Viane Ruiz

Composition

4-18-02

Supplements and Herbs: Consumer Beware

Supplements and herbs are popular among consumers for uses such as weight loss, relaxation, energy and muscle growth.  Most of these products are said to be 100% natural, or made of extracts combined with only a few chemicals.  Frequently, consumers think because the supplements are on the market, are 100% natural, or have herb extracts, they are totally safe, and therefore, they run no risk in taking them.  Wrong! The supplements and herbs are less regulated than over the counter medicines.  Herbal remedies are not required by the federal government to pass through rigorous testing or display labels with consumer warnings. 

The most popular reason for taking supplements is weight loss.  Appetite suppressants are recommended to lose weight.  Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories recently reported that Pondimin (fenfluramine) appetite suppressants increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension.  Another study done by the Public Health Service has found that Lipokinetix, distributed by Sythrax Innovations, has caused acute hepatitis and liver failure.  Lipokinetix is purported to mimic exercise and increase the metabolic rate.  The benefits as well as the negative effects, acute hepatitis and liver failure, are caused by Norephedrine or PPA, a substance made up of caffeine, yohimbine, diiodothyronine, and sodium usniate.  Other supplements advertised to relieve stress, anxiety, and tension, contain Kava.  Researched by MedWatch, Kava has been associated with hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

Frequently athletes search for dietary supplements that can increase muscle and performance.  Most of these products contain GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid), BD (butanediol), and GBL (gamma butyrolactone).  These substances can dangerously lower respiratory rates, cause unconsciousness, comma, vomiting, seizures, bradycardia and even death. 

Herbs are not an exception to the dangerous remedies to lose weight and gain energy.  Products made with ma-huang extract are easily obtained in any herbal store regardless of their effects.  Karen Ruiz, a thirty-two year old, tried a product containing ma-huang. She testified that after taking half the amount advised on the bottle, she felt vigorous and started losing weight.  After two months of taking it, she imagined she could fly and heard voices.  After being taken to a clinic, the doctor said some of the effects could be controlled, but the manic-depressive psychosis caused by ma-huang extract would remain for the rest of her life.  Dr. Cynthia Culmno says ephedrine, the active substance of the extract, alters the chemistry of the brain and decreases heart rate.

Consumers of dietary supplements and herbal remedies should not only concentrate on the benefits, but also be aware of the negative consequences they can cause.  There are many ways to be informed about herbs and effective-safe supplements. Guides such as Phytotherapy, and Natural Pharmacist are good starting places to find information about supplements and herbal remedies.