Dr. Morrow's Blood Formula by Nutrition Dynamics, Inc.

There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of coltsfoot.

(Read more about COLTSFOOT)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Common cold. Taking echinacea orally while still healthy may help prevent the common cold, but the benefit is probably modest. Echinacea does not seem to have a significant benefit for treating colds that have already developed. Details: Three meta-analyses show a 10% to 58% reduction in the risk of developing a cold when taking various forms of echinacea (17520,17522,95652). A large clinical study shows that adults who use a specific echinacea extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Bioforce AG) 0.9 mL three times daily (2400 mg echinacea daily) for 4 months, with an increase to 0.9 mL five times daily (4000 mg echinacea daily) at the first sign of a cold, have 59% fewer cold episodes and 26% fewer days with cold symptoms than those taking placebo (18225). Many smaller studies have shown a non-significant trend toward a prophylactic benefit, but they were likely underpowered to detect a statistically significant difference (3282,6386,17521,95652). Research in adults who are deliberately infected with cold viruses shows that taking echinacea products either does not reduce the incidence of colds, or has a limited effect which is not statistically significant. Products used include E. angustifolia root extract 300 mg three times daily for 7 days before and 5 days after experimental infection (13419), an alcoholic extract of E. purpurea above-ground parts (EchinaGuard, Madaus AG) 2.5 mL three times daily for 7 days before and 7 days after experimental infection (12354), or echinacea 300 mg three times daily for 14 days before and 5 days after experimental infection (8228). These studies are small and have methodological problems. Some small clinical studies have suggested that taking E. purpurea extracts as a tincture or tea to treat the common cold modestly reduces symptom severity and reduces cold duration by a couple of days (6384,10320,10802,12355,14419,20062,111530). Specific products used in these studies include Echinilin by Inovobiologic Inc., and Echinacin and EchinaGuard by Madaus AG (10320,10802,12355,20062). In contrast, higher quality clinical research shows that taking E. purpurea alone or with E. angustifolia does not reduce duration or severity of cold symptoms when compared with placebo (10800,11970,17519,20059). Echinacea has also been evaluated in children. Preliminary clinical research in healthy children 4-12 years old shows that taking a specific E. purpurea product (Echinaforce Junior, A. Vogel) 400 mg three times daily for 4 months reduces the occurrence of cold symptoms, respiratory complications (such as pneumonia and otitis media), and antibiotic prescriptions by 30%, 52%, and 62%, respectively, when compared with vitamin C 50 mg three times daily. Taking echinacea also reduces the average duration of symptoms during respiratory illness by an average of 1.4 days when compared with vitamin C (105719). However, other clinical research in children has found no benefit with a specific E. purpurea product (Echinacin, Madaus AG) (4989,95653).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Anxiety. It is unclear if oral echinacea reduces anxiety. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific E. angustifolia extract (ExtractumPharma ZRT) 40 mg once or twice daily for 7 days reduces anxiety scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale when compared with placebo (20064,103233). This extract seems to be more effective in patients with high baseline anxiety scores (103233). A lower dose of 20 mg daily appears to be ineffective (20064). Conversely, a small clinical study in physically healthy adults with mild to moderate anxiety shows that taking the same E. angustifolia extract at doses of 20 or 40 mg twice daily for 6 weeks does not reduce anxiety when compared with placebo (106626).
• Athletic performance. It is unclear if oral echinacea improves athletic performance. Details: Preliminary clinical research in healthy, recreationally active males shows that taking echinacea (Puritan's Pride) 2 grams four times daily for 28 days increases serum erythropoietin levels and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during exercise tests (20066). However, two small clinical studies in endurance trained athletes and in non-athletes with high aerobic fitness show that taking E. purpurea 8 or 16 grams once daily for 35 days in combination with other ingredients (Biomedical Research Lab), or taking E. purpurea (Puritan's Pride) 8 grams daily for 42 days, has no effect on erythropoietin levels, VO2max, or aerobic capacity (95651,101593). A meta-analysis of these and other small clinical trials in trained and recreational athletes shows that taking echinacea 8 grams orally daily for 28-42 days does not improve VO2max, hemoglobin, or erythropoietin levels when compared with placebo (114569). However, this analysis may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Some evidence shows that an echinacea cream may be effective in mild disease, but it has not been compared to conventional treatments such as corticosteroids. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with mild atopic dermatitis shows that applying a cream containing echinacea (Linola Plus Cream, Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co) 2-3 times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms such as erythema, edema, pruritus, and dryness when compared with a cream containing birch bark extract (Imlan Crème Pur, Birken AG). However, the echinacea product was no different to the comparator cream at the 4- and 8-week assessments, indicating that it might take up to 12 weeks to show benefit (97499).
