Ingredients | Amount Per 1 Softgel: |
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Proprietary Formula
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200 mg |
(Cinnamomum camphora )
(leaf)
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(Myrtus communis )
(leaf)
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(Thymus satureioides )
(flower)
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(Laurus nobilis )
(leaf)
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extra virgin olive oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Virasara. 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
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Virasara. 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 amounts found in foods (12). The highest levels of bay leaf used in food are 0.1% as an herb and 0.02% as an oil (11).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the ground leaf is taken orally in doses up to 3 grams daily for 30 days (33849) or prepared as a tea in doses of 5 grams daily for 10 days (104766). ...when bay leaf extract is used topically in cosmetics (11).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when the whole, intact leaf is swallowed. The whole leaf is indigestible and can become lodged in the esophagus or hypopharynx (132,133,134,137). It may also perforate the intestinal lining (135,136).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using in amounts exceeding those commonly found in foods.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically in low concentrations, short-term. Concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 11% seem to be safe for short-term application to intact skin (272,10327,89893). ...when used by inhalation, appropriately. Even relatively dilute concentrations of camphor can irritate the nose and sinuses. However, it is difficult to determine a safe concentration of inhaled camphor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible workplace air exposure to synthetic camphor of no more than 2 parts per million (ppm) (272,105033). It is unclear how this correlates to the exposure obtained from a camphor balm or steam bath.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used topically on broken or injured skin. Application of camphor to broken skin can result in systemic absorption and toxicity (272). ...when inhaled in large concentrations, which can result in systemic toxicity (13445,39666). However, it is difficult to determine a safe concentration of inhaled camphor. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has determined an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentration (IDLH) of synthetic camphor in workplace air to be 200 ppm (105033). It is unclear how this correlates to the exposure obtained from a camphor balm or steam bath.
UNSAFE ...when used orally. Although a particular oral product containing camphor and hawthorn (Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen) has been used safely by adults in some clinical studies (103620), ingestion of camphor can cause significant toxicity, including death (13442). Oral preparations of camphor are no longer available in the US (13442).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used topically (4814).
Young children might be more susceptible to the adverse effects associated with even minor systemic absorption of camphor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that camphor not be used in treating children (4814).
CHILDREN: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Ingestion of camphor can cause significant toxicity including death (4814). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that available non-prescription topical camphor products should not exceed 11% strength to limit toxicity if accidentally ingested by children (4814).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Ingestion of camphor can cause serious toxicity including death (13442). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using camphor topically during pregnancy and lactation.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when myrtle berry is used orally, short term. Myrtle berry powder 2,250 mg daily has been used with apparent safety for up to 5 days (106778). ...when diluted myrtle leaf extract is used topically and appropriately, short term. A paste containing myrtle leaf extract 5% has been used with apparent safety for up to 6 days (98643). Other myrtle leaf extracts have been applied to the face for up to 16 weeks with apparent safety (106780). ...when myrtle leaf extract is used intravaginally and appropriately, short term. Vaginal suppositories containing myrtle leaf extract 10% and leaf essential oil 0.5% have been used with apparent safety for up to three menstrual cycles (98644).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when the undiluted oil of myrtle leaf is used orally. Myrtle leaf contains cineole. Ingesting more than 10 grams of cineole can result in respiratory failure and collapse (18). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of myrtle leaf and branch when used orally. There is also insufficient reliable information available about the safety of myrtle berry when used topically or myrtle berry extract when used orally or topically.
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when myrtle oil is used orally.
Avoid facial contact with myrtle oil preparations which may cause glottal spasm, bronchospasm, asthma-like attacks, or respiratory failure in infants or small children (18).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of myrtle berry or myrtle berry extract when used orally in children.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally (18); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used in amounts commonly found in foods. Thyme has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when thyme is used orally and appropriately in supplemental amounts. Orally, thyme, in combination with other herbs, has been used safely for up to 23 days (13557,49219,49223,78133). ...when diluted thyme oil is used topically, short-term. Diluted thyme oil has been used with apparent safety for up to 7 months (5177). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of thyme oil when used orally or when inhaled.
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts commonly found in foods.
Thyme has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when thyme is used orally in medicinal amounts in combination with English ivy.
Thyme has been used with apparent safety in combination with English ivy for up to 10 days (78181).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of thyme oil when used orally or topically in children.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used in amounts commonly found in foods.
Thyme has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of thyme when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Virasara. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Concomitant use of bay leaf with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
Preliminary clinical research shows that bay leaf can lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes who are already taking antidiabetes medication (33849). Advise patients to monitor glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
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Theoretically, taking bay leaf in large amounts may enhance the therapeutic and adverse effects of sedatives.
Details
Bay leaf contains methyl eugenol. Animal research shows that methyl eugenol has sedative properties (11). Avoid concomitant use.
