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Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies.

Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies are discussed. The use of herbal therapies is on the rise in the United States, but most pharmacists are not adequately prepared educationally to meet patients' requests for information on herbal products. Pharmacists must also cope with an environment in which there is relatively little regulation of herbal therapies by FDA. Many herbs have been identified as unsafe, including borage, calamus, coltsfoot, comfrey, life root, sassafras, chaparral, germander, licorice, and ma huang. Potentially safe herbs include feverfew, garlic, ginkgo, Asian ginseng, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian. Clinical trials have been used to evaluate feverfew for migraine prevention and rheumatoid arthritis; garlic for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and infections; ginkgo for circulatory disturbances and dementia; ginseng for fatigue and cancer prevention; and saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also studied in formal trials have been St. John's wort for depression and valerian for insomnia. The clinical trial results are suggestive of efficacy of some herbal therapies for some conditions. German Commission E, a regulatory body that evaluates the safety and efficacy of herbs on the basis of clinical trials, cases, and other scientific literature, has established indications and dosage recommendations for many herbal therapies. Pharmacists have a responsibility to educate themselves about herbal therapies in order to help patients discern the facts from the fiction, avoid harm, and gain what benefits may be available.

Drug Interactions↗

Natural health product-drug interactions: a systematic review of clinical trials.

Interactions between natural health products (NHP) and prescription medications are of increasing concern. This paper aims to identify all clinical trials of NHP-drug interactions. To determine the prevalence and outcomes of clinical investigations of NHP-drug pharmacokinetic interactions, electronic databases were searched from inception through March 2004, as well as reference lists from published reports and experts in the field for unpublished studies. Eligible studies were clinical investigations of the interaction between a NHP and the metabolism of a regulated medication in humans. Studies were excluded that only investigated the metabolism of an NHP or examined food-drug or NHP-NHP interactions. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. Forty-seven trials were identified, studying an average of 14 participants/study (95% confidence interval [CI] 11-18), examined drug interactions with 19 different herbal preparations. All trials were pharmacokinetic studies, 41 of healthy volunteers and 6 of patients. Ten different herbal medicines as well as 5 different traditional herbal concoctions were studied. Potentially clinically significant drug interactions were observed with St. John wort (16/24 studies), garlic (2/5 studies), and American ginseng (1 study). Research on NHP-drug interactions is limited in number and scope. With the exception of St. John wort, clinicians and the public do not have information that permits strong inferences about interactions between NHPs and conventional medications.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Inhibition of antigen-induced lung anaphylaxis in the guinea-pig by BN 52021 a new specific paf-acether receptor antagonist isolated from Ginkgo biloba.

Paf-acether appears to be a potent mediator released in response to allergen exposure in sensitized animals and it could contribute to clinical manifestations of allergic asthma. In order to ascertain this assumption the inhibition of antigen-induced lung anaphylaxis in guinea-pig by BN 52021, a new highly specific paf-acether antagonist, was studied. Ovalbumin injected into passively sensitized guinea-pig induced a large bronchoconstriction which was accompanied by thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Treatment of animals with BN 52021 i.v., five minutes before challenge, strongly (at the doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg) or totally (at 0.1 mg/kg) inhibited the bronchoconstriction and partially reduced the thrombocytopenia and leukopenia the thrombocytopenia occurring after challenge. These results confirm that paf-acether and platelets might play a key role in asthma. BN 52021 and other paf-acether antagonist could provide a new group of potent prophylactic anti-asthma drugs.

Anaphylaxis↗

Higher cardol homologs (5-alkylresorcinols) in rye seedlings.

The occurrence of alkylresorcinols, polyketide compounds that in the same homologous series as cardol isolated from Anacardium occidentale (cashew) or bilobol from Ginkgo biloba which are derivatives of 1,3-dihydroxy-5-alk(en)ylbenzene, have been demonstrated in developing rye (Secale cereale L.) kernels. The 3-day-old seedlings grown in sterile conditions already contain detectable amounts of phenolic compounds that were identified as alkylresorcinols. This fraction is the mixture of saturated and enoic homologs of various lengths of the aliphatic side chain. The composition of homologs is similar to that determined in mature grains. The relatively high level of alkylresorcinols in mitochondria and plastids (enhanced approximately twice in the absence of light) suggests that their synthetic pathway and/or biological function may be related to these cellular compartments. Resorcinolic lipids, when present in the external medium, are taken up by seedlings in the energy-dependent manner.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

Residue analysis and dissipation of a new fungicide 2-allylphenol in tomato.