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for ADHD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Burns. Although there has been interest in using topical echinacea for burns, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for preventing or treating COVID-19. Details: A moderate-size open-label clinical study tested the effects of echinacea to prevent or treat respiratory viruses. This study of otherwise healthy adults in Bulgaria shows that taking echinacea extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel AG) 2400 mg daily for cycles of 2, 2, and 1 months, with a 1-week break between each cycle, does not reduce symptomatic respiratory tract infections, including SARS-CoV-2, or respiratory virus detection overall when compared with usual care. However, echinacea extract does reduce the risk of a positive test for coronaviruses or SARS-CoV-2 by 48% and 63%, respectively. In patients who develop a symptomatic respiratory tract infection, this study also shows that taking the same echinacea extract 4000 mg daily for up to 10 days speeds viral clearance compared with usual care when all virus types were analyzed; however, clearance of SARS-CoV-2 was not improved. Echinacea may also reduce the number of days with a fever, but not other symptoms (111174). The validity of this study is limited by lack of blinding. Further, most patients were unvaccinated against COVID-19; it is unclear whether these results can be extrapolated to vaccinated patients. Echinacea has also been studied for long COVID. A moderate-size clinical trial in adults with recent COVID -19 infection shows that taking a combination product containing echinacea 30 mg, rose hips, zinc, and other ingredients orally daily for 2 months moderately improves fatigue scores when compared with placebo (114570).
• Genital herpes. It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for genital herpes in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2. Details: Some clinical research shows that a specific E. purpurea extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Bioforce AG) 800 mg orally twice daily for 6 months does not seem to prevent or reduce the frequency or duration of recurrent genital herpes in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2 (7087).
• Gingivitis. Echinacea, in a mouth rinse or periodontal patch, has only been studied in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that using a mouth rinse containing echinacea, gotu kola, and elderberry (HM-302, Izun Pharmaceuticals) 15 mL three times daily for 14 days might prevent worsening of gingivitis when compared with a placebo rinse, but it produces only minimal improvement in symptoms (20069). Applying a periodontal patch containing echinacea, gotu kola, and elderberry (PerioPatch, Izun Pharmaceuticals) either as a single dose, or three times daily for 1 day then once daily for 2 days seems to reduce some measures of inflammation and gingivitis at some time points, but effects lack consistency (20068,20070).
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). Although there has been interest in using topical echinacea for herpes labialis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• HIV/AIDS. Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral echinacea has only been studied in combination with other ingredients; its benefit when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific combination product containing echinacea, andrographis, grapefruit, papaya, pau d'arco, and cat's claw (Immune Act, Erba Vita SpA) three tablets daily for one month reduces the recurrence of anal condylomata in patients following surgical removal. After one month, the recurrence rate was about 4% in the echinacea group compared with 18% in the control group; after 6 months the recurrence rates were about 7% and 27%, respectively (20073). However, poor study methodology limits the validity of these findings.
• Influenza. Limited data suggest that oral echinacea may improve the response to influenza vaccine, and that a combination product containing echinacea may improve rates of recovery from influenza. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that a taking a specific echinacea product (Monoselect Echinacea, PharmExtracta) 200 mg orally daily for 15 days, then 100 mg daily for 15 days, followed by 100 mg every other day for 60 days, might improve the response to influenza vaccine in people with chronic bronchitis or asthma (18226). Higher quality research is needed to confirm these results. Taking a specific combination product (Echinaforce Hot Drink, A. Vogel Bioforce AG), containing elderberry juice and extracts of E. purpurea above-ground parts and roots, 5 mL five times daily for 3 days, then three times daily for 7 days, improves rates of recovery and influenza-related respiratory complications similarly to oseltamivir 75 mg twice daily for 5 days (95650). However, due to the lack of a placebo group, it is unclear if both treatments were beneficial or if the outcomes represent the natural progression of influenza.
• Insect bite. It is unclear if topical homeopathy with a gel containing echinacea is beneficial for insect bite treatment. Oral echinacea has not been evaluated for this use. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that using a homeopathic after-bite gel, containing echinacea, marsh Labrador tea, and stinging nettle, on affected areas does not reduce erythema or itching after a mosquito bite when compared with placebo (89235).
• Lichen planus. It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for patients with this condition. Details: A small clinical study in adults with erosive oral lichen planus in Iran shows that taking a specific echinacea extract tablet (Immustim, Goldaru Corp.) 114 mg three times daily for 35 days decreases pain scores, number of lesions, and symptom severity when compared with placebo. However, all patients also used a mouthwash containing betamethasone, diphenhydramine, nystatin, and aluminum-magnesium suspension three times daily (111173).
• Malaria. Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for malaria, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Migraine headache. Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for migraine headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Otitis media. Oral echinacea does not seem to reduce the rate of recurrence of otitis media in young children, and may actually increase it. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific liquid extract of echinacea fresh roots and dried mature seeds, 0.5 mL three times daily for 3 days at the first sign of a common cold, followed by 0.25 mL three times daily for 7 days, does not prevent otitis media in children 1-5 years of age with a history of recurrent otitis media. In fact, the risk of an episode of otitis media during the 6 month follow-up seemed to increase by 59% in those taking echinacea when compared with placebo (20063).
