Ten drops contain: Rhus toxicodendron 3C • Urtica urens 3C • Benzoic Acid 3C • Formic Acid 3C • Berberis vulgaris 3C • Ranunculus bulbosus 3C • Lithium Carbonate 3C.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
This is a homeopathic preparation. Homeopathy is a system of medicine established in the 19th century by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Its basic principles are that "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, in homeopathy, diarrhea would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that normally causes diarrhea when taken in high doses.
Practitioners of homeopathy believe that more dilute preparations are more potent. Many homeopathic preparations are so diluted that they contain little or no active ingredient. Therefore, most homeopathic products are not expected to have any pharmacological effects, drug interactions, or other harmful effects. Any beneficial effects are controversial and cannot be explained by current scientific methods.
Dilutions of 1 to 10 are designated by an "X." So a 1X dilution = 1:10, 3X=1:1000; 6X=1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 1 to 100 are designated by a "C." So a 1C dilution = 1:100; 3C = 1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 24X or 12C or more contain zero molecules of the original active ingredient.
Homeopathic products are permitted for sale in the US due to legislation passed in 1938 sponsored by a homeopathic physician who was also a Senator. The law still requires that the FDA allow the sale of products listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. However, homeopathic preparations are not held to the same safety and effectiveness standards as conventional medicines. For more information, see the Homeopathy monograph.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Dr. Morrow's Sore Muscle Formula. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of bulbous buttercup.
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 Dr. Morrow's Sore Muscle Formula. 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 UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically because it can cause severe local irritation (18).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally or topically (18); avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when the fruit is consumed orally in food amounts (13527). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of European barberry when used orally in medicinal amounts or when used topically.
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally in newborns.
The berberine constituent of European barberry can cause kernicterus in newborns, particularly preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (2589). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of European barberry when used orally in older children.
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Berberine is thought to cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. Kernicterus has developed in newborn infants exposed to berberine (2589).
LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Berberine and other harmful constituents can be transferred to the infant through breast milk (2589).
LIKELY SAFE ...when lithium carbonate or lithium citrate is used orally and appropriately. Lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are FDA-approved drugs and have been used safely in clinical studies (15,97770). Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window and plasma levels must be monitored to avoid toxicity (15). Lithium levels should be drawn 12 hours after the last dose of lithium after steady state concentrations have been attained (approximately 3 days). Toxicity is most common at levels of 1.5 mEq/L, although some patients develop toxicity at levels less than 1 mEq/L (15,97770). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of lithium aspartate, lithium orotate, or other forms of supplemental lithium.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when prescription lithium carbonate or lithium citrate is used orally and appropriately under medical supervision in children 7 years of age and older (15).
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of lithium aspartate, lithium orotate, or other forms of supplemental lithium.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when lithium carbonate and lithium citrate are used orally (15).
Lithium can cause fetal toxicity and increases the risk for cardiac and other abnormalities, including neural tube and urethral defects. However, it does not seem to increase the risk for preterm birth or low birth rate (15,9166,97770,104266). Some research suggests lithium might increase the risk for spontaneous abortion. Based on a meta-analysis of 2 population studies, taking lithium during pregnancy may increase the risk for spontaneous abortion when compared with the general population, but not when compared with patients with affective disorders not taking lithium during pregnancy (104266). This suggests that it may be the presence of affective disorder itself, or the possible associated use of other teratogenic drugs or substances during pregnancy, which may increase the risk for spontaneous abortion.
When the potential benefits to the mother and child outweigh the possible risk to the fetus, prescription lithium may be used with close monitoring by a healthcare professional (15,9166,97770,104266). The safety of lithium supplements during pregnancy is unknown.
LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Lithium is secreted into breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the nursing infant (15). Prescription lithium may be used in circumstances when the potential maternal benefits outweigh the possible risk to the infant. The infant should be closely monitored for signs of lithium toxicity (97770).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically (6). Poison ivy is highly irritant and allergenic (68970).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally or topically (6); avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Stinging nettle root 360-600 mg has been used safely for up to 1 year (5093,11230,15195,76406,96744). ...when used topically and appropriately (12490).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally due to possible abortifacient and uterine-stimulant effects (4,6,19).
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Dr. Morrow's Sore Muscle Formula. 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 European barberry with anticholinergic drugs might cause additive effects.
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In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties (13527).
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Theoretically, European barberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
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Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that European barberry juice reduces fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking antidiabetes drugs (98575). Additionally, some animal studies show that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, has antiglycemic potential (33622,33667). Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
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Theoretically, taking European barberry with cholinergic drugs might decrease the effects of cholinergic drugs.
