
One case report describes acute cholestatic autoimmune hepatitis in a 45-year-old male who had been taking an echinacea root extract 1500 mg daily for about 2 weeks. He presented with significantly elevated liver function tests (LFTs), elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, and a positive test for anti-smooth muscle antibodies, indicating an autoimmune process. Elevated LFTs and IgG levels returned to normal within one month of stopping echinacea (17518). Another case report describes acute cholestatic hepatitis in a 44-year-old male who had taken echinacea root tablets 600 mg daily for 5 days to treat flu-like symptoms. He presented with elevated LFTs, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio (INR). His condition gradually improved after stopping echinacea, and his LFTs normalized within 3 months (91528).
Seven cases of hepatitis associated with echinacea use were reported to the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee between 1979 and 2000, but specific details are lacking (8225).
One case report describes acute liver failure in a 2 year-old child who had been given about 100 mg of echinacea daily for 2 weeks. The patient presented with jaundice, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and significantly elevated LFTs. A liver biopsy showed hepatocyte swelling, spotty necrosis, and inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophils. A full recovery was made over a 2-week period (88166).
Immunologic
...Allergic reactions, including urticaria, runny nose, dyspnea, bronchospasm, acute asthma, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, have been reported with various echinacea preparations (638,1358,8225).
Atopic individuals and those sensitive to other members of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) seem to be at higher risk for these reactions (1358,8225).
A case report describes a 36-year-old female who presented with muscle weakness, electrolyte abnormalities, renal tubular acidosis, fatigue, and dry mouth and eyes after taking echinacea, kava, and St. John's Wort for 2 weeks., She also had a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, with elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies SSA and SSB. Sjogren syndrome was diagnosed; the authors hypothesize that it may have been triggered by the immunostimulant effects of echinacea (10319). A 55-year-old male with a history of pemphigus vulgaris in remission for about a year experienced a flare of the disease after taking an echinacea supplement for one week. After stopping echinacea, medical treatment resulted in partial control of the disease (12171). Another case report describes a 58-year-old male who presented with marked eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels while taking an echinacea supplement. He required prednisone therapy until he stopped taking echinacea 3 years later, at which time his eosinophils and IgE normalized (48623). A 41-year-old male experienced four episodes of erythema nodosum, each occurring after he had taken echinacea for early symptoms of influenza. After stopping echinacea, he had no further exacerbations of erythema nodosum, suggesting that it had been triggered by the immunostimulant effects of echinacea (7057).
Musculoskeletal ...Reports of arthralgia and myalgia have been associated with echinacea (13418).
Neurologic/CNS ...Headache has been reported in people taking various echinacea preparations orally (3282,11970,17519,20059,20064). Dizziness has also been reported (3282,8225,11970). In one study using an alcoholic extract of the above-ground parts of E. purpurea (EC31J0, Echinacin, Madaus AG), somnolence and a tendency to aggressiveness were reported (3282).
General
...Pokeweed is generally regarded as unsafe for use.
Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risk of toxicity. Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, weakness, hypotension, bloody emesis, bloody diarrhea, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, salivation, urinary incontinence, spasms, convulsions (3477,3478,3479), severe thirst, somnolence, transient blindness, respiratory failure (3477,3479), and death (3477).
Orally and topically, pokeweed has been reported to cause plasmacytosis, mitotic changes in peripheral blood cells, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, abnormal platelet morphology, and other hematologic abnormalities (3477,3478,3481,3482). Protective gloves should be used to handle the plant (3477).
Cardiovascular ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause hypotension and tachycardia (3477,3478,3479).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, bloody emesis, and bloody diarrhea (3477,3478,3479).
Genitourinary ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause urinary incontinence (3477,3478,3479).
Hematologic ...Orally and topically, pokeweed has been reported to cause plasmacytosis, mitotic changes in peripheral blood cells, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, abnormal platelet morphology, and other hematologic abnormalities. When used topically, these effects are more likely to occur in individuals with cuts or abrasions on the skin (3477,3478,3481,3482). Protective gloves should be used to handle the plant (3477).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause weakness, salivation, spasms, convulsions (3477,3478,3479), severe thirst, and somnolence (3477,3479).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause transient blindness (3477,3479),
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause difficulty breathing (3477,3478,3479), respiratory failure (3477,3479), and death (3477).