• Psoriasis. Although there has been interest in using topical echinacea for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Respiratory tract infections. It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for preventing or treating respiratory tract infections. Details: A large clinical study in adults with respiratory tract infections shows that using echinacea spray or taking echinacea lozenges 16,800 mg daily during days 1-3 and 2240-3360 mg daily afterward for up to 10 days does not improve time to recovery, symptom relief, or number of sick days when compared with echinacea tablets or drops at a prophylactic dose of 2400 mg daily for 10 days. However, the higher dose from days 1-3 is associated with faster viral clearance than the prophylactic dose (111540). The validity of these effects is limited by insufficient blinding and a lack of a placebo group. Additionally, echinacea has been studied for prevention of respiratory tract infections. A meta-analysis of many clinical trials shows that taking echinacea up to 16,800 mg daily, alone or in combination with other products, for up to 17 weeks reduces the risk of respiratory infection and antibiotic prescriptions when compared with control (114568). The validity of this study is limited by heterogenous methods between clinical trials, including population, dose, and outcome definitions and measurements.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Tonsillitis. Oral echinacea has been used with azithromycin to reduce relapses of recurrent tonsillitis in children. A throat spray containing echinacea has also been evaluated for tonsillitis-associated sore throat. It is unclear if echinacea is beneficial for either purpose. Details: Preliminary clinical research in children with recurrent tonsillitis shows that adding echinacea suspension, 250 mg root powder per 5 mL, orally 3 times daily for 10 consecutive days per month for 6 months, to azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day for 6 consecutive days per month for 6 months reduces the number of tonsillitis attacks when compared with azithromycin alone (104127). However, the study was not blinded and the number of tonsillitis episodes in both groups was very low. Other preliminary clinical research shows that applying a throat spray containing sage and echinacea whole plant extract every 2 hours up to 10 times daily for up to 5 consecutive days is as effective as a chlorhexidine-lidocaine spray in patients with sore throat due to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis (20077).
• Tonsillopharyngitis. Oral echinacea has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A moderate-sized study in patients aged 12-75 years with acute tonsillopharyngitis shows that taking lozenges containing echinacea extract 800 mg and sage extract 5 times daily for 4 days reduces throat pain and tonsillopharyngitis symptoms when compared to baseline, both acutely within 90 minutes and after 4 days of treatment (111530). The validity of these effects is limited by a lack of a comparator group. It is unclear if these effects are due to echinacea, sage, or the combination.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for preventing or treating URTIs. Details: A moderate-size open-label clinical study tested the effects of echinacea to prevent or treat respiratory viruses. This study of otherwise healthy adults in Bulgaria shows that taking echinacea extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel AG) 2400 mg daily for cycles of 2, 2, and 1 months, with a 1-week break between each cycle, does not reduce symptomatic respiratory tract infections, including SARS-CoV-2, or respiratory virus detection overall when compared with usual care. However, echinacea extract does reduce the risk of a positive test for coronaviruses or SARS-CoV-2 by 48% and 63%, respectively. In patients who develop a symptomatic respiratory tract infection, this study also shows that taking the same echinacea extract 4000 mg daily for up to 10 days speeds viral clearance compared with usual care when all virus types were analyzed; however, clearance of SARS-CoV-2 was not improved. Echinacea may also reduce the number of days with a fever, but not other symptoms (111174). The validity of this study is limited by lack of blinding. Further, most patients were unvaccinated against COVID-19; it is unclear whether these results can be extrapolated to vaccinated patients. Another large study in adults with URTIs shows that taking a combination product containing echinacea 1100-2200 mg, zinc, and vitamin C (EZC Pak) daily for 5 days reduces time to recovery by 1.4 days but does not reduce symptom severity when compared with placebo (111512). The validity of these effects is severely limited by multiple instances of selection bias. Additionally, it is unclear if these effects are due to echinacea, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Vaginal candidiasis. Although there has been interest in using oral echinacea for vaginal candidiasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of echinacea for this purpose.
• Warts. It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for warts when used alone or in combination with other ingredients. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking echinacea 600 mg orally once daily for up to 3 months does not clear common, plantar, or plain cutaneous warts any more effectively than placebo (20080). Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking an oral supplement containing echinacea with methionine, zinc, probiotics, antioxidants and immunostimulants for 6 months, in addition to using conventional topical therapy to treat cutaneous warts, seems to increase the rate of complete remission from 54% to 86% when compared with conventional therapy alone (20071). It is unclear if these effects are due to echinacea, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Water warts. It is unclear if oral echinacea is beneficial for water warts (molluscum contagiosum). Details: In children who have been successfully treated with curettage for molluscum contagiosum, taking a combination of E. angustifolia and E. purpurea orally daily for 2 months is associated with a relapse rate of about 39%, compared with a rate of 68% in a control group that received no oral treatment (104128). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a placebo control. E. angustifolia and E. purpurea were taken in doses of 200 mg each in children under 20 kg and 400 mg each in children over 20 kg. More evidence is needed to rate echinacea for these uses.