The method of residue analysis of a new synthesized fungicide 2-allylphenol was studied by simulating the active compound structure in Gingko tree (Gingko biloba L.) and its dissipation rate and terminal residue levels in tomato under field condition. Residues of 2-allylphenol were extracted from tomato matrix with acetone, purified by liquid-liquid extraction and Florisil cartrieges, and then determined by HPLC with UV-detector. The minimum detectable amount of 2-allylphenol was 3 x 10(-9) g, the minimum detectable concentration of 2-allylphenol in the samples of tomato were 0.01 mg/kg. The ranges of average recoveries and coefficient variation of the method were 87.7%-90.2% and 1.25%-2.06%, respectively. The dissipation rate and terminal residue levels in tomato were determined with the method described above. The results showed that the half-life of 2-allylphenol in tomato was 6.37 d, and 2-allylphenol declined with 82.6% of the initial deposit remaining in tomato at harvest. The terminal residue levels in tomato were 0.15 mg/kg and 0.20 mg/kg following the recommended doses and time intervals.

Acetone↗

Bioavailability and bioefficacy of polyphenols in humans. II. Review of 93 intervention studies.

For some classes of dietary polyphenols, there are now sufficient intervention studies to indicate the type and magnitude of effects among humans in vivo, on the basis of short-term changes in biomarkers. Isoflavones (genistein and daidzein, found in soy) have significant effects on bone health among postmenopausal women, together with some weak hormonal effects. Monomeric catechins (found at especially high concentrations in tea) have effects on plasma antioxidant biomarkers and energy metabolism. Procyanidins (oligomeric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples, and some supplements such as Pycnogenol) have pronounced effects on the vascular system, including but not limited to plasma antioxidant activity. Quercetin (the main representative of the flavonol class, found at high concentrations in onions, apples, red wine, broccoli, tea, and Ginkgo biloba) influences some carcinogenesis markers and has small effects on plasma antioxidant biomarkers in vivo, although some studies failed to find this effect. Compared with the effects of polyphenols in vitro, the effects in vivo, although significant, are more limited. The reasons for this are 1) lack of validated in vivo biomarkers, especially in the area of carcinogenesis; 2) lack of long-term studies; and 3) lack of understanding or consideration of bioavailability in the in vitro studies, which are subsequently used for the design of in vivo experiments. It is time to rethink the design of in vitro and in vivo studies, so that these issues are carefully considered. The length of human intervention studies should be increased, to more closely reflect the long-term dietary consumption of polyphenols.

Adult↗

Inhibitory activity of unsaturated fatty acids and anacardic acids toward soluble tissue factor-factor VIIa complex.

Five compounds, which inhibited the amidolytic activity of soluble tissue factor/activated factor VII complex (sTF/VIIa), were isolated from two traditional Chinese medicinal plants commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The active compounds were found to be linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids from roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza; and two anacardic acids, 6-(8'Z-pentadecenyl)- and 6-(10'Z-heptadecenyl)-salicylic acids, from leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The IC50 values were in the range 30-80 micromol/L. Palmitic acid, isolated from roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, and 2-[(3',7',11',15'-tetramethyl)-2'E,6'E,10'E, 14'E-hexadecatetraenyl]-1,4-hydroquinone, isolated from the marine sponge Adocia viola, did not inhibit sTF/VIIa. Further expansion of the structure-activity relationship to include anacardic acids, 6-(8'Z,11'Z-heptadecadienyl)- and 6-(8'Z, 11'Z, 14'Z-heptadecatrienyl)-salicylic acids from leaves of Anacardium spondias, and other fatty acids demonstrated that at least one cis double bond was essential for inhibitory activity, and that fatty acids containing two or three cis double bonds were optimal. Evidence from preincubation studies implied that these fatty acids may exert their effect by binding to VIIa and consequently preventing binding of sTF to VIIa.

