HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

[Guest guest]

" Green Tea Leaf " is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea " Leaf " something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to

be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as

veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.

Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.

The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)

- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).

- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).

• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).

• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as " Prostata " .• Senna (Casio acutifolia).

• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).

• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug " ecstasy " (3,4-

Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for

rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005

[Guest guest]

Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,, how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the

mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of

some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium

species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include

comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be

dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria,

symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy

phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking

these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie

[Guest guest]

lol I posted it cause you mentioned that I had it hehe . Daymon is home today but leaving Monday for Michigan

Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,,

how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie

[Guest guest]

I am not sure , this is something maybe Jackie knows

Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

"Green Tea Leaf" is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea "Leaf" something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity. Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy. The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila) - Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris). - Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis). • Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea). • Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4- Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005

[Guest guest]

In all fairness, this list needs to be put in perspective. No mention

of dosage levels is made, which is of course important. Perhaps the

author should also mention that the liver is affected by a great many

things besides herbs, including Tylenol, Ibuprofin, alcohol, etc. And

probably most pharmaceutical drugs would badly affect the liver at

some point.

There's more to this story than is indicated by the article. Plus,

the author cites no clinical studies as the source of her

information. For that reason, her knowledge clearly falls into the

category of pseudoscience. ;^ )

> HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

>

> As mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural

does

> not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many

> reports of people suffering serious health problems or even

dying as

> a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that

> enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is

a

> prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with

normal

> functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have

> suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of

taking

> certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse

consequences in

> people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is

the

> liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances.

A

> liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to

clear a

> toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to

> subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A

doctor,

> unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal

remedies,

> or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal

remedies, may

> attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the

natural

> course of the liver disease.

>

> The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that

have

> been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an

extensive

> list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage,

and

> liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women

appear to

> be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men.

Also,

> some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant

to

> people with liver disease are discussed.

>

> In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb

> containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic

(toxic

> to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing

herbs

> can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods

of

> time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of

time.

> Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350

> different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted

to be

> from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium

species.

> Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two

areas of

> the world where herbal teas containing this substance are

consumed as

> folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine

alkaloids

> have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known

as

> veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein

becomes

> clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can

result

> in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged

> liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and

even

> death due to extensive liver damage.

>

> The most well-established example of a liver-toxic

pyrrolizidine

> alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale).

Comfrey

> has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is

commercially

> available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United

States.

> Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs

include

> comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal

> products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on

these

> products.

>

> Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one

time

> widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this

herb

> has been banned from the French market because it was

discovered to

> be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis.

Additional

> cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in

Canada. It

> is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the

culprit

> causing hepatotoxicity.

>

> Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has

been

> reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver

damage. In

> one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient

> required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an

herbal

> sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some

herbs may

> be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a

newborn

> baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal

> preparation during pregnancy.

>

> The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to

liver

> damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though

> sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are

known

> to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot

be

> considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have

been

> associated with liver disease include the following:

>

> - Black Cohosh

>

> . Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).

>

> - Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)

>

> - Cascara Sagrada

>

> - Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium

majus)

>

> . Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea

> taridentata).

>

> . Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids

> (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)

>

> - Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl

calcium

> sulfosuccinate)

>

> . Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).

>

> - Green tea leaf

>

> . Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).

>

> - Impila root

>

> . Jin Bu Huan.

>

> - Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)

>

> - Kombucha

>

> . Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).

>

> . Ma huang (ephedra).

>

> . Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).

>

> . Mistletoe (Viscum album).

>

> . Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).

>

> . Pau d'arco (La pachol).

>

> . Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).

>

> . Poke root (Phytolacca americana).

>

> . Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).

>

> . Sarsparilla (Smilax species).

>

> . Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).

>

> . Saw palmetto - the main ingredient of the herbal preparation

> known as " Prostata " .

>

> . Senna (Casio acutifolia).

>

> . Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).

>

> - Soy phytoestrogen

>

> . Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).