(Read more about ECHINACEA)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Most clinical research suggests that oral horse chestnut extract reduces symptoms of CVI. Details: Clinical research shows that taking horse chestnut seed extract 300 mg twice daily or providing aescin, a constituent of horse chestnut, 50-75 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks can reduce some symptoms of CVI, such as varicose veins, pain, tiredness, tension, itching, edema, and swelling in the legs (281,282,283,284,285,12113,55477,55481,55501,55502)(55520,55526,55537). However, some preliminary clinical research suggests that horse chestnut seed extract (Venostasin, Klinge Pharma GmbH) may be less effective than maritime pine bark (Pygnoforton, Plantorgan) for reducing leg swelling, cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in patients with CVI (7693).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is unclear if oral horse chestnut is beneficial for IBS. Details: A small, preliminary clinical trial and retrospective case series show that taking a combination product containing horse chestnut extract 470 mg, quebracho colorado 150 mg, and peppermint oil 0.2 mL (Atrantil, KBS Research, LLC) daily for 2 weeks reduces abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating when compared with baseline in patients with constipation-predominant IBS (95429,95430). The effects of horse chestnut alone are unclear.
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). It is unclear if oral aescin, a constituent of horse chestnut, is beneficial for kidney stones. Details: A large clinical study in outpatient adults in Iraq with a single kidney stone shows that taking aescin, a constituent of horse chestnut, 120 mg daily for 10 days increases the rate of stone expulsion when compared with placebo, but not when compared with prednisolone 25 mg daily. Aescin also decreases the time to stone expulsion and increases the percent of patients experiencing complete pain relief when compared with prednisolone or placebo (110440). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of blinding.
• Male infertility. It is unclear if oral horse chestnut is beneficial for male infertility. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking horse chestnut seed extract 150 mg (Aescuven Forte), containing aescin 30 mg, twice daily for 2 months increases sperm density, but does not improve sperm motility, in men with varicocele-associated infertility (55493). More evidence is needed to rate horse chestnut for these uses.