Anacardic Acids↗

Histopathological assessment of the prophylactic effect of gingko-biloba extract on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

In this experimental study, the prophylactic effects of Gingko-Biloba Extract (GBE) were examined after experimental ischemia on intestinal wall damage. 50 Wistar-Albino rats (2.5 month old) were gathered and separated into 5 groups (n:10). Group 1 was subjected to a laparotomy (sham-operated group) whereas all other experimental groups were subjected to an occlusion of their superior mesenteric arteries for 30 minutes and a period of 20 minutes reperfusion following occlusion. Group 2 was not given any prophylactic agent during the experiment (untreated control group). GBE was administered in a dosage of 50 mg/kg (i.v.) as a prophylactic agent to Group 3 one hour prior to laparotomy whereas Group 4 was given GBE at 50 mg/kg (i.v.) just before ischemia. Group 5 was given GBE in the same dosage just before reperfusion. Immediately after reperfusion, a biopsy was taken from the ileum (10 cm proximity to ileocaecal valve) for histopathological assessment. A significant prophylactic effect of GBE was observed in Group 5 in which GBE was administered just before reperfusion.

Animals↗

Inhibition of the metabolism of platelet activating factor (PAF-acether) by three specific antagonists from Ginkgo biloba.

Washed rabbit platelet suspensions were incubated in the presence of 1-[3H]O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine ([3H] PAF-acether), which was metabolized into 1-[3H]O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (alkylacyl-GPC) through the sequential action of cytosolic acetylhydrolase and membrane transacylase. Within 60 min at 37 degrees, percentage of [3H] PAF-acether metabolized was 50.3 +/- 5.2% (9 experiments). This conversion was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by various concentrations of ginkgolides A, B and C (BN 52020, 52021, 52022) known as specific antagonists of PAF-acether. The three compounds displayed the following order of potency: BN 52021 (IC50 = 3.6 X 10(-6) M) greater than BN 52020 (IC50 = 9.7 X 10(-6) M) greater than BN 52022 (IC50 = 37.6 X 10(-6) M). As this order is the same as that previously defined for inhibition of platelet aggregation to PAF-acether or for inhibition of PAF-acether binding to platelets, our data bring further support to the view that PAF-acether metabolism in platelets involves in some way its binding to its membrane receptor.

Animals↗

Parallel placebo-controlled clinical study of a mixture of herbs sold as a remedy for cellulite.

Cellasene, a product containing Ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, sea-weed, grape seed oil, lecithins and evening primrose oil, has been marketed all over the world as a miracle cure for cellulite. As the efficacy of the product was in doubt, a parallel placebo-controlled clinical study was undertaken in a group of women to see whether the product had any effect on cellulite, or on the body weight, fat content, circumference of thighs, hips, etc. No significant changes were found in these parameters compared with the starting values, nor compared with the placebo control after a 2 month course of Cellasene, except for an increase in the cellulite, assessed by the author, compared with that initially. Seven of 11 women taking Cellasene gained weight, as did eight in the placebo control group, taking Colonease, where significance was achieved. The weight gain in both groups was apparent after the first 2 weeks, and all women had to reduce their food consumption. Only three of the women in the Cellasene group thought that their cellulite had slightly improved against two women in the control group.

Adipose Tissue↗

The pharmacology of extinction.

It is impossible to predict what compounds of pharmacological interest may be present in an unexamined species. The extinction of such species may result, therefore, in the loss of therapeutically significant compounds. The fact that science will never know what has been lost does not lessen the significance of the loss. A number of species are discussed to exemplify the potential loss. Ginkgo biloba is an ancient plant, apparently saved from a natural extinction by human intervention. From this tree, the ginkgolides have been isolated. These are potent inhibitors of platelet activating factor and hold promise in the treatment of cerebral ischemia and brain edema. Two species, the tree Taxus brevifolia and the leech Hirudo medicinalis, are threatened as a result of human activity. Both have recently yielded complex compounds of therapeutic importance. The antitumor agent, taxol, is obtained from T. brevifolia and the thrombin inhibitor, hirudin, is found in H. medicinalis. Catharanthus roseus, source of the anticancer agents vincristine and vinblastine, although not threatened, derives from a largely unexamined but severely stressed ecosystem of some 5000 plant species. In other examples, ethnobotanical knowledge of certain plants may be lost while the species survive, as exemplified by the suppression of the Aztec ethnobotany of Mesoamerica by the invading Spanish. Finally, the fallacy of the 'snail darter syndrome', where species may be viewed as too insignificant to worry about, is exposed by consideration of the pharmacological activities of a sea hare (a shell-less marine mollusc) and various leeches.

Ecology↗

Herbal remedies: issues in licensing and economic evaluation.

