| Ingredients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
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Herbal Extract Blend
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301 mg |
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(Serenoa repens )
(fruit)
(5:1)
(Saw Palmetto PlantPart: fruit Genus: Serenoa Species: repens Note: 5:1 )
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(Avena sativa )
(seed)
(10:1)
(Oats PlantPart: seed Genus: Avena Species: sativa Note: 10:1 )
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(Turnera diffusa )
(leaf)
(6:1)
(Damiana PlantPart: leaf Genus: Turnera Species: diffusa Note: 6:1 )
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(Achillea millefolium )
(flower)
(6:1)
(Yarrow PlantPart: flower Genus: Achillea Species: millefolium Note: 6:1 )
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(Hypericum perforatum )
(flower)
(6:1)
(St. John's Wort PlantPart: flower Genus: Hypericum Species: perforatum Note: 6:1 )
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(Scutellaria laterifolia )
(herb)
(5:1)
(Skullcap PlantPart: herb Genus: Scutellaria Species: laterifolia Note: 5:1 )
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(Astragalus membranaceus )
(whole plant)
(4:1)
(Astragalus PlantPart: whole plant Genus: Astragalus Species: membranaceus Note: 4:1 )
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(Apium graveolens )
(seed)
(10:1)
(Celery PlantPart: seed Genus: Apium Species: graveolens Note: 10:1 )
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(Capsicum frutescens )
(fruit)
(25:1)
(Chili PlantPart: fruit Genus: Capsicum Species: frutescens Note: 25:1 )
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Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Croscarmellose, Magnesium Stearate
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Masculine Herbal Complex. 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
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 Masculine Herbal Complex. 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 used orally and appropriately. Doses of astragalus up to 60 grams daily for up to 4 months have been used without reported adverse effects (32920,33038,95909,114804). ...when used intravenously. Infusion of doses up to 80 grams daily for up to 4 months under the supervision of a medical professional have been used with apparent safety (32811,32812,32828,95909,114688,114804). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of astragalus when used topically.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information in humans.
However, astragaloside, a constituent of astragalus, has maternal and fetal toxic effects in animals (32881). Avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts typically found in food. Capsicum has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912). ...when used topically and appropriately (7038,10650,105345). The active capsicum constituent capsaicin is an FDA-approved ingredient used in certain over-the-counter, topical preparations (272).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term in medicinal amounts. A specific sustained-release chili extract (Capsifen) has been used safely in doses of up to 200 mg daily, for up to 28 days (105196). ...when used intranasally and appropriately, short-term. Capsicum-containing nasal sprays, suspensions, and swabs seem to be safe when applied multiple times over 24 hours or when applied daily or every other day for up to 14 days. Although no serious side effects have been reported in clinical trials, intranasal application of capsicum-containing products can be very painful (14322,14324,14328,14329,14351,14352,14353,14356,14357) (14358,14359,14360,15016,105204). POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used orally, long-term or in high doses. There is concern that long-term use or use of excessive doses might be linked to hepatic or kidney damage, as well as hypertensive crisis (12404,40569,40606). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of capsicum when injected.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used topically in children under 2 years old (272).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of capsicum when used orally in children.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used topically and appropriately (272).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term.
Capsicum 5 mg daily has been used for up to 28 days during the latter half of the second trimester and the third trimester (96457).
LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used topically and appropriately (272).
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Dermatitis can sometimes occur in infants when foods heavily spiced with capsicum peppers are ingested during lactation (739). Also, observational research suggests that intake of raw capsicum peppers during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of sensitization to inhalant allergens in children by the age of 2 years (41021).
LIKELY SAFE ...when celery stems are consumed as food. ...when celery oil or seeds are consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. Celery seed has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when celery seed is used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts, short-term (12). Celery seed powder has been safely used at doses up to 1500 mg daily for up to 6 weeks and 750 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Celery seed extract has been safely used at doses up to 1340 mg daily for up to 4 weeks (106486,110755,112409,112411). ...when celery seed extract is used topically and appropriately, short-term (40988,41049,41052).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when celery oil or seeds are used orally in larger amounts; celery might have uterine stimulant or abortifacient effects (4,19,19104).
LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of medicinal amounts of celery during lactation; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Damiana has Generally Recognized As Safe status (GRAS) for use in foods in the US (4912).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts (12,46933,11866).
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).
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Saw palmetto has been safely used in clinical studies lasting up to 3 years (2735,6750,6752,6764,6772,6773,11354,14274,15550,17202,17306,17684,73315,73383,73384,73385,73389,89441,96410,96412,110540).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used rectally and appropriately. Saw palmetto has been used safely in clinical research at a dose of 640 mg once daily for 30 days (73387). However, the long-term safety of saw palmetto administered rectally is not known.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Saw palmetto has hormonal activity (6766); avoid using.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of skullcap.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. St. John's wort extracts in doses up to 900 mg daily seem to be safe when used for up to 12 weeks (3547,3550,4835,5096,6400,6434,7047,13021,13156,13157)(14417,76143,76144,89666,89669,95510). Some evidence also shows that St. John's wort can be safely used for over one year (13156,13157,76140), and may have better tolerability than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (4897,76153,76143,104036).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately. St. John's wort 0.5% extract seems to be safe when used once weekly for 4 weeks (110327). St. John's wort oil has been used with apparent safely twice daily for 6 weeks (110326). However, topical use of St. John's wort can cause photodermatitis with sun exposure (110318).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in large doses. St. John's wort extract can be unsafe due to the risk of severe phototoxic skin reactions. Taking 2-4 grams of St. John's wort extract (containing hypericin 5-10 mg) daily appears to increase the risk of photosensitivity (758,4631,7808).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Preliminary population research has found that taking St. John's wort while pregnant is associated with offspring that develop neural tube, urinary, and cardiovascular malformations. Subgroup analyses suggest that these risks may be higher when taking St. John's wort during the first trimester when compared with the second or third trimester. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings (106052). Animal-model research also shows that constituents of St. John's wort might have teratogenic effects (9687,15122). Until more is known, St. John's wort should not be taken during pregnancy.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Nursing infants of mothers who take St. John's wort have a greater chance of experiencing colic, drowsiness, and lethargy (1377,15122,22418); avoid using.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally, and appropriately, short-term.
St. John's wort extracts in doses up to 300 mg three times daily seem to be safe when used for up to 8 weeks in children aged 6-17 years (4538,17986,76110).
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. Yarrow products that are thujone-free have Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods in the US (4912); however, products containing thujone might not be safe. Thujone is a chemical that stimulates the central nervous system and is poisonous in large doses.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts (2,12,100346). Yarrow whole plant extract has been used with apparent safety at a dose of 250-500 mg daily for 12 months (100346). ...when used intravaginally as a cream containing yarrow extract 2% daily for 7 days (105360). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of yarrow when applied topically.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally; yarrow is believed to be an abortifacient and affect the menstrual cycle (12).