>

> . Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).

>

> . T'u-san-chi.

>

> . Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).

>

> . Woodruff (Galium odorata).

>

> . Certain Chinese herbal formulas-typically a complex mixture

of a

> variety of different herbs.

>

> . Herbal preparations containing the recreational

drug " ecstasy " (3,4-

> Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).

>

> It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-

herb

> interactions of potential significance to a person with liver

> disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's

claw

> and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to

bleed.

> Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure

or

> any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware

of

> this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal

varices

> may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these

> herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the

herb

> St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a

> medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of

the

> new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for

rejection of

> the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may

reduce

> prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk

for

> rejection of the transplanted liver.

>

> Copyright © Palmer 2005

>

>

>

>

>

> Jackie

>

[Guest guest]

The authors are the Merck Manual and if you believe them pseudoscientists then you are badly mistaken . No clinicals are sited becuase they didnt need to , it's only people that think eastern medicine is the only way to treat that argue about this topic .

Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

In all fairness, this list needs to be put in perspective. No mention of dosage levels is made, which is of course important. Perhaps the author should also mention that the liver is affected by a great many things besides herbs, including Tylenol, Ibuprofin, alcohol, etc. And probably most pharmaceutical drugs would badly affect the liver at some point. There's more to this story than is indicated by the article. Plus, the author cites no clinical studies as the source of her information. For that reason, her knowledge clearly falls into the category of pseudoscience. ;^ )> HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS> > As mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does > not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many > reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as > a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that > enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a > prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal > functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have > suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking > certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in > people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the > liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A > liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a > toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to > subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, > unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, > or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may > attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural > course of the liver disease.> > The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have > been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive > list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and > liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to > be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, > some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to > people with liver disease are discussed.> > In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb > containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic > to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs > can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of > time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. > Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 > different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be > from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. > Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of > the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as > folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids > have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as > veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes > clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result > in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged > liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even > death due to extensive liver damage.> > The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine > alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey > has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially > available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. > Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include > comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal > products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these > products.> > Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time > widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb > has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to > be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional > cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It > is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit > causing hepatotoxicity.> > Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been > reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In > one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient > required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal > sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may > be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn > baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal > preparation during pregnancy.> > The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver > damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though > sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known > to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be > considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been > associated with liver disease include the following:> > - Black Cohosh> > . Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).> > - Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)> > - Cascara Sagrada> > - Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)> > . Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea > taridentata).> > . Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids > (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)> > - Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium > sulfosuccinate)> > . Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).> > - Green tea leaf> > . Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).> > - Impila root> > . Jin Bu Huan.> > - Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)> > - Kombucha> > . Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).> > . Ma huang (ephedra).> > . Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).> > . Mistletoe (Viscum album).> > . Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).> > . Pau d'arco (La pachol).> > . Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).> > . Poke root (Phytolacca americana).> > . Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).> > . Sarsparilla (Smilax species).> > . Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).> > . Saw palmetto - the main ingredient of the herbal preparation > known as "Prostata".> > . Senna (Casio acutifolia).> > . Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).> > - Soy phytoestrogen> > . Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).> > . Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).> > . T'u-san-chi.> > . Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).> > . Woodruff (Galium odorata).> > . Certain Chinese herbal formulas-typically a complex mixture of a > variety of different herbs.> > . Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-> Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).> > It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb > interactions of potential significance to a person with liver > disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw > and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. > Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or > any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of > this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices > may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these > herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb > St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a > medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the > new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of > the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce > prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for > rejection of the transplanted liver.> > Copyright © Palmer 2005> > > > > > Jackie>