In recent years, the use of alternative therapies has become widespread. In particular, there has been a resurgence in the public's demand for herbal remedies, despite a lack of high-quality evidence to support the use of many of them. Given the increasing pressures to control healthcare spending in most countries, it is not surprising that attention is being focused on the cost effectiveness of herbal remedies. We address the question of whether there is sufficient information to enable the assessment of the cost effectiveness of herbal remedies. In so doing, we discuss the current state of play with several of the more high-profile alternative herbal remedies [Chinese medicinal herbs for atopic eczema, evening primrose oil, ginkgo biloba, hypericum (St John's wort)] and some which have made the transition from being alternative to being orthodox remedies. We use historical context to discuss, on the one hand, the increasing commodification of herbal remedies and on the other, the trend towards greater regulatory control and licensing of alternative herbal remedies. We argue that unless great care is exercised, these changes are not necessarily in the best interests of patients. In order to identify cost-effective care, we need reliable information about the costs as well as the efficacy and safety of the treatments being assessed. For most alternative therapies, such data are not available. We believe that studies to gather such data are long overdue. Whilst we argue strongly in favour of control of some herbal remedies, we urge caution with the trend towards licensing of all herbal remedies. We argue that the licensing of those herbal remedies with equivocal benefits and few risks, as evidenced by a long history of safe use, increases barriers to entry and increases societal healthcare costs.

Complementary Therapies↗

Effects of gingko biloba extract on glutamate-induced [Ca2+]i changes in cultured cortical astrocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 or L-glutamate injury.

AIM: To investigate glutamate-induced [Ca2+]i changes in cultured rat neonatal cortical astrocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 or high concentration of L-glutamate injury. In the meantime, the effects of Gingko biloba extract (GbE) were examined. METHODS: [Ca2+]i changes in astrocytes were monitored by laser scanning confocal microscopy with the Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent probe fluo-3. RESULTS: After astrocytes were impaired by hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 (50 micromol x L(-1)) or L-glutamate (0.25 mmol x L(-)), the exogenous glutamate (27 micromol x L(-1)) could not induce increase of [Ca2+]i, but decrease by (3.3 +/- 1.6)%, (81 +/- 11)% and (81 +/- 7)%, respectively. Pretreatment with GbE (10 mg x L(-1)) could not improve injured astrocytic glutamate response. But after pretreatment with GbE (100 mg x L(-1)), glutamate-induced [Ca2+]i elevation of astrocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 or high concentration of L-glutamate injury were (135 +/- 98)%, (117 +/- 93)% and (89 +/- 36)%, respectively. Nimodipine (1.6 mg x L(-1)) could also reverse the abnormal response of astrocytes after different injury. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 and high concentration of L-glutamate impaired astrocytes' response to exogenous L-glutamate, and then bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons could not take place. GbE could improve the abnormal responses and maintain the normal function of astroglical network. These effects support that GbE has potential beneficial actions against brain injury.

Animals↗

Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions.

Herbal medicinals are being used by an increasing number of patients who typically do not advise their clinicians of concomitant use. Known or potential drug-herb interactions exist and should be screened for. If used beyond 8 weeks, Echinacea could cause hepatotoxicity and therefore should not be used with other known hepatoxic drugs, such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate, and ketoconazole. However, Echinacea lacks the 1,2 saturated necrine ring associated with hepatoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may negate the usefulness of feverfew in the treatment of migraine headaches. Feverfew, garlic, Ginkgo, ginger, and ginseng may alter bleeding time and should not be used concomitantly with warfarin sodium. Additionally, ginseng may cause headache, tremulousness, and manic episodes in patients treated with phenelzine sulfate. Ginseng should also not be used with estrogens or corticosteroids because of possible additive effects. Since the mechanism of action of St John wort is uncertain, concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is ill advised. Valerian should not be used concomitantly with barbiturates because excessive sedation may occur. Kyushin, licorice, plantain, uzara root, hawthorn, and ginseng may interfere with either digoxin pharmacodynamically or with digoxin monitoring. Evening primrose oil and borage should not be used with anticonvulsants because they may lower the seizure threshold. Shankapulshpi, an Ayurvedic preparation, may decrease phenytoin levels as well as diminish drug efficacy. Kava when used with alprazolam has resulted in coma. Immunostimulants (eg, Echinacea and zinc) should not be given with immunosuppressants (eg, corticosteroids and cyclosporine). Tannic acids present in some herbs (eg, St John wort and saw palmetto) may inhibit the absorption of iron. Kelp as a source of iodine may interfere with thyroid replacement therapies. Licorice can offset the pharmacological effect of spironolactone. Numerous herbs (eg, karela and ginseng) may affect blood glucose levels and should not be used in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Drug Interactions↗

[Effect of ginkgolide B on L-type calcium current and cytosolic [Ca2+]i in guinea pig ischemic ventricular myocytes].