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid use.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Masculine Herbal Complex. 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, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
 Details
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Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
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Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
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Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Details
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties (15103). Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
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Theoretically, using topical capsaicin may increase the risk of ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
Details
There is one case report of a topically applied capsaicin cream contributing to the cough reflex in a patient using an ACEI (12414). However, it is unclear if this interaction is clinically significant.
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Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
In vitro research shows that capsicum might increase the effects of antiplatelet drugs (12406,12407). Also, population research shows that capsicum is associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding in patients taking warfarin (12405,20348). However, clinical research shows that taking a single dose of capsaicin (Asian Herbex Ltd.), the active ingredient in capsicum, 400-800 mcg orally in combination with aspirin 500 mg does not decrease platelet aggregation when compared with taking aspirin 500 mg alone. Also, there was no notable effect on measures of platelet aggregation with capsaicin (92990). It is unclear whether capsaicin must be used in more than a single dose to affect platelet aggregation.
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Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming capsicum 5 grams along with a glucose drink attenuates the rise in plasma glucose after 30 minutes by 21%, decreases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma glucose by 11%, and increases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma insulin by 58% in healthy individuals when compared with placebo (40453,40614). Other clinical research shows that taking capsicum 5 mg daily for 28 days significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, but not fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, in patients with gestational diabetes (96457).
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Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Details
Animal research shows that acute or chronic intake of capsicum pepper reduces oral aspirin bioavailability (22617). This has not been shown in humans.
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Theoretically, taking capsicum with ciprofloxacin might increase levels and adverse effects of ciprofloxacin.
Details
Animal research shows that concomitant use of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum, and ciprofloxacin increases the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by up to 70% (22613).
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Theoretically, taking capsicum with theophylline might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
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Theoretically, celery juice might increase the effects and side effects of acetaminophen.
Details
Animal research suggests that concomitant use of celery juice plus acetaminophen prolongs the effects of acetaminophen. This effect has been attributed to a decrease in hepatic cytochrome P450 activity (25362). However, other animal research shows that pretreatment with celery root extract protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure (106487). These effects have not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, celery juice might increase the effects and side effects of aminopyrine.
Details
Animal research suggests that concomitant use of celery juice plus aminopyrine prolongs the effects of aminopyrine. This effect has been attributed to a decrease in hepatic cytochrome P450 activity (25362). This effect has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, celery root might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
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Theoretically, celery seed extract might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Details
Clinical research suggests that taking celery seed extract may reduce daytime systolic blood pressure by about 12 mmHg compared to less than 1 mmHg with placebo (110755).
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Theoretically, celery might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Details
In vitro and animal research suggests that constituents of celery can inhibit CYP1A2 (68176). This effect has not been reported in humans.
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Theoretically, celery seed might decrease the effects of levothyroxine.
Details
Several cases of hypothyroidism with low T4 levels have been reported in people who were previously stabilized on levothyroxine and then started taking celery seed tablets. They presented with symptoms such as lethargy, bloating, and dry skin, and recovered when celery seed was stopped (10646). However, celery stem and leaf has been associated with case reports of hyperthyroidism in patients with no pre-existing thyroid disorders (102912,102914).
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Theoretically, celery might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium due to potential diuretic effects.
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Theoretically, celery might increase the risk of photosensitivity reactions when taken with photosensitizing drugs.
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Theoretically, celery root extract might increase blood levels of venlafaxine.
Details
There is one case report of a patient who experienced medication-induced bipolar disorder after beginning to take celery root extract 1000 mg daily along with venlafaxine 75 mg and St. John's wort 600 mg daily. Symptoms included confusion, speech abnormalities, manic affect, and visual hallucinations. The plasma level of venlafaxine was 476.8 ng/mL (normal range 195-400 ng/mL). It is theorized that celery root increased venlafaxine levels by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2D6 (92854).
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Theoretically, taking damiana with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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Theoretically, oats may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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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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Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time (8659). Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs.
Details
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects (6766). Theoretically, it might interfere with contraceptive drugs taken concomitantly.
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Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
Details
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects (6766). Theoretically, it might interfere with estrogens taken concomitantly.
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Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.
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St. John's wort increases the clearance of alprazolam and decreases its effects.
Details
Alprazolam, which is used as a probe for cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity, has a two-fold increase in clearance when given with St. John's wort. St. John's wort reduces the half-life of alprazolam from 12.4 hours to 6 hours (10830).
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St. John's wort may increase the clearance of ambristentan and decrease its effects.
Details
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking St. John's wort 900 mg daily decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of ambrisentan 5 mg by 17% to 26%. Ambrisentan clearance was increased by 20% to 35% depending on CYP2C19 genotype. However, these small changes are unlikely to be clinically significant (99511).
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St. John's wort might have additive phototoxic effects with aminolevulinic acid.
Details
Concomitant use with St. John's wort extract may cause synergistic phototoxicity. Delta-aminolevulinic acid can cause a burning erythematous rash and severe swelling of the face, neck, and hands when taken with St. John's wort (9474).
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St. John's wort might decrease the levels and clinical effects of boceprevir.
Details
Boceprevir increases the maximum concentration and concentration at 8 hours of the St. John's wort constituent, hypericin, by approximately 30%. However, St. John's wort does not significantly change the area under the concentration-time curve or maximum plasma concentration of boceprevir 800 mg three times daily in healthy adults (95507,96552).
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St. John's wort might reduce the levels and effects of bupropion.
Details
Clinical research shows that taking St. John's wort 325 mg three times daily for 14 days along with bupropion reduces the area under the concentration-time curve by approximately 14% and increases the clearance of bupropion by approximately 20%. This effect is attributed to the induction of cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) by St. John's wort (89662).
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St. John's wort might increase the levels and effects of clopidogrel.
Details
Taking St. John's wort with clopidogrel seems to increase the activity of clopidogrel. In clopidogrel non-responders, taking St. John's wort seems to induce metabolism of clopidogrel to its active metabolite by cytochrome P450 enzymes 3A4 and 2C19. This leads to increased antiplatelet activity (13038,89671,96552). Theoretically, this might lead to an increased risk of bleeding in clopidogrel responders.
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St. John's wort might decrease the levels and clinical effects of clozapine.
Details
A case report describes a female with schizophrenia controlled on clozapine who had a return of symptoms when she started taking St. John's wort. The plasma concentration of clozapine was reduced, likely because its clearance was increased due to induction of the cytochrome P450 enzymes 3A4, 1A2, 2C9, and 2C19 by St. John's wort (96552).