[Guest guest]

i agree i know mistle toe is in clinical studies now for treatment for non responders.brain_child846 <peter_tocco@...> wrote: In all fairness, this list needs to be put in perspective. No mention of dosage levels is made, which is of course important. Perhaps the author should also mention that the liver is affected by a great many things besides herbs, including Tylenol, Ibuprofin, alcohol, etc. And probably most pharmaceutical drugs would badly affect the liver at some point. There's more to

this story than is indicated by the article. Plus, the author cites no clinical studies as the source of her information. For that reason, her knowledge clearly falls into the category of pseudoscience. ;^ )> HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS> > As mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does > not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many > reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as > a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that > enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a > prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal > functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have > suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking > certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in > people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the > liver's job to

rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A > liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a > toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to > subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, > unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, > or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may > attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural > course of the liver disease.> > The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have > been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive > list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and > liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to > be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also,

> some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to > people with liver disease are discussed.> > In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb > containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic > to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs > can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of > time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. > Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 > different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be > from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. > Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of > the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as > folk remedies for a number of ailments. The

pyrrolizidine alkaloids > have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as > veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes > clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result > in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged > liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even > death due to extensive liver damage.> > The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine > alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey > has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially > available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. > Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include > comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal > products, comfrey may or may

not be listed as an ingredient on these > products.> > Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time > widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb > has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to > be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional > cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It > is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit > causing hepatotoxicity.> > Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been > reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In > one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient > required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal > sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some

herbs may > be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn > baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal > preparation during pregnancy.> > The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver > damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though > sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known > to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be > considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been > associated with liver disease include the following:> > - Black Cohosh> > . Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).> > - Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)> > - Cascara Sagrada> > - Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)> > . Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or

greasewood) (Larrea > taridentata).> > . Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids > (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)> > - Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium > sulfosuccinate)> > . Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).> > - Green tea leaf> > . Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).> > - Impila root> > . Jin Bu Huan.> > - Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)> > - Kombucha> > . Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).> > . Ma huang (ephedra).> > . Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).> > . Mistletoe (Viscum album).> > . Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).> > . Pau d'arco (La pachol).> > . Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).> > . Poke root

(Phytolacca americana).> > . Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).> > . Sarsparilla (Smilax species).> > . Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).> > . Saw palmetto - the main ingredient of the herbal preparation > known as "Prostata".> > . Senna (Casio acutifolia).> > . Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).> > - Soy phytoestrogen> > . Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).> > . Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).> > . T'u-san-chi.> > . Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).> > . Woodruff (Galium odorata).> > . Certain Chinese herbal formulas-typically a complex mixture of a > variety of different herbs.> > . Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-> Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).> > It is also important to be aware that there

are many known drug-herb > interactions of potential significance to a person with liver > disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw > and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. > Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or > any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of > this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices > may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these > herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb > St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a > medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the > new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of > the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce > prednisone

levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for > rejection of the transplanted liver.> > Copyright © Palmer 2005> > > > > > Jackie>Tim Parsons knoxville,tn 37931 865-588-2465 x107 work

www.knoxville1.com

Don't be flakey. Get for Mobile and always stay connected to friends.

[Guest guest]

well I agree with you in part ,, that there are no doses listed, so who knows whether it was 1000 times a normal dose to cause problems or what,, AND I also agree with you that nearly all pharmy meds are damaging as well, everything is a two edged sword.. Lots of ppl are solely trained in Allopathic meds and lots are trained in Alternative meds,, I personally think that there IS A PLACE FOR BOTH.. and allopathic medicine IS FINALLY opening up to alternative meds cuz they see that many of them ARE working better than even some of the allopatic meds with out the side effects... the problem is that testing alternatives are suppressed as well as no one wants to put the kind and amount of money needed to do even similar tests that the pharmies do because if something IS found effective, it cannot be patented so there is no money in it for the pharmy.and that may also be the incentive to poo poo alternatives as well,, cuz there

is no money in it... and we all know that the almight $$ is the incentive. Sad but true.. But we must remember that there IS a place for both kinds of medicine.. and each person has to decide for themselves...brain_child846 <peter_tocco@...> wrote: In all fairness, this list needs to be put in perspective. No mention of dosage levels is made, which is of course important. Perhaps the author should also mention that the liver is affected by a great many things besides herbs,