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In vitro evidence suggests that European barberry might have anticholinergic properties (13527).
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Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs that have sedative properties may cause additive effects.
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Theoretically, concomitant use with cyclosporine may cause additive effects.
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Berberine, a constituent of European barberry, can reduce the metabolism and increase serum levels of cyclosporine. This effect is attributed to the ability of berberine to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine (13524). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.
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Theoretically, European barberry might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
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There is very preliminary evidence suggesting that berberine, a constituent of European barberry, might inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme (13524). Theoretically, European barberry might have a similar effect.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with ACEIs might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with anticonvulsants might increase the risk of neurotoxicity.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with antipsychotic drugs might increase the risk of encephalopathic syndrome.
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Encephalopathic syndrome has been reported in multiple patients taking prescription lithium and antipsychotics concomitantly. Symptoms have included weakness and lethargy, fever, confusion, and extrapyramidal symptoms. In some patients, resulting brain damage was irreversible. Although there is no established causal relationship between these symptoms and the combination of lithium and antipsychotic medications, there is a theoretical relationship (97770). It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with calcium channel blockers might reduce lithium levels and might also increase the risk of certain adverse effects.
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Calcium channel blockers might reduce lithium concentrations. Monitor lithium levels with concurrent use. Calcium channel blockers might also increase the adverse neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects of lithium (9,15). It is unclear if these interactions would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with loop diuretics might increase lithium levels and adverse effects.
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Thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics might reduce lithium excretion, particularly in sodium-restricted patients (9,15). If lithium is clinically indicated and other treatment options are unavailable or inadequate in patients using diuretics, lithium treatment can be initiated with extreme caution. Serum lithium should be measured frequently and the doses used should be the lowest dose ordinarily tolerated (97770). It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with methyldopa might increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
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Concurrent use of methyldopa with lithium increases the risk of lithium toxicity (9). It is unclear if this interaction would be clinically significant with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with methylxanthines might decrease lithium levels.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with NSAIDs might increase lithium levels and adverse effects.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with phenothiazines might decrease the levels and clinical effects of phenothiazines.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with serotonergic drugs might both mask and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
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In a case report, a 67-year-old female with depression and bipolar disorder using lithium in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications developed serotonin syndrome with symptoms of deep tendon hyperreflexia, muscle rigidity, tremor, and hyperthermia. However, agitation, one classical symptom of serotonin syndrome, was lacking. This was thought to be due to masking by lithium toxicity (105343). Lithium can increase serotonin levels (9,15), thus, combining serotonergic drugs with lithium might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
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Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with skeletal muscle relaxants might prolong neuromuscular blockade.
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Theoretically, stinging nettle might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
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Theoretically, combining stinging nettle with diuretic drugs may have additive effects.
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Theoretically, stinging nettle might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
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Animal research suggests that stinging nettle has diuretic and natriuretic properties, which could alter the excretion of lithium (76402). The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.
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There is some concern that stinging nettle might decrease the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
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Stinging nettle contains a significant amount of vitamin K (19). When taken in large quantities, this might interfere with the activity of warfarin.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Dr. Morrow's Sore Muscle Formula. 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, ingestion of bulbous buttercup can cause severe irritation of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts, with colic and diarrhea (18). Topically, skin contact can cause blisters and burns that are difficult to heal (18).
Dermatologic ...Topically, long-term skin contact with bulbous buttercup can cause blisters and burns that may be difficult to heal (18).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, ingestion of bulbous buttercup may cause severe irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, with colic and diarrhea (18).
Genitourinary ...Orally, bulbous buttercup may cause irritation of the urinary tract (18).
General ...European barberry is generally well tolerated when consumed in amounts commonly found in food. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted for the use of larger, medicinal amounts. Topically, European barberry seems to be well tolerated.
Hepatic ...Orally, a case of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia is reported in an adult male after consuming European barberry 15 drops and nannari root 15 drops twice a day for 2 weeks. The patient presented with lethargy, loss of appetite, and jaundice that progressed to high-grade fevers, chills, rigors, severe pancytopenia, and abnormal liver function tests. Liver biopsy was suggestive of drug-induced liver injury. The patient was hospitalized for multiple infections and symptomatic thrombocytopenia. Despite receiving supportive care, blood transfusions, and corticosteroids, the patient died 7 weeks after diagnosis (110021). The exact reason for this adverse effect is not clear.
General
...Orally, prescription forms of lithium are generally well tolerated when used as prescribed.