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St. John's wort increases the clearance of contraceptive drugs and reduces their clinical effects.
Details
Females taking St. John's wort and oral contraceptives concurrently should use an additional or alternative form of birth control. St. John's wort can decrease norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol levels by 13% to 15%, resulting in breakthrough bleeding, irregular menstrual bleeding, or unplanned pregnancy (11886,11887,13099). Bleeding irregularities usually occur within a week of starting St. John's wort and regular cycles usually return when St. John's wort is discontinued. Unplanned pregnancy has occurred with concurrent use of oral contraceptives and St. John's wort extract (9880). St. John's wort is thought to induce the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), 2C9 (CYP2C9), and 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes, which are responsible for metabolism of progestins and estrogens in contraceptives (1292,7809,9204).
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of cyclosporine.
Details
Concomitant use can decrease plasma cyclosporine levels by 30% to 70% (1234,4826,4831,4834,7808,9596,10628,96552). Using St. John's wort with cyclosporine in patients with heart, kidney, or liver transplants can cause subtherapeutic cyclosporine levels and acute transplant rejection (1234,1293,1301,6112,6435,7808,9596). This interaction has occurred with a St. John's wort extract standardized to 0.3% hypericin and dosed at 300-600 mg per day (6435,10628). Withdrawal of St. John's wort can result in a 64% increase in cyclosporine levels (1234,4513,4826,4831,4834). St. John's wort induces cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and the multi-drug transporter, P-glycoprotein/MDR-1, which increases cyclosporine clearance (1293,1340,9204,9596).
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St. John's wort may increase the metabolism and reduce the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
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St. John's wort may increase the metabolism and reduce the levels of CYP2B6 substrates.
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Clinical research shows that taking St. John's wort 325 mg three times daily for 14 days along with bupropion, a CYP2B6 substrate, reduces the area under the concentration-time curve by approximately 14% and increases the clearance of bupropion by approximately 20% (89662).
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St. John's wort may increase the metabolism and reduce the levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
Details
Preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that taking St. John's wort for 14 days induces CYP2C19 and increases metabolism of mephenytoin (Mesantoin). In patients with wild-type 2C19 (2C19*1/*1) metabolism was almost 4-fold greater in subjects who received St. John's wort compared to placebo. In contrast, patients with 2C19*2/*2 and *2/*3 genotypes did not demonstrate a similar increase in metabolism (17405). Theoretically, St. John's wort might increase metabolism of other CYP2C19 substrates.
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St. John's wort may increase the metabolism and reduce the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
Details
There is contradictory research about the effect of St. John's wort on CYP2C9. Some in vitro research shows that St. John's wort induces CYP2C9, but to a lesser extent than CYP3A4 (9204,10848,11889). St. John's wort also induces metabolism of the S-warfarin isomer, which is a CYP2C9 substrate (11890). Other research shows that St. John's wort 300 mg three times daily for 21 days does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of a single 400 mg dose of ibuprofen, which is also a CYP2C9 substrate (15546). Until more is known, use St. John's wort cautiously in patients who are taking CYP2C9 substrates.
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St. John's wort increases the metabolism and reduces the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of digoxin.
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St. John's wort can reduce the bioavailability, serum levels, and therapeutic effects of digoxin. Taking an extract of St. John's wort 900 mg, containing hyperforin 7.5 mg or more, daily for 10-14 days, can reduce serum digoxin levels by 25% in healthy people. St. John's wort is thought to affect the multidrug transporter, P-glycoprotein, which mediates the absorption and elimination of digoxin and other drugs (382,6473,7808,7810,9204,96552,97171). St. John's wort products providing less than 7.5 mg of hyperforin daily do not appear to affect digoxin levels (97171).
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of docetaxel.
Details
Clinical research shows that taking a specific St. John's wort product (Hyperiplant, VSM) 300 mg three times daily for 14 days increases docetaxel clearance by about 14%, resulting in decreased plasma concentrations of docetaxel in cancer patients. This is most likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by St. John's wort (89661).
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Theoretically, St. John's wort may reduce the levels and clinical effects of fentanyl.
Details
Given that St. John's wort induces cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein, it is possible that concomitant use of St. John's wort with fentanyl will reduce plasma levels and analgesic activity of fentanyl (96552). However, some clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking St. John's wort (LI-160, Lichtwer Pharma) 300 mg daily for 21 days does not alter the pharmacokinetics or clinical effects of intravenous fentanyl (102868). It is unclear if these findings can be generalized to oral, intranasal, or transdermal fentanyl.
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St. John's wort may increase the levels and clinical effects of fexofenadine.
Details
A single dose of St. John's wort decreases the clearance of fexofenadine and increases its plasma levels. However, the effect of St. John's wort on plasma levels of fexofenadine seems to be lost if dosing is continued for more than 2 weeks (9685). Patients taking fexofenadine and St. John's wort concurrently should be monitored for possible fexofenadine toxicity.
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St. John's wort may reduce the levels and clinical effects of finasteride.
Details
St. John's wort reduces plasma levels of finasteride in healthy male volunteers due to induction of finasteride metabolism via cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). The clinical significance of this interaction is not known (96552).
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St. John's wort may reduce the levels and clinical effects of gliclazide.
Details
Taking St. John's wort decreases the half-life and increases clearance of gliclazide in healthy people (22431).
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St. John's wort may increase the metabolism and reduce the effectiveness of atorvastatin, lovastatin, and rosuvastatin. However, it does not seem to affect pravastatin, pitavastatin, or fluvastatin.
Details
Concomitant use of St. John's wort can reduce plasma concentrations of the active simvastatin metabolite, simvastatin hydroxy acid, by 28%. St. John's wort induces intestinal and hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and intestinal P-glycoprotein/MDR-1, a drug transporter. This increases simvastatin clearance. It also increases the clearance of atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). St. John's wort does not seem to affect the plasma concentrations of pravastatin (Pravachol), pitavastatin (Livalo) or fluvastatin (Lescol), which are not substrates of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein (10627,96552,97171).
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of imatinib.
Details
Taking St. John's wort 900 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces the bioavailability and half-life of a single dose of imatinib and decreases its serum levels by 30% in healthy volunteers. This is most likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by St. John's wort, which increases clearance of imatinib (11888,96552).
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St. John's wort may reduce the levels and clinical effects of indinavir.
Details
In healthy volunteers, taking St. John's wort concurrently with indinavir reduces plasma concentrations of indinavir by inducing metabolism via cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) (96552). Theoretically, this could result in treatment failure and viral resistance.
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of irinotecan.
Details
St. John's wort 900 mg daily for 18 days decreases serum levels of irinotecan by at least 50%. Clearance of the active metabolite of irinotecan, SN-38, is also increased, resulting in a 42% decrease in the area under the concentration-time curve (9206,97171). This is thought to be due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by St. John's wort (7092,96552).