With whole-cell variant patch-clamp and laser scanning confocal microscope technique, we examined the effect of ginkgolide B (GB) from ginkgo leaves on L-type calcium current and cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i) in guinea pig ischemic ventricular myocytes. The results showed that under normal conditions, at a test voltage of 0 mV, GB had no significant effect on I(Ca,L); and during ischemia, the peak Ca(2+) current reduced by 37.71%, and the I-V curve of I(Ca,L) was shifted upward. 1 micromol/L GB reversed the change induced by ischemia, a result being significantly different from those of the ishemia group (P<0.05).Under control condition, 0.1,1,10 micromol/L GB decreased intracellular calcium concentration by 10.58%, 17.27% and 16.35% (n=12, 12, 10, P<0.01-0.001), respectively. With perfusion of ischemic solution for 12 min, intracellular calcium concentration increased by 20.15%. After a 12 min-perfusion of ischemic solution containing 1 micromol/L nifedipine or 5 mmol/L NiCl2, intracellular calcium concentration increased by 18.18% (P>0.05 vs ischemia) and 11% (P<0.05 vs ischemia), respectively. After 12 min of perfusion with ischemic solution containing 1 micromol/L GB, intracellular calcium concentration increased by 9.6% (P<0.05 vs ischemia). It is shown that GB could reverse the decrease of I(Ca,L) and partially inhibit calcium overload during ischemia.

Animals↗

The cognitive, subjective, and physical effects of a ginkgo biloba/panax ginseng combination in healthy volunteers with neurasthenic complaints.

We evaluated the effects of a Ginkgo biloba/ginseng combination on cognitive function in this 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Sixty-four healthy volunteers (aged 40 to 65 years), selected on the basis of fulfilling the ICD-10 F48.0 criteria for neurasthenia, were assigned randomly to four equal dosing groups, receiving 80, 160, or 320 mg of the combination b.i.d. or placebo. Assessments were performed on the day before dosing, and again at Days 1, 30, and 90 at 1 hour after the morning dose and 1 hour after the afternoon dose. The assessments included the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerized assessment system, the Vienna Determination Unit, cycle ergometry, and various questionnaires. The treatments were well tolerated by all volunteers. On Day 90 at 1 hour post morning dosing, dose-related improvements were seen on the CDR tests, the 320 mg dose being significantly superior to placebo. These effects, however, were reversed 1 hour after the afternoon dose, possibly suggesting that a longer inter-dosing interval would be preferable. The 80-mg dose produced a significant benefit on the ergometry assessment of heart rate at maximum load. There were also several supporting changes from other assessments, including an advantage of 320 mg over placebo on the global score from the Symptom Checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R) at Day 90.

Adult↗

Microglia, apoptosis and interleukin-1beta expression in the effect of sophora japonica l. on cerebral infarct induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

Sophora Japonica L. (SJ) is a traditional Chinese herb used to cool blood, stop bleeding and to treat hemorrhoids with bleeding. Although several recent studies found that both SJ and Ginkgo biloba have the same components of quercetin and rutin, only Ginkgo biloba has been widely used to treat cerebrovascular disorders and dementia in humans. This study investigated the effect of SJ on cerebral infarct in rats. A total of 66 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were studied. Focal cerebral infarct was established by occluding the bilateral common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 minutes. After 24 hours of reperfusion, the neurological status was evaluated. The rats were then killed, and brain tissue was stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride. The grading scale of neurological deficit and the ratio of cerebral infarction area were used as an index to evaluate the effect of SJ on cerebral infarct. In addition, the number of ED1 and interleukin-1beta immunostaining positive cells, and apoptotic cells were measured in the cerebral infarction zone. The results indicated that pre-treatment with 100 or 200 mg/kg SJ and post-treatment with 200 mg/kg SJ significantly reduced the grade of neurological deficit and the ratio of cerebral infarction area. In addition, pre-treatment with 200 mg/kg SJ also significantly reduced ED1 and interleukin-1beta immunostaining positive cells, and apoptotic cells in ischemia-reperfusion cerebral infarct rats. This study demonstrated that SJ could reduce the cerebral infarction area and neurological deficit induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rats, suggesting its potential as a treatment for cerebral infarct in humans. This effect of SJ involves its suppressive action of microglia, interleukin-1beta and apoptosis.

Animals↗