including Tylenol, Ibuprofin, alcohol, etc. And probably most pharmaceutical drugs would badly affect the liver at some point. There's more to this story than is indicated by the article. Plus, the author cites no clinical studies as the source of her information. For that reason, her knowledge clearly falls into the category of pseudoscience. ;^ )> HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS> > As mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does > not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many > reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as > a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that > enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a > prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal > functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have > suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking > certain

herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in > people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the > liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A > liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a > toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to > subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, > unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, > or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may > attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural > course of the liver disease.> > The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have > been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive > list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage,

and > liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to > be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, > some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to > people with liver disease are discussed.> > In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb > containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic > to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs > can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of > time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. > Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 > different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be > from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. > Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa

and Jamaica, two areas of > the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as > folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids > have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as > veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes > clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result > in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged > liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even > death due to extensive liver damage.> > The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine > alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey > has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially > available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. > Many herbal

preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include > comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal > products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these > products.> > Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time > widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb > has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to > be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional > cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It > is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit > causing hepatotoxicity.> > Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been > reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In > one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the

patient > required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal > sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may > be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn > baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal > preparation during pregnancy.> > The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver > damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though > sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known > to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be > considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been > associated with liver disease include the following:> > - Black Cohosh> > . Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).> > - Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)> > - Cascara

Sagrada> > - Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)> > . Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea > taridentata).> > . Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids > (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)> > - Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium > sulfosuccinate)> > . Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).> > - Green tea leaf> > . Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).> > - Impila root> > . Jin Bu Huan.> > - Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)> > - Kombucha> > . Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).> > . Ma huang (ephedra).> > . Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).> > . Mistletoe (Viscum album).> > .

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).> > . Pau d'arco (La pachol).> > . Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).> > . Poke root (Phytolacca americana).> > . Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).> > . Sarsparilla (Smilax species).> > . Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).> > . Saw palmetto - the main ingredient of the herbal preparation > known as "Prostata".> > . Senna (Casio acutifolia).> > . Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).> > - Soy phytoestrogen> > . Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).> > . Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).> > . T'u-san-chi.> > . Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).> > . Woodruff (Galium odorata).> > . Certain Chinese herbal formulas-typically a complex mixture of a > variety of different herbs.> > . Herbal preparations containing the

recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-> Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).> > It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb > interactions of potential significance to a person with liver > disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw > and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. > Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or > any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of > this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices > may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these > herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb > St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a > medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the > new liver) to decrease,

thereby putting one at risk for rejection of > the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce > prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for > rejection of the transplanted liver.> > Copyright © Palmer 2005> > > > > > Jackie>Jackie

[Guest guest]

Are you going with him? How long will he be gone?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: lol I posted it cause you mentioned that I had it hehe . Daymon is home today but leaving Monday for Michigan Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,, how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that

they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of

the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of

time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been

used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case,

the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)•

Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw

palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive

procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

well what I know is this: Most herbal teas use different parts of the plant in making teas, so I will look in my books in the morning and see what I can find..elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: I am not sure , this is something maybe Jackie knows Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS "Green Tea Leaf" is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea "Leaf" something different? Ally On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the

body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic

to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver

failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of

germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity. Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy. The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include

the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila) - Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris). - Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis). • Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco

(La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea). • Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4- Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver

disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005 Jackie

[Guest guest]

He is leaving this weekend and I am to sick to travel right now .

Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,,

how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Im sorry honey,, then will you be able to go to the local meeting ? Will you be able to drive that far? elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: He is leaving this weekend and I am to sick to travel right now . Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,, how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a

toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially

hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling),

cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid

content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease

include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau

d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver

disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

I am not allowed to drive now

Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,,

how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie

Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

IM NOT supposed to drive, but I will if I need to go somewhere close by and rog is busy..elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: I am not allowed to drive now Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,, how are you doing? Is Daymon

home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly

increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically

relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes

clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to

be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are

known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia

inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy"

(3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone

levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Be careful

Re: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,,

how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian (Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels ( a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie

Jackie

Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Oh I am,, the eye that has sarcoidosis has remained mostly clear since the last surgery,, so I can see out of it but have no depth perception,, but only in that eye, my good eye stil have really good site...elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: Be careful Re:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS Thanks for posting this Liz,, Im gonna keep this as it seems to come up often,, how are you doing? Is Daymon home?elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver, the liver is a prime target for the toxic effects of some herbs. People with

normal functioning livers and no history of prior liver disease have suffered adverse consequences to the liver as a result of taking certain herbs. Obviously, the potential for adverse consequences in people with liver disease is greatly increased. Remember, it is the liver's job to rid the body of potentially harmful substances. A liver that is already damaged will have to work overtime to clear a toxic herb from the body. Quite obviously, it is inadvisable to subject a poorly functioning liver to this type of stress. A doctor, unaware that a patient with liver disease has taken herbal remedies, or unaware of the hepatotoxic effects of certain herbal remedies, may attribute any worsening of the patient's condition to the natural course of the liver disease.The following is a brief discussion of some of the herbs that have been determined to be dangerous to the liver along with an extensive list of herbs that

have been linked to hepatitis, liver damage, and liver failure. Although not proven, it appears that women appear to be more susceptible to herbal- induced liver disease than men. Also, some significant drug-herb interactions specifically relevant to people with liver disease are discussed.In general, a key point to keep in mind is that any herb containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids is potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine-containing herbs can result from either small amounts ingested over long periods of time or from large amounts ingested over a short period of time. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been found in approximately 350 different plant species. The most toxic of these has been noted to be from the senecio, heliotropium, crotalaria, and symphytium species. Pyrrolizidine poisoning is common in Africa and Jamaica, two areas of the world where herbal teas

containing this substance are consumed as folk remedies for a number of ailments. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been associated with a severe type of liver disorder known as veno-occlusive disease. In this disease, the hepatic vein becomes clogged, blocking off the blood supply to the liver. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, ascites, hepatomegaly (an enlarged liver), edema (leg swelling), cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death due to extensive liver damage.The most well-established example of a liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herb is comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Comfrey has been used to relieve joint and stomach aches and is commercially available as a tea or in tablet or capsule form in the United States. Many herbal preparations that contain a mixture of herbs include comfrey, but due to the lack of labeling regulations of herbal products, comfrey may or may not be listed as an

ingredient on these products.Germander, an herb marketed as safe and natural, was at one time widely used in France as a weight-loss remedy. Since 1992, this herb has been banned from the French market because it was discovered to be the cause of twenty-six cases of severe hepatitis. Additional cases of hepatitis due to germander were also reported in Canada. It is thought that the diterpenoid content of germander is the culprit causing hepatotoxicity.Chaparral, an herb proclaimed to be an aging retardant, has been reported to cause jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, and liver damage. In one reported case, the damage was so extensive that the patient required a liver transplant. Jin Bu Huan, typically used as an herbal sedative, has been reported to cause acute hepatitis. Some herbs may be dangerous to ingest while pregnant. In fact, death of a newborn baby was reported in a woman who consumed a hepatotoxic

herbal preparation during pregnancy.The above are just a few examples of herbs that have led to liver damage, which is often permanent and occasionally fatal, though sometimes reversible. The following is a list of herbs that are known to have caused liver problems. Although this is long, it cannot be considered complete due to unreported data. Herbs that have been associated with liver disease include the following:- Black Cohosh• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).- Callilepsis laureola ( Impila)- Cascara Sagrada- Celandine ( also known as greater celandine) (Chelidonium majus)• Chaparral (also known as creosote bush or greasewood) (Larrea taridentata).• Comfrey and other herbs containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (heliotropium, senecio, crotalaria, symphytum)- Doxidan ( Danthron 1,8-hydroxyanthroquinone and dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate)• Germander