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St. John's wort might reduce the levels and clinical effects of ivabradine.
Details
Taking St. John's wort 900 mg containing 7.5 mg of hyperforin daily for 14 days with a single dose of ivabradine causes a 62% reduction in plasma levels of ivabradine. This interaction is thought to be due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by St. John's wort, increasing the metabolism of ivabradine (96552,97171).
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of ketamine.
Details
Taking St. John's wort 300 mg three times daily for 14 days can decrease maximum serum levels of ketamine by around 66% and area under the concentration-time curve of ketamine by 58%. This is most likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by St. John's wort (89663).
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of mephenytoin.
Details
Preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that taking St. John's wort for 14 days induces cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) and significantly increases metabolism of mephenytoin (Mesantoin). In people with wild-type 2C19, metabolism was almost 4-fold greater in subjects who received St. John's wort compared to placebo. In contrast, patients with 2C19*2/*2 and *2/*3 genotypes did not demonstrate a similar increase in metabolism (17405).
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St. John's wort might reduce the levels and clinical effects of methadone.
Details
St. John's wort might decrease the effectiveness of methadone by reducing its blood concentrations. In one report, two out of four patients on methadone maintenance therapy for addiction experienced methadone withdrawal symptoms after taking St. John's wort 900 mg daily for a median of 31 days. There was a median decrease in blood methadone concentration of 47% (range: 19% to 60%) when compared to baseline (22419).
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St. John's wort might reduce the levels and clinical effects of methylphenidate.
Details
St. John's wort might decrease the effectiveness of methylphenidate. In one report, an adult male, stabilized on methylphenidate for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), experienced increased attention problems and ADHD symptoms after taking St. John's wort 600 mg daily for 4 months. ADHD symptoms improved when St. John's wort was discontinued (15544). The mechanism of this interaction is unknown.
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of NNRTIs.
Details
St. John's wort increases the oral clearance of nevirapine (Viramune) by 35%. Subtherapeutic concentrations are associated with therapeutic failure, development of viral resistance, and development of drug class resistance. St. John's wort induces intestinal and hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and intestinal P-glycoprotein/MDR-1, a drug transporter (1290,1340,4837,96552).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of omeprazole.
Details
Taking St. John's wort, 300 mg orally three times daily for 14 days, reduces serum concentrations of omeprazole by inducing its metabolism via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and 3A4. The reduction of omeprazole serum levels is dependent on CYP2C19 genotype, with reductions up to 50% in extensive metabolizers and 38% in poor metabolizers (22440,96552).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of oxycodone.
Details
St. John's wort can increase oxycodone metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), reducing plasma levels and analgesic activity (96552).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Details
St. John's wort induces P-glycoprotein. P-glycoprotein is a carrier mechanism responsible for transporting drugs and other substances across cell membranes. When P-glycoprotein is induced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it can prevent the absorption of some medications. In addition, induction of p-glycoprotein can decrease entry of drugs into the central nervous system (CNS) and decrease access to other sites of action (382,1340,7810,11722).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Details
St. John's wort may increase the metabolism of phenobarbital. Plasma concentrations of phenobarbital should be monitored carefully. The dose of phenobarbital may need to be increased when St. John's wort is started and decreased when it is stopped (9204).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of phenprocoumon.
Details
St. John's wort appears to increase the metabolism of phenprocoumon (an anticoagulant that is not available in the US) by increasing the activity of the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzyme. This may result in decreases in the anticoagulant effect and international normalized ratio (INR) (9204).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Details
St. John's wort may increase the metabolism of phenytoin. Plasma concentrations of phenytoin should be monitored closely. The dose of phenytoin may need to be increased when St. John's wort is started and decreased when it is stopped (9204).
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Theoretically, St. John's wort might increase the likelihood for photosensitivity reactions when used in combination with photosensitizing drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, St. John's wort might decrease the levels and clinical effects of procainamide.
Details
Animal research shows that taking St. John's wort extract increases the bioavailability of procainamide, but does not increase its metabolism (14865). Whether this interaction is clinically significant in humans is not known.
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St. John's wort reduces the levels and clinical effects of PIs.
Details
In healthy volunteers, St. John's wort can reduce the plasma concentrations of indinavir (Crixivan) by inducing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). This might result in treatment failure and viral resistance (1290,7808,96552). St. John's wort also induces P-glycoprotein, which can result in decreased intracellular protease inhibitor concentrations and increased elimination (9204).
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Theoretically, St. John's wort might decrease the effectiveness of reserpine.
Details
Animal research shows that St. John's wort can antagonize the effects of reserpine (758).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of rivaroxaban.
Details
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking a single dose of rivaroxaban 20 mg after using a specific St. John's wort extract (Jarsin, Vifor SA) 450 mg orally twice daily for 14 days reduces the bioavailability of rivaroxaban by 24% and reduces rivaroxaban's therapeutic inhibition of factor Xa by 20% (104038).
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Theoretically, St. John's wort might inhibit reuptake and increase levels of serotonin, resulting in additive effects with serotonergic drugs.
Details
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of tacrolimus.
Details
Taking a St. John's wort extract (Jarsin) 600 mg daily significantly decreases tacrolimus serum levels. Dose increases of 60% may be required to maintain therapeutic tacrolimus levels in patients taking St. John's wort. St. John's wort is thought to lower tacrolimus levels by inducing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes (7095,10329). A small clinical study in healthy adults also shows that taking St. John's wort 300 mg three times daily for 10 days decreases the total systemic exposure to tacrolimus by 27% and 33% after taking a single 5 mg dose of immediate-release or prolonged-release tacrolimus, respectively (113094).
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St. John's wort might decrease the levels of theophylline, although this effect might not be clinically relevant.
Details
St. John's wort does not seem to significantly affect theophylline pharmacokinetics (11802). There is a single case report of a possible interaction with theophylline. A patient who smoked and was taking 11 other drugs experienced an increase in theophylline levels after discontinuation of St. John's wort. This increase has been attributed to a rebounding of theophylline serum levels after St. John's wort was no longer present to induce metabolism via cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) (3556,7808,9204). However, studies in healthy volunteers show that St. John's wort is unlikely to affect theophylline to any clinically significant degree (11802).
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St. John's wort might decrease the levels and clinical effects of tramadol.
Details
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St. John's wort might decrease the levels and clinical effects of voriconazole.
Details
Clinical research shows that taking St. John's wort with voriconazole reduces voriconazole exposure and increases voriconazole metabolism by approximately 107%. Voriconazole is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19, with CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 also involved (89660). St. John's wort induces CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 (9204,10830,10847,10848,11889,11890,17405,22423,22424,22425)(22427,48603).