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There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of pulsatilla.

(Read more about PULSATILLA)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Hemorrhoids. Topical witch hazel seems to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Details: Applying witch hazel water topically may help to temporarily relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning associated with anorectal disorders (272).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Topical witch hazel does not appear to improve symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis. Details: A moderate sized clinical study in patients with moderately severe atopic dermatitis shows that applying a cream containing witch hazel daily for 14 days does not improve itching, erythema, or scaling when compared with placebo. Witch hazel cream also appears to be less effective when compared with a cream containing hydrocortisone (86527).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Acne. Although there has been interest in using topical witch hazel for acne, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose.
• Bruises. Although there has been interest in using topical witch hazel for bruises, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose.
• Burns. Although there has been interest in using topical witch hazel for minor burns, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose.
• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral and topical witch hazel for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose.
• Insect bite. Although there has been interest in using topical witch hazel for insect bites, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose.
• Minor bleeding. Although there has been interest in using topical witch hazel for minor bleeding, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose.
• Postmenopausal conditions. It is unclear if topical witch hazel is beneficial for improving vaginal dryness in postmenopausal individuals. Details: A small clinical study in postmenopausal individuals shows that applying a moisturizing cream containing witch hazel distillate (Remifemin FeuchtCreme, Schaper-Brummer) 2.5 grams into the vagina daily for 7 days eliminates subjective feelings of vaginal dryness in 55% of patients after the first application and 80% of patients after 7 days of use, with all patients experiencing an improvement in feelings of dryness compared to baseline (96721). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a control group.
• Skin irritation. It is unclear if topical witch hazel is beneficial for children with skin irritation. Details: A small observational study in children with minor skin injuries, diaper rash, or dermatitis suggests that topical application of witch hazel ointment (Hametum, Spitzner Arzneimittel) appears to improve symptoms of skin irritation as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment (67795).
• Sunburn. Small clinical studies suggest that topical witch hazel might reduce erythema after a sunburn. Details: Two small clinical studies in healthy individuals show that applying witch hazel lotion or cream to the skin after ultraviolet exposure reduces erythema when compared with control formulations; however, witch hazel may be less effective when compared with hydrocortisone cream (11151,86531).
• Varicose veins. Although there has been interest in using topical witch hazel for varicose veins, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of witch hazel for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate witch hazel for these uses.

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LIKELY UNSAFE ...when products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents are used orally. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842). Dietary supplement products sold in the US are not required to include the amount of PAs they may contain; therefore, all preparations used orally containing coltsfoot should be considered potentially unsafe (3484). Tell patients not to use coltsfoot preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents are used orally. Coltsfoot preparations containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic (575,12841,12842). There is one case report of fatal hepatic veno-occlusive disease in a neonate associated with regular maternal consumption during pregnancy of an herb tea containing several pyrrolizidine alkaloid herbs, including coltsfoot (575). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using coltsfoot products certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free during pregnancy; avoid using.

LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in coltsfoot are excreted in milk (12841,12842). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using coltsfoot products certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free during lactation; avoid using.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Various liquid extracts of Echinacea purpurea have been used safely for up to 10 days, including EchinaGuard (Madaus AG) 20 drops every 2 hours for 1 day, then three times daily (10320), or Echinilin (Inovobiologic Inc.) 40 mL in divided doses for 1 day, then 15 mL in divided doses daily thereafter (12355,20062). Other liquid extracts have been used safely for relatively longer periods, including Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG) 2.4 grams daily for 4 months or 1.6 grams daily for 6 months (7087,18225), and Echinacin (Madaus AG) 5 mL twice daily for 10 days, or 4 mL twice daily for 8 weeks (3282,10802). Specific solid dosage forms of echinacea that have been used safely for up to 10 days include Echinacea purpurea above-ground parts (EchinaFresh, Enzymatic Therapy) 300 mg daily (11970), and mixtures of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia herb in divided doses of 6 grams to 10.5 grams for 1 day then 3 grams to 5.1 grams daily (10800,17519,20059). A specific Echinacea angustifolia extract (ExtractumPharma ZRT) has also been used with apparent safety at a dose of 40 mg once or twice daily for up to 7 days (20064,103233). An Echinacea purpurea product (Natures Resource) has been used safely at a dose of 1.8 grams daily for 8 weeks (17521), and echinacea (Puritan's Pride) has been used safely at 8 grams daily for 28 days (20066).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically, short-term. A specific cream (Linola Plus Cream, Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co.) containing echinacea extract (WO 3260) has been applied to the skin safely 2-3 times daily for up to 12 weeks (97499). There is insufficient reliable evidence about the safety of echinacea when used parenterally.