Plasma levels must be monitored to avoid toxicity. It is unclear how the lower doses of lithium found in supplements may alter the occurrence and likelihood of these adverse effects.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Edema, fatigue, fine tremor, gastrointestinal symptoms, lethargy, muscle weakness, polydipsia, polyuria, skin conditions, vertigo, and weight gain.
Cardiovascular ...Orally, lithium has been reported to cause bradyarrhythmia. A case of symptomatic bradycardia due to sinoatrial node dysfunction is reported in a patient with bipolar disorder who took lithium orotate 20 mg daily for 5 years, despite a serum lithium level in the therapeutic range (111327). Deep vein thrombosis is also reported in 2 patients with bipolar disorder who experienced toxic serum levels of lithium (111329). It is unclear if these effects are a concern with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Dermatologic ...Orally, lithium can cause or exacerbate skin disorders such as hair loss, acne, psoriasis, and rash (9,15,97770). A case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is also reported in a patient with bipolar disorder who took lithium carbonate at an unknown dose for 17 days (111317).
Endocrine ...Orally, chronic use of lithium has been reported to cause various endocrine disorders. Case reports associate chronic lithium use with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, hyperparathyroidism, and diabetes insipidus (9,15,104267,104269,104270,104271,111320). In one case report, a 68-year-old male with schizophrenia developed severe hypothyroidism resulting in myxedema coma after taking oral lithium carbonate. He recovered after discontinuation of lithium and administration of levothyroxine. At least two other cases of lithium-associated myxedema coma have been reported (97740). At least 4 cases of lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism have been reported in females aged 53-68 years that had taken lithium for 24 years or more. These patients presented with hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, elevated serum creatinine, thyroid or parathyroid abnormalities, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (104269,105344). It is unclear if these effects are a concern with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, lithium can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. These adverse effects often improve with continued use (9). It is unclear if this effect would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, lithium can cause muscle weakness. This adverse effect often improves with continued use (9). It is unclear if this effect would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, lithium can cause vertigo, muscle weakness, lethargy, fatigue, and a dazed feeling. These adverse effects often improve with continued use. Fine tremor can occur and may persist with continued use. Chronic use of lithium can cause mild cognitive and memory impairment, particularly in the presence of dehydration or hyponatremia (9,15,97745). These long-term neurological adverse effects of lithium are potentially due to accumulation in the central nervous system even when blood levels appear within the therapeutic range (97745). Lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism-induced hypercalcemia has resulted in hallucinations, confusion, insomnia, and agitation (105344). A case of delirium and transient difficulty with word finding is reported in a patient with bipolar disorder treated with lithium 250-500 mg twice daily and 9 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (111316). A case of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is also reported in a patient with bipolar disorder who had a toxic lithium level of 1.94 mEq/L (111318). It is unclear if these effects would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Psychiatric ...Abrupt discontinuation of lithium resulting in a rapid reduction in serum lithium levels can precipitate recurrence of bipolar symptoms (9165). Lithium should be tapered gradually over at least 14 days (9165).
Renal ...Orally, lithium can cause polyuria, polydipsia, and edema (9). Chronic lithium use has been reported to cause central or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, and nephrotic syndrome (104269,104271,111314,111319). Long-term lithium use is estimated to increase the odds of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by at least 2-fold and may contribute to CKD progression (111315,111324). It is unclear if these effects would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Other ...Orally, chronic use of lithium has been reported to cause an irreversible reduction in taste and smell in a patient with bipolar disorder who took 400-1000 mg/day for 4 months (111313). Chronic use of lithium 1200 mg/day has also been reported to cause dysphagia in a 17-year-old patient with bipolar disorder; however, the patient's serum lithium level was in the toxic range and the adverse effect resolved once the level normalized (111328). It is unclear if these effects would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
General
...When used orally or topically, poison ivy may be unsafe.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, dizziness, fever, intestinal colic, nausea, vomiting, severe mucous membrane irritation.
Topically: Contact dermatitis, herpes-like blisters, reddening, swelling.
Inhaled: Fever.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Fever, hematuria, nephritis, stupor, unconsciousness.
Topically: Erythema multiforme, black spot poison ivy dermatitis. Eye contact can cause severe conjunctivitis, corneal inflammations, or loss of sight.
Inhaled: Lung infection, respiratory distress syndrome, throat swelling.