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St. John's wort decreases the levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Details
Taking St. John's wort significantly increases clearance of warfarin, including both its R- and S-isomers (11890,15176). This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and CYP3A4 (11890). St. John's wort can also significantly decrease International Normalized Ratio (INR) in people taking warfarin (1292). In addition, taking warfarin at the same time as St. John's wort might reduce warfarin bioavailability. When a dried extract is mixed with warfarin in an aqueous medium, up to 30% of warfarin is bound to particles, reducing its absorption (10448).
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St. John's wort might decrease the levels and clinical effects of zolpidem.
Details
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Theoretically, taking yarrow with lithium might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Details
Animal research shows that yarrow has diuretic activity (106018). Theoretically, due to these potential diuretic effects, yarrow might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Masculine Herbal Complex. 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 and intravenously, astragalus root seems to be well tolerated.
Topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: A case report raises concerns about liver and kidney cysts with astragalus use.
Cardiovascular ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with lacunar angina in one clinical trial. However, this may not have been caused by astragalus (17355). In addition, rapid intravenous administration of astragalus has resulted in temporary palpitations (32812).
Dermatologic ...Intravenously, astragalus may cause rash, eczema, and pruritus (33034).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with enterocolitis and nausea in one clinical trial. However, these effects may not have been caused by astragalus (17355).
Genitourinary ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with vulvitis in one clinical trial. However, this effect may not have been caused by astragalus (17355).
Hepatic ...A case of high serum CA19-9 levels and small liver and kidney cysts has been reported for a 38-year-old woman who drank astragalus tea daily for one month. Levels returned to normal after one month, and cysts disappeared after ten months. Both symptoms returned following a resumption of astragalus use. The authors state that astragalus was the likely cause given the temporal relationship (90658).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, astragalus has been associated with reports of musculoskeletal pain in one clinical trial. However, these effects may not have been caused by astragalus (114803).
Neurologic/CNS ...Intravenously, administration of astragalus has been associated with temporary dizziness in patients with heart failure in clinical research (32812,114804). Orally, astragalus has also been associated with dizziness in one clinical study. However, these effects may not have been caused by astragalus (114803).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, astragalus has reportedly been associated with rhinosinusitis and pharyngitis in one clinical trial. However, these effects may not have been caused by astragalus (17355).
Renal ...A case of high serum CA19-9 levels and small liver and kidney cysts has been reported for a 38-year-old woman who drank astragalus tea daily for one month. Levels returned to normal after one month, and cysts disappeared after ten months. Both symptoms returned following a resumption of astragalus use. The authors state that astragalus was the likely cause given the temporal relationship (90658).
General
...Orally, capsicum is generally well tolerated in amounts typically found in food or when the extract is used in doses of up to 200 mg daily.
Topically and intranasally, capsaicin, a constituent of capsicum, is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Belching, bloating, burning, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gas, headache, mild constipation, nausea, rhinorrhea, skin flushing, and sweating.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Cases of myocardial infarction and hypertensive crisis have been reported.
Cardiovascular
...Orally, palpitation was reported in one clinical trial (105196).
One case of myocardial infarction has been reported in a 41-year-old male without cardiovascular risk factors; the event was attributed to the use of an oral capsicum pepper pill that the patient had been taking for weight loss (40768). Another case of coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction has been reported for a healthy 29-year-old male; the event was attributed to the use of a topical capsicum-containing patch that the patient had been applying to the middle of the back for 6 days (40658). Two cases of arterial hypertensive crisis have been reported for individuals who ingested a large amount of peppers and chili peppers the day before. One of the patients also had an acute myocardial infarction, and the other had high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (40569,40606).
Dermatologic
...Orally, capsicum or its constituent capsaicin may cause urticaria and skin wheals in rare cases (96457,105203).
Topically, capsicum can cause a prickling sensation, itching, pain, burning, edema, stinging, irritation, rash, and erythema. About 1 in 10 patients who use capsaicin topically discontinue treatment because of adverse effects. These effects seem to occur more often with topical formulations containing higher concentrations of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum. Side effects tend to diminish with continued use (12401,15260,15261,40358,40439,40483,40547,40676,40682,40719)(40784,40847,92979,92983,92984,96453,105193,105197,105202,111514). In one case, application of a capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza) for 60 minutes caused a second-degree burn, characterized by burning, erythema, severe pain, and blistering at the administration site. The burn was treated with topical corticosteroids, but 9 months later neuropathic pain persisted, resulting in limited mobility. It is unclear whether the mobility sequalae were caused by topical capsaicin or the patient's pre-existing neurological disorders (111514). Skin contact with fresh capsicum fruit can also cause irritation or contact dermatitis (12408).
Intranasally, capsaicin can cause nasal burning and pain in most patients. It also often causes lacrimation, sneezing, and excessive nasal secretion; however, these side effects appear to diminish with repeat applications (14323,14329,14358). In some cases, the burning sensation disappears after 5-8 applications (14351,14358). In some cases, patients are pretreated with intranasal lidocaine to decrease the pain of intranasal capsaicin treatment. However, even with lidocaine pretreatment, patients seem to experience significant pain (14324).
Gastrointestinal
...Orally, capsicum can cause upper abdominal discomfort, including irritation, fullness, dyspepsia, gas, bloating, nausea, epigastric pain and burning, anal burning, diarrhea, mild constipation, and belching (12403,12410,40338,40427,40456,40503,40560,40584,40605,40665)(40718,40725,40745,40808,40828,96456,96457,105194,105196).
There is a case report of a 3-year-old female who experienced a burning and swollen mouth and lips after touching the arm of a parent that had been treated with a capsaicin patch and then placing the fingers in the mouth (105199). Excessive amounts of capsaicin can lead to gastroenteritis and hepatic necrosis (12404). In a case report, a 40-year-old male with diabetes consumed white wine daily and chewed cayenne which was thought to result in black teeth stains and loss of enamel (40809). Some preliminary research links ingestion of capsaicin with stomach and gallbladder cancer; however the link may be due to contamination of capsaicin products with carcinogens (40771).
Topically, capsaicin can cause diarrhea and vomiting (105202).
Immunologic ...In a case report, a 34-year-old female had anaphylaxis involving difficulty breathing and stupor and also urticaria after consuming a red bell pepper, which is in the capsicum genus. The causal chemical was theorized to be 1,3-beta-glucanase (92978). In another case report, a 33-year-old female experienced angioedema, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and urticaria after ingesting raw green and red peppers (92982).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, capsicum can cause sweating and flushing of the head and neck, lacrimation, headache, faintness, and rhinorrhea (7005,12410,105196,105203). Topically, applying capsaicin can cause headache (96450,105202). Injection of capsaicin into the intermetatarsal space has also been associated with headache (96454).