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Theoretically, concomitant use of camphor with other hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Details
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Theoretically, concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs and thyme essential oil might reduce the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Details
In vitro evidence suggests that thyme essential oil and specific essential oil constituents like thymohydroquinone and carvacrol can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (78155). However, this effect has not been observed in humans.
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Theoretically, thyme leaf extract might have additive effects with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, concurrent use of cholinergic drugs and thyme essential oil might cause additive cholinergic effects.
Details
In vitro evidence suggests that thyme essential oil and specific essential oil constituents like thymohydroquinone and carvacrol can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (78155). However, this effect has not been observed in humans.
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Theoretically, thyme might competitively inhibit the effects of estrogen replacement therapy.
Details
In vitro research shows that thyme has estrogen receptor-binding activity and phytoestrogen content (3701). However, this effect has not been observed in humans.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Virasara. 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, bay leaf is well tolerated when used in amounts found in foods and seems to be well tolerated when the leaf powder is used as medicine.
However, the whole, intact leaf can cause severe adverse effects. Topically, bay leaf seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Allergic reactions, contact dermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Choking or perforated intestinal lining when the whole, intact leaf is consumed.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, the whole, intact leaf is indigestible and can become lodged in the esophagus and hypopharynx (132,133,134,137,33784,33866), and perforate the intestinal lining or other areas of the digestive tract (135,136,33812,33868,33872).
Immunologic ...Bay leaf can cause allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis (15571,33791,33864). In one case, allergic contact dermatitis occurred with a positive skin test after use of a massage oil containing bay leaf (15571). Another patient developed erythematous plaques on the elbow after applying bay leaves with a topical occlusion for 2 days. The dermatitis resolved after a two-week course of topical corticosteroids (104767).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Inhalation of bay leaf may cause occupational asthma, as confirmed by several challenges (783).
General
...Orally, camphor is unsafe and can cause significant toxicity.
Topically and by inhalation, camphor seems to be generally well-tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Oral: Gastrointestinal and ocular symptoms of toxicity can occur within 5-90 minutes of ingestion. Neurological symptoms can occur with ingestion of quantities greater than 50 mg/kg.
Topically: Dermatitis and skin irritation.
Inhalation: Nose and sinus irritation.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
All routes: Systemically absorbed camphor can lead to seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Cardiovascular ...Case reports of intoxication due to accidental or intentional consumption have included peripheral circulatory shock and sinus tachycardia (39649,97261). A 54-year-old female with a history of cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation developed several episodes of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation requiring use of a defibrillator after ingestion of Vicks VapoRub, containing 4.8% camphor. She had been taking 7.5 grams of the product weekly, and took an additional 150 grams the week prior to admission. After discontinuing all camphor-containing products and receiving supportive measures, the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities returned to normal (97260).
Dermatologic
...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity.
In more severe toxicity, general pallor and cyanosis of the lips occur (13442,13444). Topically, camphor is not as likely to cause adverse effects. But some amount of camphor can be absorbed through intact skin. Topical use of camphor has been associated with contact eczema (13445).
Warn patients not to heat products such as Vicks VapoRub in the microwave. Serious burns have occurred when the product is superheated in the microwave (13446).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity. Symptoms of camphor toxicity occur rapidly within 5-90 minutes of ingestion. Burning of the mouth and throat, and nausea and vomiting are the first symptoms (13442,13444,39589,39626,39646,39658).
Hepatic ...Orally, camphor can cause transient elevations of liver enzymes in both adults and children. There is also a report of increased liver enzymes in an infant who received a camphor-containing topical cold remedy. The enzymes affected included aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The liver enzymes normalized after stopping the topical cold formula (4608).There is also a report of increased liver enzymes in a 35-year-old adult following "coining" with a balm containing camphor, which involves applying the balm and then rubbing the area with a coin until ecchymosis. The liver enzymes normalized after stopping treatment (39576). Elevated liver enzymes were also reported in a 54-year-old female after oral ingestion of Vicks VapoRub, containing 4.8% camphor. She had been taking 7.5 grams of the product weekly, and took an additional 150 grams the week prior to admission. After discontinuing all camphor-containing products and receiving supportive measures, the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities returned to normal (97260).
Neurologic/CNS
...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity.
Neurological symptoms occur with ingestion of greater than 50 mg/kg. These symptoms include irritability, exaggerated tendon reflexes, tonic muscular contraction, myoclonic jerks, seizures, confusion, coma, and apnea. Seizures are sometimes the first manifestation of serious toxicity (13442,13444,39560,39589,39629,39646,39649,39658,39660). In children under 6 years of age, doses as low as 700-800 mg, and possibly as low as 500 mg, have caused serious seizures, resulting in respiratory failure and death (13442,13444,39589). Asymptomatic patients who have ingested camphor should be observed for at least 3 hours in a hospital. A 12-hour observation period may be prudent as seizures have occurred 9 hours after ingestion in apparently recovering patients. In patients who survive, symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours, although there are reports of persistent abnormalities for days to weeks. Long-term sequelae have not been reported after resolution of symptoms (13442,13443). In one case, a 10-year-old boy who intentionally ingested cold remedy transdermal patches containing a total of camphor 300 mg experienced mental status changes and tremulousness (39626).