(Teucrium chamaedrys).- Green tea leaf• Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).- Impila root• Jin Bu Huan.- Kava ( also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum)- Kombucha• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).• Ma huang (ephedra).• Mate (also known as paraquay tea) (Ilex paraguariensis).• Mistletoe (Viscum album).• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).• Pau d'arco (La pachol).• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).• Poke root (Phytolacca americana).• Ragwort (Senecio jacoboea).• Sarsparilla (Smilax species).• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum).• Saw palmetto – the main ingredient of the herbal preparation known as "Prostata".• Senna (Casio acutifolia).• Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).- Soy phytoestrogen• Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).• T'u-san-chi.• Valerian

(Valeriana offinalis).• Woodruff (Galium odorata).• Certain Chinese herbal formulas—typically a complex mixture of a variety of different herbs.• Herbal preparations containing the recreational drug "ecstasy" (3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine).It is also important to be aware that there are many known drug-herb interactions of potential significance to a person with liver disease. For example garlic, ginko, dong quai danshen, devil's claw and papaya extract (papain) all may increase the tendency to bleed. Thus, people with liver disease undergoing a surgical procedure or any invasive procedure, such as a liver biopsy should be aware of this potential effect. Furthermore, people with esophageal varices may also be at increased risk for hemorrhage when taking these herbs. People who have had a liver transplant should avoid the herb St. 's wort. This herb may cause cyclosporine levels (

a medication used after transplantation to prevent rejection of the new liver) to decrease, thereby putting one at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver. As discussed in my book, licorice may reduce prednisone levels, thus putting a transplant recipient at risk for rejection of the transplanted liver.Copyright © Palmer 2005Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Where are the sources of reference for

this person’s opinion that these herbs damage the liver? Who is Palmer?

I see no initials after her name indicating that she has had any

education which could possibly apply.

Many people are frightened of things that have had no ‘official’

studies but there will be no studies made on substances that cannot raise big

money for big pharma unless it is to cast doubt on them to increase

dependence on the medical industries.

Tylenol can damage the liver but many here believe it is safe in proper amounts. I imaging if one ate 15lbs of green tea leaf

during the day it could damage lots of body parts.

A little common sense is called for and a huge dose of wariness about claims

made for or against different substances.

Read, read, read and check references.

Find out who funds what studies.

Listen to empirical evidence as well and form your own opinions.

Nikki

" Green Tea Leaf " is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what

everyone has posted. Is the Green

Tea " Leaf " something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1

<elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net>

wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE

LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

As mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does

not mean that they are harmless. In

fact, there have been many

reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as

a result of their use of herbal remedies.

Since everything that

enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver……..

[Guest guest]

Thanks Nikki, good point. I haven't quit doing green tea based on this one list since there are so many more articles that say how beneficial it is.

On 2/19/07, Nikki Cowan <nikkicowan@...> wrote:

Where are the sources of reference for this person's opinion that these herbs damage the liver? Who is Palmer? I see no initials after her name indicating that she has had any education which could possibly apply. Many people are frightened of things that have had no 'official' studies but there will be no studies made on substances that cannot raise big money for big pharma unless it is to cast doubt on them to increase dependence on the medical industries. Tylenol can damage the liver but many here believe it is safe in proper amounts. I imaging if one ate 15lbs of green tea leaf during the day it could damage lots of body parts. A little common sense is called for and a huge dose of wariness about claims made for or against different substances. Read, read, read and check references. Find out who funds what studies. Listen to empirical evidence as well and form your own opinions.

Nikki

" Green Tea Leaf " is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea " Leaf " something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <

elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver

……..

[Guest guest]

At 09:37 AM 2/19/2007, you wrote:

Where are the sources of reference for this person’s opinion that these

herbs damage the liver?

It seems the minute anyone mentions herbs here- any herbs- there is a

quick deluge of emails reminding everyone how dangerous they can be ,

posts of studies - some of which are not very well designed with regard

to dosage or the given herbs, etc etc

herbs are medicinal. Like all other medications, if they are not

carefully prescribed and used properly they can have ill effect.