Ocular/Otic
...Topically, capsicum can be extremely irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes.
Capsicum oleoresin, an oily extract in pepper self-defense sprays, causes intense eye pain. It can also cause erythema, blepharospasm, tearing, shortness of breath, and blurred vision. In rare cases, corneal abrasions have occurred (12408,12409,40345,40348,40383,40720,40857).
Inhalation of capsicum can cause eye irritation, and allergic alveolitis (5885). In a case report, a 38-year-old female had acute anterior uveitis that developed about 12 hours after using a specific patch (Isola Capsicum N Plus) that contained capsaicin 1.5 mg per patch and methyl salicylate 132 mg per patch for neck pain. The uveitis was controlled with topical steroids and did not recur (92977).
Oncologic ...Population research suggests that moderate to high intake of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum, is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, while low intake is associated with a decreased risk. It is not clear from the study what amount of capsaicin is considered high versus low intake (92988). Additionally, some research suggests that any link may be due to contamination of capsaicin products with carcinogens (40771).
Pulmonary/Respiratory
...Orally, difficulty breathing was reported in a clinical trial (105196).
Topically, nasopharyngitis related to the use of a cream containing capsaicin has been reported (105202).
Inhalation of capsicum and exposure to capsicum oleoresin spray can cause cough, dyspnea, pain in the nasal passages, sneezing, rhinitis, and nasal congestion (5885,15016,40522,40546,40647). In rare cases, inhalation of the capsicum oleoresin or pepper spray has caused cyanosis, apnea, respiratory arrest and death in people. Death was caused by asphyxiation probably due to acute laryngeal edema and bronchoconstriction from inhalation of the capsicum oleoresin spray (40546,40672,40837,40879).
In a case report, a 47-year-old female who was exposed to capsaicin gas for more than 20 minutes experienced acute cough, shortness of breath, short-term chest pain, wheezing, and difficulty breathing for months afterwards (92980). In rare cases, exposure to capsicum oleoresin spray resulted in apnea, pulmonary injury, cyanosis, and even respiratory arrest (40383,40546).
General
...Orally, celery seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Photosensitivity. Oral allergy syndrome in sensitive individuals.
Topically: Photosensitivity. Contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
Dermatologic
...Due to its psoralen content, contact with or ingestion of celery and exposure to ultraviolet radiation may cause photodermatitis (4,34347,40968,40969,40986,41085,41087,41143,41146,41151).
Acute symptoms include skin eruption with edema and erythema; the main chronic symptom is hyperpigmentation at the eruption site (41093).
Celery can also cause contact or atopic dermatitis (19,41118,41124) and urticaria pigmentosa (40908).
Endocrine
...Celery has been associated with hyperthyroidism in otherwise healthy adults.
In one case report a 36-year-old female presented with weight loss, blurred vision, nausea, palpitations, sweating, exophthalmos, elevated serum T4 levels, and low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after taking 8 grams of a powdered celery extract for 78 days (102912). In another case report, a 48-year-old male presented with weight loss, exophthalmos, sweating, elevated serum T4 levels, and low TSH levels after taking 4 grams of dried celery leaves for 45 days (102914). In both of these cases, symptoms resolved and thyroid function tests normalized after discontinuing celery and completing a course of methimazole.
In contrast, several cases of hypothyroidism with low T4 levels have been reported in people who were previously stabilized on levothyroxine and then started taking celery seed tablets. They presented with symptoms such as lethargy, bloating, and dry skin, and recovered when celery seed was stopped (10646).
Gastrointestinal ...Symptoms of celery allergy have included oral allergy syndrome, characterized by itching and burning in the mouth and throat (41159,40977,115301), and laryngeal edema (40953).
Immunologic
...Raw celery, cooked celery, and celery juice can all cause allergic reactions (40908,40926,41118,41131,92852,92855,115301).
Symptoms of celery allergy include laryngeal edema, skin reactions, nasal congestion and discharge, an urticaria-edema-anaphylactic shock syndrome, celery-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and anaphylactic shock (40953,41100,41102,41107,41115,41124,41129,41135,41137,92852)(92855,115301). Additionally, in clinical research, itchy throat has been reported in individuals taking celery seed powder (112410).
There is a case report of anaphylactic shock involving hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea in a patient who had ingested raw celery 15 minutes prior to symptom onset. The patient was treated with epinephrine, dexamethasone, and antazoline (92855). Another case report describes a patient with positive skin prick tests to celery, pollens including birch, chrysanthemum, mugwort, and ragweed, and to dust mites. When celery was consumed 30 minutes prior to exercise, the patient had an anaphylactic reaction that required treatment with intravenous pheniramine and corticosteroid, as well as nebulized albuterol (92852). Additionally, a patient with a history of shortness of breath and cough after consuming a spice mixture containing dried celery had a positive food challenge with 15 grams of cooked celery mixed with different ingredients to mask the taste. The patient's reaction included wheezing, tachycardia, and itching, and treatment required intravenous dexamethasone and clemastinum and intramuscular epinephrine. Notably, prior to the food challenge, the patient had a negative skin prick test to food allergens including celery, but an inhibition assay confirmed cross-sensitivity to mugwort(115301). Another patient with a history of anaphylactic reactions to undeclared celery in restaurant meals was able to undergo desensitization with gradually increasing oral doses of celery juice over several months, and then chronic daily ingestion of the juice to maintain hyposensitization (40908).
General ...Orally, adverse effects to damiana seem to be rare; however, a thorough safety evaluation has not been conducted.
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, 200 grams of damiana extract has caused tetanus-like convulsions and paroxysms resulting in symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning (4).
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).
Immunologic ...In a case report, a 45-year-old male developed acute generalized urticaria, facial angioedema, and dyspnea immediately after consuming oat flour. The reaction resolved after emergency care for anaphylaxis. Further investigation revealed an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to oat proteins (113490).
General
...Orally, saw palmetto is well tolerated and adverse effects are mild, infrequent, and reversible.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, constipation, decreased libido, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, rhinitis, vomiting.
Cardiovascular ...Occasionally, cases of hypertension, postural hypotension, tachycardia, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, extrasystole, angiopathy, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure have been reported in patients using saw palmetto orally (6424,6484,6752,6772,17684,73388,89441). One case of severe bradycardia and second degree heart block was reported in a 64 year-old male taking an unknown amount of saw palmetto for a few weeks (96413).
Dermatologic ...A case report describes a 61-year-old male who developed a fixed drug eruption with localized blisters and erosions three days after starting oral saw palmetto. The lesions resolved when saw palmetto was stopped, but recurred when it was reintroduced six months later. Topical corticosteroid treatment was necessary and the patient was left with some residual hyperpigmented patches (104805). A combination of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol has been associated with a single report of worsening acne (15550).