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally, short-term. Some clinical research shows that an extract of the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea (EC31J2, Echinacin Saft, Madaus AG) in a dose of 3.75 mL twice daily (for ages 2 years to 5 years) or 7.5 mL twice daily (for ages 6 years to 11 years) is safe when used for up to 10 days (4989). However, about 7% of children experienced a rash after taking echinacea, which might have been caused by an allergic reaction (4989). There is concern that allergic reactions could be severe in some children. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom recommends against the use of oral echinacea products in children under 12 years of age due to this risk of allergic reaction (18207). In contrast, another clinical study in children 4-12 years old shows that a specific Echinacea purpurea product (Echinaforce Junior, A. Vogel) does not cause allergic or urticarial reactions more frequently than vitamin C (105719).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally, short-term. There is preliminary evidence that mothers can safely use echinacea in the form of E. purpurea or E. angustifolia solid dosage forms, 250-1000 mg daily, or tinctures, up to 30 drops daily, for 5 days to 7 days during the first trimester without adversely affecting the fetus (7056,13418,15123). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of echinacea when used for longer than 7 days.

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when standardized horse chestnut seed extracts are used orally and appropriately, short-term. These extracts, from which esculin, a toxic constituent, has been removed (9420), have been used with apparent safety for 2-12 weeks (281,282,283,284,285,12113,95429,95430).

UNSAFE ...when the raw seed, bark, flower, or leaf is used orally. Horse chestnut contains significant amounts of the toxin esculin, and can be lethal (17). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of horse chestnut when used topically, intravenously, or intramuscularly.

CHILDREN: UNSAFE
when the raw seeds, bark, flower, or leaves are used orally. Poisoning has been reported from children drinking tea made with twigs and leaves (9,55528).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: UNSAFE
when the raw seed, bark, flower, or leaf are used orally. Horse chestnut preparations can be lethal (17); avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of horse chestnut seed extract when used during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.

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LIKELY UNSAFE ...when fresh above ground parts are used orally or topically; pulsatilla is a severe local irritant (4). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the use of dried pulsatilla.

PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally. The fresh or dried above ground parts are contraindicated due to abortifacient and teratogenic effects (2,4). ...when the fresh above ground parts are used topically. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topical dried pulsatilla during pregnancy.

LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when the fresh above ground parts are used for oral or topical use (19). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of dried pulsatilla during breast-feeding.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when witch hazel water is used topically and appropriately (272).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately (12). In high doses, tannins in witch hazel bark may cause liver or kidney damage (8,12). The volatile oil contains safrole, a known carcinogen, but in amounts too small for concern (4).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when applied topically and appropriately (67795).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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(Read more about COLTSFOOT)

CAFFEINE Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Mild •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.  Details Echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine by around 30% (12155). This is likely due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) by echinacea.

CYTOCHROME P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.  Details Echinacea appears to inhibit CYP1A2 enzymes in humans. Additionally, echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate, by around 30% (12155). Theoretically, echinacea might increase levels of other drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.  Details Several clinical trials have shown that taking echinacea for up to one month does not significantly affect the metabolism of various CYP3A4 substrates, including midazolam, docetaxel, etravirine, lopinavir-ritonavir, and darunavir-ritonavir (13712,48618,88164,88165). However, other clinical research shows that echinacea may increase the clearance of midazolam, suggesting that echinacea might induce CYP3A4 (48618). The discrepancy is thought to be due to differing effects of echinacea on intestinal versus hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes. Echinacea appears to induce hepatic CYP3A4 but inhibit intestinal CYP3A4 (12155). In some cases, these effects might cancel each other out, but in others, drug levels may be increased or decreased depending on the level of effect at hepatic and intestinal sites. The effect of echinacea on CYP3A4 activity may differ depending on the CYP3A4 substrate (6450,11026,88162,88167).

DARUNAVIR (Prezista) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of darunavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.  Details Darunavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but administration of an E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg four times daily for 14 days did not affect darunavir/ritonavir pharmacokinetics in 15 HIV-infected patients (88163,93578).