If you are going to take herbs- with or without other medications- it is

really a good idea to check with an herbalist.

to find one near you in the US go to

www.nccaom.org

Many people self-medicate because they can find some products over

the counter. There are alot of products out there. That still doesnt mean

they are all beneficial for everyone.

Who is Palmer? I see no initials after her name

indicating that she has had any education which could possibly

apply. Many people are frightened of things that have had no

‘official’ studies but there will be no studies made on substances that

cannot raise big money for big pharma unless it is to cast doubt on

them to increase dependence on the medical industries. Tylenol can

damage the liver but many here believe it is safe in proper

amounts. I imaging if one ate 15lbs of green tea leaf during the

day it could damage lots of body parts. A little common sense is

called for and a huge dose of wariness about claims made for or

against different substances. Read, read, read and check

references. Find out who funds what studies. Listen to

empirical evidence as well and form your own opinions.

Nikki

" Green Tea Leaf " is listed

among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone

has posted. Is the Green Tea " Leaf " something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1

<

elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR

CAUSE HEPATITIS

As mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does

not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many

reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as

a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that

enters the mouth is metabolized through the

liver

……..

JoEllen Donahue Hermes, L.Ac.

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

www.medicinemom.com

********************************************

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are the property of JoEllen

Donahue Hermes, L.Ac., are confidential, and intended

only for the named recipient(s) above. If it has been sent to you in

error, please notify the sender at 415-731-4328 and delete this message

immediately from your computer. Any other use, retention,dissemination,

forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is

strictly forbidden. Thank you for your consideration.

[Guest guest]

Of COURSE they need to. It would be like me stating that TX is

damaging to your system and can make you very sick.

This might frighten some people into not using it since it is not the whole

story. Neither is what they said

about herbs the whole story.

As to your statement that only people that believe that Eastern medicine

is the only way to treat are the ones that argue about this topic, wouldn’t

it be equally correct for me to say that only people who believe that Western

medicine is the only way to treat are the ones that argue against the use of

herbs?

Nikki

The authors are the Merck Manual and if you believe

them pseudoscientists then you are badly mistaken .

No clinicals are sited becuase they didnt need to , it's only people that

think eastern medicine is the only way to treat that argue about this topic .

[Guest guest]

The only conclusion that I have reached is that every thing in moderation is a good idea. I know that I can't give up my green tea with honey,nor my herbs for cooking. However I have given up sugar and I don't use salt. I think I've choosen my battles wisely, and God help the fool who tries to take away my green tea!!!

>> Of COURSE they need to. It would be like me stating that TX is damaging to> your system and can make you very sick. This might frighten some people> into not using it since it is not the whole story. Neither is what they said> about herbs the whole story. As to your statement that only people that> believe that Eastern medicine is the only way to treat are the ones that> argue about this topic, wouldn't it be equally correct for me to say that> only people who believe that Western medicine is the only way to treat are> the ones that argue against the use of herbs? > > > > Nikki> > > > > > The authors are the Merck Manual and if you believe them pseudoscientists> then you are badly mistaken . No clinicals are sited becuase they didnt> need to , it's only people that think eastern medicine is the only way to> treat that argue about this topic .>

[Guest guest]

What I did was take material from several sources and put them together . And Palma MD PHD , she writes allot of medical stuff . I dont always add the source references cause they can be a whole page at times . I dont need anyone telling me about empirical evidence because I am the medical researcher here so I know all about it .

RE: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

Where are the sources of reference for this person’s opinion that these herbs damage the liver? Who is Palmer? I see no initials after her name indicating that she has had any education which could possibly apply. Many people are frightened of things that have had no ‘official’ studies but there will be no studies made on substances that cannot raise big money for big pharma unless it is to cast doubt on them to increase dependence on the medical industries. Tylenol can damage the liver but many here believe it is safe in proper amounts. I imaging if one ate 15lbs of green tea leaf during the day it could damage lots of body parts. A little common sense is called for and a huge dose of wariness about claims made for or against different substances. Read, read, read and check references. Find out who funds what studies. Listen to empirical evidence as well and form your own opinions.