Dermatologic ...Topically, poison ivy can cause contact dermatitis, reddening, swelling, and herpes-like blisters (18). These reactions occur at the area of contact, usually within a few hours, but are sometimes delayed for several days (68970). Sometimes papules and vesicles develop and can spread beyond the area of initial contact, but are generally self-limiting and eventually form crusts. (3839,68955,68960,68977,69007,69008,69038,69042). In a few cases, small white papules known as milia have developed on an area of poison ivy exposure after the typical skin reaction has subsided (94222). Occasionally, poison ivy causes more severe dermatologic reactions such as erythema multiforme (3839,68983,69032,112851). Black spot poison ivy dermatitis also occurs in rare cases, with black lacquer-like lesions on the skin that cannot be washed off, followed by the typical pruritic papules (112850). The black lesions are concentrated urushiol oleoresin that has darkened with exposure to oxygen and moisture (68960,68997,69027,69034). They eventually peel off and the skin heals normally (68960,112850).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, poison ivy can cause severe mucous membrane irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (18).
Genitourinary ...Orally, poison ivy can cause hematuria (18).
Immunologic ...Cross-allergenicity with poison ivy exists with cashew, mango, and ginkgo biloba (106574).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, poison ivy can cause dizziness, fever, stupor, and unconsciousness (18).
Ocular/Otic ...Topically, eye contact with urushiol from poison ivy can cause severe conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, and potentially loss of sight (18).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Inhaled, urushiol in the smoke from burning of poison ivy can result in life-threatening throat swelling, fever, and secondary lung infections (6). Respiratory distress syndrome after smoke inhalation from burning poison ivy has also been reported (69036). Two fatal cases of acute respiratory distress and anaphylaxis after inhaling burned poison ivy are reported in patients with known allergies to poison ivy (112420).
Renal ...Orally, poison ivy can cause nephritis (18).
General
...Orally, stinging nettle seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Constipation, diarrhea.
Topically: Contact with the raw plant causes itching, rash, and stinging.
Dermatologic ...Topically, fresh stinging nettle leaves and stalk can cause localized rash, itching, and stinging (12490,76399,76412,76414,76417,76428,76448,96746). Usually, short exposure to stinging nettle results in a transient urticarial reaction and a stinging sensation which may persist for more than 12 hours (76399,76414,76417,96746). In one report, a patient placed a fresh stinging nettle leaf on the tongue to suck out the sap of the leaf. Severe tongue edema, pain, and urticaria developed within 5 minutes. Symptoms continued for several hours after the leaf was removed (15197). In another case report, a young couple intoxicated with methamphetamine fell and laid in a stinging nettle bush for 20 minutes, after which urticaria and pain continued for 2-3 weeks, and a heightened sensitivity to cold persisted for several months (96746).
Endocrine
...A case of gynecomastia has been reported for a 33-year-old male who consumed stinging nettle tea 2 cups daily for one month prior to symptom onset.
The condition subsided one month after discontinuing stinging nettle tea (76410).
There have been two cases of galactorrhea associated with the consumption of stinging nettle for one month (76410,108902). In one case, a 33-year-old female consuming stinging nettle tea showed high levels of estradiol and low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The levels of these hormones normalized 6 weeks after discontinuing stinging nettle tea (76410). In the other case report describing a 30-year-old female self-treating with stinging nettle 500 mg daily, hormone levels were not reported; however, a mammogram showed scattered areas of fibroglandular density and benign-appearing calcifications. This patient had complete resolution of symptoms 1 week after discontinuation of stinging nettle (108902).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, stinging nettle root can cause gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea and constipation (1,7,11230). Stinging nettle above ground parts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort when taken on an empty stomach (7035). Stinging nettle juice may cause diarrhea (1). One patient taking a combination product containing stinging nettle root extract and pygeum bark extract (Prostatonin, Pharmaton) experienced continual gastrointestinal pain and hyperperistalsis. It is not clear if this effect was due to stinging nettle or pygeum (70230).
Genitourinary ...There is a case report of decreased ejaculatory volume associated with an herbal blend product containing stinging nettle root extract, saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seed oil extract, lemon bioflavonoid extract, and beta-carotene (5093). It is unclear if this was due to stinging nettle, other ingredients, or the combination.
Hepatic ...A case of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver disease (DILI) is reported in a 36-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain after 1 month of taking an herbal liver detox tea containing stinging nettle and other ingredients. Remarkable laboratory values included elevated liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. The patient received a loading dose of N-acetylcysteine and was hospitalized for 12 days (112178). However, it is unclear if the adverse effect was due to the stinging nettle, other ingredients, or the combination.
Other ...Orally, stinging nettle root can cause sweating (1,7).