Herbal Safety Issues

**mellie** · December 11th, 2008, 06:08 AM

I just wanted to start a thread on new findings on safety issues for herbs. Please let me know if there is already a thread on this! I for one was not aware of a lot of the safety issues concerning herbs before I started using them - I wish I had known! So I want to help spread the word...

First I would like to mention PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOIDS, which include:
-Comfrey
-Alkanet
-Borage
-Lungwort/Cowslip
-Coltsfoot

Here is a good article listing the herbs which contain PAs and their effects on the body:
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/pas.htm

Although these ingredients do not accumulate in the liver or elsewhere in the body, the prolonged use of amounts that cause no acute reactions may increase the chances for developing liver disease, including liver cancer. Laboratory studies indicate that some of the PAs have a high mutagenic capacity.

**mellie** · December 11th, 2008, 06:13 AM

There are some herbs which can affect the menstrual cycle:

Nettle
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/s...tle-000275.htm

Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle, and lactating women should avoid excessive use of this herb.

http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip8081.htm

Nettle taken internally MAY alter the normal menstrual cycle in some women. Therefore, it may not be a safe herbal formula for women that are attempting to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are nursing. When in doubt, always consult with your doctor or herbalist before taking a nettle formula.

Rosemary

Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unproven. Known to have emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow) and abortive effects....Based on its traditional use for abortion, as well as preliminary evidence showing embryotoxic effects, 26 rosemary should not be used by pregnant women or women who wish to become pregnant.....Other weak evidence hints that rosemary may enhance the liver’s rate of deactivating estrogen in the body. 28 This suggests that rosemary might present risks for females, as well as anyone who uses medications containing estrogen.

**ktani** · December 11th, 2008, 06:18 AM

Here are the comfrey and walnut threads.

Comfrey thread
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=9944

Walnut dye thread
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=5378

**mellie** · December 11th, 2008, 06:21 AM

Thanks Ktani!

Also:
-Horsetail
http://www.drugs.com/npp/horsetail.html

Horsetail has been listed as an herb of undefined safety by the FDA. 14 Ingestion of large amounts of the fern may be toxic. There have been reports of children being poisoned by using the stems as blowguns or whistles.

Crude horsetail contains the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys the B-vitamin thiamine. Thiaminase poisoning may lead to permanent liver damage. 1 The Canadian Health Protection Branch prohibits this enzyme in dietary supplements, and supplement manufacturers must provide supportive documentation of its removal. 2

**ktani** · December 11th, 2008, 06:22 AM

Alkanet

I posted this previously in another thread.

There are some safety concerns with alkanet. It contains the same alkaloids as comfrey, which can be absorbed through broken or abraded skin and are cumulatively carcinogenic.
http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/alkanna

**ktani** · December 11th, 2008, 03:12 PM

Borage 2008

"Oil from the seeds .... borage plant does not contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids." in this link but there are precautions for it and the plant parts. Click on the links on the right hand side of the page.

"Prostaglandin E may cause the uterus to tighten .... increased levels of it may lead to a miscarriage. Additionally, prostaglandin E may cause birth defects. For both reasons, pregnant women should avoid taking borage oil.

Because they contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the flowers, leaves, and stems of borage possibly may cause liver damage. Liver damage can take years to develop .... may not have obvious signs or symptoms."
http://www.drugdigest.org/wps/portal...30276FL8L614T3

So the oil can be safe but it needs to certified as such. Interesting in terms of the different information. I trust Sloan Kettering. 2007

"Borage oil contains a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, amabiline, which is hepatotoxic. Risk of hepatic damage increases with length of exposure and cumulative dose consumed. Patients should use borage oil certified free of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Borage oil may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Borage oil products should be certified free of UPAs (.... criterion of no more than 0.5-1 ug/g)."
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69148.cfm#Warnings

**ktani** · December 11th, 2008, 03:59 PM

"Because .... the content of hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) pyrrolizidine alkaloids, coltsfoot is not recommended for internal use." 2007
http://www.drugs.com/npc/coltsfoot.html

The above link is more current than this link below, which I posted in another thread a while back, along with more current information at the time. This link here is 2001.
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/pas.htm

Coltsfoot is in a number of cosmetics including AO (Aubrey Organics) products and PA's (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) can be absorbed through the skin.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...91&postcount=6

**mellie** · December 11th, 2008, 04:32 PM

Great, thanks Ktani!

**ktani** · December 11th, 2008, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by mellie

Great, thanks Ktani!

You are most welcome.

**ktani** · December 13th, 2008, 09:01 AM

Fennel and fenugreek - 2007 and 2008
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...02&postcount=5

More on fennel 2008
"Not endorsed.
Estrogenic properties of fennel extracts and trans-anethole, the major constituent of fennel oil .... described by different authors. .... excessive doses could influence hormone therapy or oral contraception. For the safe use of fennel oil preparations we deem useful to give a warning on this risk."
http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/human...20085707en.pdf

Newest reference 2005
"Respiratory problems including bronchial asthma, hay fever, occupational rhinoconjunctivitis .... asthma .... reported in patients working with fennel seed.
Fennel preparations, other than fennel seed infusions and fennel honey, should be avoided in infants and toddlers.
.... constituent, estragoel, is a procarcinogen (precursor of a cancer causing compound)."
http://www.wellness.com/reference/fo...ing-and-safety

Warnings on fennel have been around for a while. 2004
"Anyone with an estrogen-dependent cancer .... some breast cancer patients .... should avoid fennel in large quantities until the significance of its estrogen-like activity .... clarified."
http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes...tentID=2089002

Fennel - Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia, 2000
"Pregnant women should not use the herb, seeds, tincture, or essential oil of fennel in medicinal remedies. Small amounts used as a culinary spice are considered safe. In large doses fennel acts as a uterine stimulant. The essential oil of fennel is toxic in doses as small as 5 ml, and may cause skin irritation, vomiting, seizure, and respiratory problems. .... herb and seed oil may cause contact dermatitis .... sensitive individuals."
http://www.answers.com/topic/fennel