Endocrine ...Two case reports involving one 11-year-old female undergoing treatment for telogen effluvium and another 10-year-old female undergoing treatment for hirsutism, describe hot flashes and the onset of menarche associated with use of saw palmetto. One of these patients was consuming saw palmetto in a food supplement; the other was taking a supplement containing saw palmetto 320 mg daily (73361,96414). In both cases, the hot flashes resolved following treatment discontinuation. In one case, a rechallenge with saw palmetto caused a recurrence of hot flashes.
Gastrointestinal ...Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gastralgia, and halitosis are the most frequently reported adverse effects associated with saw palmetto (6484,6752,60442,73315,73320,73348,73354,73383,73385,73388,89441). Less often, cases of duodenal ulcer, dyspepsia, or heartburn have been reported (6772,73329,73354). Meteorism (intestinal gas accumulation) has also been reported with saw palmetto, although causality was unclear (60442).
Genitourinary ...Some clinicians are concerned that saw palmetto might cause erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disturbance, or altered libido because of its potential effects on 5-alpha-reductase. Some preliminary clinical studies have reported sexual dysfunction, particularly ejaculatory dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido, in patients taking saw palmetto (5093,17202,17684,73383,89441). However, most of these patients were previously diagnosed with prostate disorders, so causality is unclear. Additionally, several clinical studies indicate that the occurrence of impotence in males taking saw palmetto is similar to placebo and tamsulosin (Flomax), and significantly less than finasteride (Proscar) (2732,6424,17306,107481). Rarely, cases of testicular pain, vesical tenesmus, and urinary tract infections have been reported in patients using saw palmetto extract orally (73388).
Hematologic ...Saw palmetto might have antiplatelet effects and potentially increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. There is one report of excessive intraoperative bleeding in a patient who took saw palmetto prior to surgery. Bleeding time normalized when saw palmetto was discontinued (8659). Also, one case of cerebral hemorrhage has been reported, but details are not available to determine causality (6772,73348). A case of retroperitoneal hematoma after bilateral inguinal hernia repair is reported in a male patient taking saw palmetto. The patient was discharged after a 3-day hospitalization in stable condition (112177).
Hepatic ...A case report describes a patient who developed acute hepatitis and pancreatitis while taking saw palmetto. Symptoms resolved when saw palmetto was discontinued, and reemerged upon re-challenge (14457). Other cases of acute hepatitis and pancreatitis, with elevated alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and bilirubin have been reported in patients using saw palmetto orally (14457,73350,73351).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, saw palmetto may cause fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and back pain, although these adverse events are rare (6424,73388,89441). A case of saw palmetto-related rhabdomyolysis was reported in an 82-year-old male presenting with kidney dysfunction, increased C-reactive protein levels, and elevated serum creatine kinase (73358).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, saw palmetto can cause headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue (6750,6752,6772,11354,60442,73348,73385,73388,89441).
Ocular/Otic ...A case of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) has been reported in a patient using saw palmetto orally (73340). However, no statistically significant association between saw palmetto and IFIS was found in a case series of 660 patients undergoing cataract surgery (73347).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Rhinitis is one of the more commonly reported adverse effects of saw palmetto (73348). One patient taking saw palmetto extract 160 mg twice daily reported "breathlessness" (73388). Two cases of respiratory depression have been reported in patients using saw palmetto extract (Permixon) 320 mg (6772).
General
...There is currently a limited amount of information available on the adverse effects of skullcap.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Cognitive impairment, digestive disturbances, sedation.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, mild digestive disturbances were reported in around 9% of patients taking skullcap 350 mg three times daily for 2 weeks (91690).
Hepatic ...There are four reports of hepatotoxicity associated with products thought to contain skullcap. However, it is uncertain whether the products actually contained skullcap. It is thought that the products might have been contaminated with an adulterant such as germander (515), which is known to cause liver damage.
Neurologic/CNS ...A single skullcap extract dose of 100 mg does not seem to have adverse CNS effects. However, a higher dose of 200 mg might cause sedation and cognitive impairment (12216). One patient taking skullcap 350 mg three times daily for 2 weeks reported vivid dreams (91690). It is unclear if this event was associated with skullcap.
General
...Orally, St.
John's wort is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal discomfort (mild), fatigue, headache, insomnia, restlessness, and sedation.
Topically: Skin rash and photodermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: There have been rare case reports of suicidal ideation and psychosis after taking St. John's wort.
Cardiovascular
...In clinical research, palpitations have been reported for patients taking St.
John's wort orally, although the number of these events was higher for the patients taking sertraline (76070). In one case report, an adult female developed recurrent palpitations and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) within 3 weeks of initiating St. John's wort 300 mg daily. SVT and related symptoms responded to Valsalva maneuvers and did not recur after discontinuing therapy (106051).
Edema has also been reported in clinical research for some patients treated with St. John's wort 900-1500 mg daily for 8 weeks (10843). Cardiovascular collapse following induction of anesthesia has been reported in an otherwise healthy patient who had been taking St. John's wort for 6 months (8931). A case of St. John's wort-induced hypertension has been reported for a 56-year-old patient who used St. John's wort extract 250 mg twice daily for 5 weeks. Blood pressure normalized after discontinuation of treatment (76073). A case of new-onset orthostatic hypotension and light-headedness has been reported for a 70 year-old homebound patient who was taking multiple prescription medications and herbal products, including St. John's wort (76128). When all herbal products were discontinued, these symptoms improved, and the patient experienced improvement in pain control.
Dermatologic
...Both topical and chronic oral use of St.
John's wort can cause photodermatitis (206,620,758,4628,4631,6477,13156,17986,76072,76148)(95506,110318). The average threshold dose range for an increased risk of photosensitivity appears to be 1.8-4 grams St. John's wort extract or 5-10 mg hypericin, daily. Lower doses might not cause this effect (4542,7808). For example, a single dose of St. John's wort extract 1800 mg (5.4 mg hypericin) followed by 900 mg (2.7 mg hypericin) daily does not seem to produce skin hypericin concentrations thought to be high enough to cause phototoxicity (3900,4542,76266). Females appear to have a higher risk of dose-related photosensitivity. In a dose-ranging, small clinical trial, almost all of the female participants experienced mild to moderate photosensitivity with paresthesia in sun-exposed skin areas after administration of St. John's wort (Jarsin, Casella Med) 1800 mg daily for 3-6 days. Symptoms resolved about 12-16 days after discontinuation (95506). Male participants reported no adverse effects at this dose, and both genders reported no adverse effects at lower doses. Light or fair-skinned people should employ protective measures against direct sunlight when using St. John's wort either topically or orally (628).