Nikki

"Green Tea Leaf" is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea "Leaf" something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver……..

[Guest guest]

What I did was take material from several sources and put them together . And Palma MD PHD , she writes allot of medical stuff . I dont always add the source references cause they can be a whole page at times . I dont need anyone telling me about empirical evidence because I am the medical researcher here so I know all about it .

RE: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS

Where are the sources of reference for this person’s opinion that these herbs damage the liver? Who is Palmer? I see no initials after her name indicating that she has had any education which could possibly apply. Many people are frightened of things that have had no ‘official’ studies but there will be no studies made on substances that cannot raise big money for big pharma unless it is to cast doubt on them to increase dependence on the medical industries. Tylenol can damage the liver but many here believe it is safe in proper amounts. I imaging if one ate 15lbs of green tea leaf during the day it could damage lots of body parts. A little common sense is called for and a huge dose of wariness about claims made for or against different substances. Read, read, read and check references. Find out who funds what studies. Listen to empirical evidence as well and form your own opinions.

Nikki

"Green Tea Leaf" is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea "Leaf" something different?

Ally

On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver……..

[Guest guest]

girls, lets not argue here,, ok,, we ALL CAN learn here, no one knows everything,, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: What I did was take material from several sources and put them together . And Palma MD PHD , she writes allot of medical stuff . I dont always add the source references cause they can be a whole page at times . I dont need anyone telling me about empirical evidence because I am the medical researcher here so I know all about it . RE: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITIS Where are the sources of reference for this person’s opinion that these herbs damage

the liver? Who is Palmer? I see no initials after her name indicating that she has had any education which could possibly apply. Many people are frightened of things that have had no ‘official’ studies but there will be no studies made on substances that cannot raise big money for big pharma unless it is to cast doubt on them to increase dependence on the medical industries. Tylenol can damage the liver but many here believe it is safe in proper amounts. I imaging if one ate 15lbs of green tea leaf during the day it could damage lots of body parts. A little common sense is called for and a huge dose of wariness about claims made for or against different substances. Read, read, read and check references. Find out who funds what studies. Listen to empirical evidence as well and form your own opinions.

Nikki "Green Tea Leaf" is listed among the herbs... I thought Green Tea was beneficial from what everyone has posted. Is the Green Tea "Leaf" something different? Ally On 2/15/07, elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: HERBS THAT MAY HARM THE LIVER OR CAUSE HEPATITISAs mentioned previously, the mere fact that herbs are natural does not mean that they are harmless. In fact, there have been many reports of people suffering serious health problems or

even dying as a result of their use of herbal remedies. Since everything that enters the mouth is metabolized through the liver…….. Jackie

[Guest guest]

hahaha, well I WONT try christine,, green tea is good, as you said, everything in moderation!!CHRISTINE <novara12002@...> wrote: The only conclusion that I have reached is that every thing in moderation is a good idea. I know that I can't give up my green tea with honey,nor my herbs for cooking. However I have given up sugar and I don't use salt. I think I've choosen my battles wisely, and God help the fool who tries to take away my green tea!!! >> Of COURSE they need to. It would be like me stating that TX is damaging to> your system and can make you very sick. This might frighten some people> into not using it since it is not the whole story. Neither is what they said> about herbs the whole story. As to your statement that only people that> believe that Eastern medicine is the only way to treat are the ones that> argue about this topic, wouldn't it be equally correct for me to say that> only people who believe that Western medicine is the only way to treat are> the ones that argue against the use of herbs? > > > > Nikki> > > > > > The authors are the

Merck Manual and if you believe them pseudoscientists> then you are badly mistaken . No clinicals are sited becuase they didnt> need to , it's only people that think eastern medicine is the only way to> treat that argue about this topic .> Jackie