DOCETAXEL (Taxotere) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of docetaxel; however, a small clinical study found no effect.  Details Docetaxel is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea whole plant extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Biopharma AG) 20 drops three times daily for 2 weeks did not alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in one clinical study (88164).

ETOPOSIDE (VePesid) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Echinacea may increase levels of etoposide.  Details In one report, concomitant use of etoposide and echinacea was associated with more severe thrombocytopenia than the use of etoposide alone, suggesting inhibition of etoposide metabolism (20082). Etoposide is a cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrate. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but some studies have reported inhibition of the enzyme (6450,11026,12155,88162,88167).

ETRAVIRINE (Intelence) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of etravirine; however, a small clinical study found no effect.  Details Etravirine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of etravirine in HIV-infected patients (88165,93578).

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.  Details Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy because of its immunostimulant activity (3279,6388,6389,12639).

LOPINAVIR/RITONAVIR (Kaletra) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of lopinavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.  Details Lopinavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea (Echinamide, Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Inc.) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir/ritonavir in healthy volunteers (48618,93578).

MIDAZOLAM (Versed) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, echinacea may increase the metabolism of intravenous midazolam.  Details Echinacea induces hepatic CYP3A4 and might decrease plasma levels of midazolam by about 20%, reducing the effectiveness of intravenous midazolam (12155). Echinacea also appears to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, which could theoretically increase the bioavailability of oral midazolam. This may cancel out the decrease in availability caused by induction of hepatic CYP3A4, such that overall plasma levels after oral administration of midazolam are not affected by echinacea.

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Insignificant •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Echinacea seems to increase the clearance of warfarin, although the effect may not be clinically significant.  Details Preliminary clinical research in healthy male volunteers suggests that taking echinacea increases the clearance of the active S-isomer of warfarin after a single dose of warfarin, but there was not a clinically significant effect on the INR (20083).

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Horse chestnut may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details Horse chestnut contains the constituent esculin which has been shown to have antithrombotic effects. Therefore, horse chestnut might have antiplatelet effects (19). This has not been shown in humans.

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General ...Orally, the major concern with coltsfoot use is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content. These alkaloids can cause liver and lung injury (12841,12842). Chronic exposure to other plants containing hepatotoxic PA constituents has been associated with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (4021). Sub-acute veno-occlusive disease can cause vague symptoms, including colicky pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and ascites within several days; persistent liver enlargement occurs within a few weeks (4021,12842). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) thought to be associated with coltsfoot have been reported (18242). Coltsfoot products containing PAs should be avoided. There is currently a limited amount of information available about the adverse effects of PA-free coltsfoot.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, a single case report associates coltsfoot and its PA content with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE). A 27-year-old man with no history of coagulation disorders developed a DVT and several PE after consuming unknown quantities of coltsfoot and several other herbs. However, he also had other risk factors for thrombosis, including smoking and recent bed rest (18242).

Hepatic ...Orally, coltsfoot might cause liver damage. Coltsfoot contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) (12841,12842). Chronic exposure to other plants containing hepatotoxic PAs is associated with veno-occlusive disease (4021). Sub-acute veno-occlusive disease can cause vague symptoms, including colicky pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and ascites within several days; persistent liver enlargement occurs within a few weeks (4021,12842).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, coltsfoot might cause lung damage. The major concern with coltsfoot use is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content. These constituents can cause lung damage with pulmonary-arterial hypertension (12841,12842).

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General ...Orally, echinacea is well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, rashes, and stomach upset.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Severe allergic reactions and hepatitis have been reported.

Dermatologic ...Itching, urticaria, tingling, and allergic rashes have been reported with various echinacea preparations (8225,12355,17519,20059,20077,101592,111530,111540). In a study of children aged 2-11 years, rash occurred in about 7% of children treated with an extract of the above-ground parts of E. purpurea (EC31J2, Echinacin Saft, Madaus AG), compared with about 3% of those treated with placebo (4989,95652). There is concern that allergic reactions could be severe in some children. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom (UK) recommends against the use of oral echinacea products in children under 12 years of age due to this risk of allergic reaction (18207). However, another study in children 4-12 years old shows that a specific E. purpurea product (Echinaforce Junior, A. Vogel) did not cause allergic or urticarial reactions more frequently than vitamin C (105719).