Total body erythroderma without exposure to sunlight, accompanied by burning sensation of the skin, has also been reported (8930). Orally, St. John's wort may cause pruritus or skin rash, although these events seem to occur infrequently (76140,76148,76245). A case of persistent scalp and eyebrow hair loss has been reported for a 24-year-old schizophrenic female who was taking olanzapine plus St. John's wort 900 mg/day orally (7811). Also, a case of surgical site irritation has been reported for a patient who applied ointment containing St. John's wort (17225).
Endocrine ...A case of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in a 67-year-old male with depression has been reported. During a 3-month period, the patient was taking St. John's wort 300 mg daily then increased to 600-900 mg daily with no adverse effects despite a low serum sodium level of 122mEq/L, elevated levels of urine sodium, and urine osmolality suggestive of SIADH. St. John's wort appeared to be the only contributing factor. The patient's sodium level normalized 3 weeks after discontinuation of St. John's wort (95508).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, St. John's wort may cause dyspepsia, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, although these events seems to occur infrequently (4897,13021,17986,76070,76071,76113,76146,76150,76271).
Genitourinary
...Orally, St.
John's wort can cause intermenstrual or abnormal menstrual bleeding (1292,76056). However, this effect has occurred in patients who were also taking an oral contraceptive. Changes in menstrual bleeding might be the result of a drug interaction (1292,76056). Also, St. John's wort has been associated with anorgasmia and frequent urination when used orally (10843,76070).
Sexual dysfunction can occur with St. John's wort, but less frequently than with SSRIs (10843). A case of erectile dysfunction and orgasmic delay has been reported for a 49-year-old male after taking St. John's wort orally for one week. Co-administration of sildenafil 25-50 mg prior to sexual activity reversed the sexual dysfunction. Previously, the patient had experienced orgasmic delay, erectile dysfunction, and inhibited sexual desire when taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (sertraline) (4836).
Hepatic ...A case of acute hepatitis with prolonged cholestasis and features of vanishing bile duct syndrome has been reported for a patient who used tibolone and St. John's wort orally for 10 weeks (76135). A case of jaundice with transaminitis and hyperbilirubinemia has been reported for a 79 year-old female who used St. John's wort and copaiba (95505). Laboratory values normalized 7 weeks after discontinuation of both products.
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, St. John's wort may cause muscle or joint stiffness, tremor, muscle spasms, or pain, although these events appear to occur rarely (76070).
Neurologic/CNS ...St. John's wort may cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, or insomnia (5096,13021,76070,76071,76113,76132,76133,76150,89666). Isolated cases of paresthesia have been reported for patients taking St. John's wort (5073). A case of subacute toxic neuropathy has been reported for a 35-year-old female who took St. John's wort 500 mg daily orally for 4 weeks (621).
Ocular/Otic ...There is concern that taking St. John's wort might increase the risk of cataracts. The hypericin constituent of St. John's wort is photoactive and, in the presence of light, may damage lens proteins, leading to cataracts (1296,17088). In population research, people with cataracts were significantly more likely to have used St. John's wort compared to people without cataracts (17088). Ear and labyrinth disorders have been possibly attributed to use of St. John's wort in clinical research, although these events rarely occur (76120).
Psychiatric
...St.
John's wort can induce hypomania in depressed patients and mania in depressed patients with occult bipolar disorder (325,3524,3555,3568,10845,76047,76064,76137,110318). Cases of first-episode psychosis have been reported for females who used St. John's wort orally. In both cases, symptoms resolved following discontinuation of St. John's wort and treatment with antipsychotics for several weeks (13015,89664). Also, psychosis and delirium have been reported for a 76-year-old female patient who used St. John's wort for 3 weeks. The patient may have been predisposed to this effect due to undiagnosed dementia (76270). Restlessness, insomnia, panic, and anxiety have been noted for some patients taking St. John's wort orally (5073,13156,76070,76132,76268,76269,89665).
In isolated cases, St. John's wort has been associated with a syndrome consisting of extreme anxiety, confusion, nausea, hypertension, and tachycardia. These symptoms may occur within 2-3 weeks after it is started, in patients with no other predisposing factors. This syndrome has been diagnosed as the serotonin syndrome (6201,7811,110318). In one case, the symptoms began after consuming tyramine-containing foods, including aged cheese and red wine (7812). In an isolated case, a 51-year-old female reported having had suicidal and homicidal thoughts for 9 months while taking vitamin C and a St. John's wort extract. Symptoms disappeared within 3 weeks of discontinuing treatment (76111). A case of decreased libido has been reported for a 42-year-old male with mood and anxiety disorders who had taken St. John's wort orally for 9 months (7312).
St. John's wort has been associated with withdrawal effects similar to those found with conventional antidepressants. Headache, nausea, anorexia, dry mouth, thirst, cold chills, weight loss, dizziness, insomnia, paresthesia, confusion, and fatigue have been reported. Withdrawal effects are most likely to occur within two days after discontinuation but can occur one week or more after stopping treatment in some people. Occurrence of withdrawal symptoms may not be related to dose or duration of use (3569,11801).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, St. John's wort may cause sore throat, swollen glands, laryngitis, sinus ache, sweating, and hot flashes, although the frequency of these events appears to be similar to placebo (76150).
Renal ...Orally, St. John's wort has been associated with a case report of acute kidney failure in a 46-year-old female after one dose of homemade St. John's wort tea. Three sessions of hemodialysis were required before there was full recovery (106741). However, causality is unclear since the patient had also been taking diclofenac intermittently for a month prior to developing kidney failure.
Other ...Sjogren's syndrome has been reported in a patient taking herbal supplements including St. John's wort, echinacea, and kava. Echinacea may have been the primary cause, because Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. The role of St. John's wort in causing this syndrome is unclear (10319).
General
...Orally and intravaginally, yarrow seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Dermatitis.
Dermatologic
...Topically, yarrow can cause atopic or allergic dermatitis or urticaria due to its sesquiterpene lactone content (52558,68385,77007).
Yarrow has also been reported to cause phototoxic and photo-allergic dermatitis and airborne contact dermatitis (68385).
Intravaginally, aggravated facial acne was reported by 1 of 40 patients in a clinical trial (105360).
Endocrine ...Intravaginally, an early menses was reported by 1 of 40 patients in a clinical trial (105360).
Genitourinary ...Intravaginally, aggravated vaginal pruritus and dryness were reported by 1 of 40 patients in a clinical trial (105360).
Immunologic ...Topically, yarrow can cause atopic or allergic dermatitis or urticaria due to its sesquiterpene lactone content (52558,68385,77007,96911). It has also been reported to cause phototoxic and photo-allergic dermatitis and airborne contact dermatitis (68385). In one 44-year-old female, handling yarrow flowers resulted in rhinitis and asthma (96911).