Topically, camphor is not as likely to cause adverse effects, but small amounts can be absorbed through intact skin. A considerable amount of camphor can also be absorbed when inhaled. Excessive use of camphor, either topically or by inhalation, can result in the development of systemic toxicity (13445,39666). Topically and by inhalation, camphor has been associated with the occurrence of seizures. In one prospective observational study, there were 20 reports of new onset seizures and 29 reports of recurrent seizures in adults and children after use of camphor, either alone or in combination with eucalyptus oil. Most cases of seizure with topical use occurred 0.5-24 hours after topical application to the chest, neck, or face. Most cases of seizure with inhalation occurred about 2-30 minutes after steam inhalation of camphor (105028).
Ocular/Otic
...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity.
Ocular symptoms such as mydriasis and darkening of vision may occur (13442,13444). There is a case report of blurry vision following accidental ingestion of camphor (39667).
There is a case report of self-inflicted conjunctival inflammation after using camphor in the eyes (39624). Warn patients not to heat products such as Vicks VapoRub in the microwave. Eye injury has occurred when the product is superheated in the microwave (13446).
Pulmonary/Respiratory
...When inhaled in large enough concentrations, camphor can irritate the nose and sinuses.
However, it is difficult to determine a safe concentration of inhaled camphor (105033).
A 54-year-old females with a history of asthma developed shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and respiratory acidosis after oral ingestion of Vicks VapoRub, containing 4.8% camphor. She had been taking 7.5 grams of the product weekly, and took an additional 150 grams the week prior to admission. After discontinuing all camphor-containing products and receiving supportive measures, the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities returned to normal (97260).
Other ...A smell of camphor from the breath and body have been reported following oral intake of camphor (39560,39589,97261).
General
...There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of oral and intravaginal myrtle.
A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted. Topically, myrtle leaf seems to be generally well tolerated in adults.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Dry skin.
Intravaginally: Vaginal irritation and dryness.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Hypotension, respiratory failure.
Topically: Bronchial spasm and respiratory failure, most commonly in infants or children.
Cardiovascular ...Orally, very large amounts of undiluted myrtle leaf oil might lead to low blood pressure and circulatory disorders due to the cineole constituent (18).
Dermatologic ...Topically, myrtle leaf extract has been reported to cause dry skin (106777).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, myrtle berry extract has been reported to cause constipation in infants and young children (106781).
Genitourinary ...Intravaginally, myrtle leaf extract suppositories have been reported to cause vaginal irritation and dryness (98644).
Pulmonary/Respiratory
...Orally, consumption of very large amounts of undiluted myrtle leaf oil might lead to respiratory failure and collapse (18).
Topically, facial contact with myrtle oil preparations may cause glottal or bronchial spasm, asthma-like attacks, or respiratory failure in infants and children (18).
General
...Orally, thyme is well tolerated when used in food and seems to be well tolerated when used medicinally.
Topically, thyme seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Allergic reactions, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.
Topically: Contact dermatitis and skin irritation.
Dermatologic ...Topically, thyme, thyme oil, or the constituent thymol can cause contact dermatitis and skin irritation (13463,78252,78362,78384,77982,78154,78310,78313,78384). In one study of 100 patients with contact allergies, 5% were attributed to thyme oil as an allergen contained in wound dressings (78362). Toothpastes containing thymol have been associated with cheilitis and glossitis (13463).
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, thyme and thyme oil may cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or diarrhea (13557,94033).
In a clinical study, two patients using extracts of thyme herb and ivy leaves experienced temporary stomach ache and mild nausea (78181).
Intravaginally, cream containing thyme and garlic has been associated with reports of nausea and vomiting in one clinical study (88387). It is not clear if these adverse effects were associated with thyme, garlic, or the combination.
Genitourinary ...Intravaginally, cream containing thyme and garlic has been associated with reports of vaginal dryness and vaginal irritation in one clinical study (88387). It is not clear if these adverse effects were associated with thyme, garlic, or the combination.
Immunologic ...Orally, thyme can cause allergic reactions; however, this is uncommon (13463). Allergic reactions to thyme might be more common in people who are also allergic to oregano and other Lamiaceae species (3808).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, thyme may case headache or dizziness (94033).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...By inhalation, occupational exposure to thyme dust can cause acute airway obstruction (783,13463,13464,77982,78098).