Gastrointestinal ...Gastrointestinal adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation (10802,11970,12355,13419,17519,20059,48680,105719,106626). An unpleasant taste, dry mouth, and burning, tingling or numbness of the tongue also occur (11970,12355,17519,20059,20070,20077).

Hematologic ...A 51-year-old female presented with leukopenia after taking echinacea 450 mg three times daily for 2 months, along with ginkgo biloba, multivitamins, and calcium. Her leukocyte count recovered upon stopping these supplements, but dropped again when she restarted echinacea alone about a year later. The problem resolved when echinacea was stopped permanently (48533). A 32-year-old male presented with severe thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) about 2 weeks after using an extract of E. pallida to treat a cold. He required admission to an intensive care unit and extensive plasmapheresis. The authors speculate that immunostimulant effects of echinacea induced or exacerbated the TTP (48572).

Hepatic ...Although uncommon, cases of echinacea-induced hepatitis have been reported. One case report describes acute cholestatic autoimmune hepatitis in a 45-year-old male who had been taking an echinacea root extract 1500 mg daily for about 2 weeks. He presented with significantly elevated liver function tests (LFTs), elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, and a positive test for anti-smooth muscle antibodies, indicating an autoimmune process. Elevated LFTs and IgG levels returned to normal within one month of stopping echinacea (17518). Another case report describes acute cholestatic hepatitis in a 44-year-old male who had taken echinacea root tablets 600 mg daily for 5 days to treat flu-like symptoms. He presented with elevated LFTs, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio (INR). His condition gradually improved after stopping echinacea, and his LFTs normalized within 3 months (91528).
Seven cases of hepatitis associated with echinacea use were reported to the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee between 1979 and 2000, but specific details are lacking (8225).
One case report describes acute liver failure in a 2 year-old child who had been given about 100 mg of echinacea daily for 2 weeks. The patient presented with jaundice, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and significantly elevated LFTs. A liver biopsy showed hepatocyte swelling, spotty necrosis, and inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophils. A full recovery was made over a 2-week period (88166).

Immunologic ...Allergic reactions, including urticaria, runny nose, dyspnea, bronchospasm, acute asthma, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, have been reported with various echinacea preparations (638,1358,8225). Atopic individuals and those sensitive to other members of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) seem to be at higher risk for these reactions (1358,8225).
A case report describes a 36-year-old female who presented with muscle weakness, electrolyte abnormalities, renal tubular acidosis, fatigue, and dry mouth and eyes after taking echinacea, kava, and St. John's Wort for 2 weeks., She also had a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, with elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies SSA and SSB. Sjogren syndrome was diagnosed; the authors hypothesize that it may have been triggered by the immunostimulant effects of echinacea (10319). A 55-year-old male with a history of pemphigus vulgaris in remission for about a year experienced a flare of the disease after taking an echinacea supplement for one week. After stopping echinacea, medical treatment resulted in partial control of the disease (12171). Another case report describes a 58-year-old male who presented with marked eosinophilia and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels while taking an echinacea supplement. He required prednisone therapy until he stopped taking echinacea 3 years later, at which time his eosinophils and IgE normalized (48623). A 41-year-old male experienced four episodes of erythema nodosum, each occurring after he had taken echinacea for early symptoms of influenza. After stopping echinacea, he had no further exacerbations of erythema nodosum, suggesting that it had been triggered by the immunostimulant effects of echinacea (7057).

Musculoskeletal ...Reports of arthralgia and myalgia have been associated with echinacea (13418).

Neurologic/CNS ...Headache has been reported in people taking various echinacea preparations orally (3282,11970,17519,20059,20064). Dizziness has also been reported (3282,8225,11970). In one study using an alcoholic extract of the above-ground parts of E. purpurea (EC31J0, Echinacin, Madaus AG), somnolence and a tendency to aggressiveness were reported (3282).

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General ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract, from which the toxic constituent esculin has been removed, seems to be well-tolerated. Topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally (extract): Dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, headache, and pruritus.
Orally (seed or bark): Gastrointestinal irritation and toxic nephropathy.

Cardiovascular ...Orally, there is one case report of pericardial tamponade following exudative pericardial effusion in a previously healthy 32-year-old male who consumed three boxes of horse chestnut paste over 6 weeks. The patient was treated with steroid therapy for 2 months, as well as colchicine 0.5 mg twice daily and ibuprofen 600 mg twice daily for 3 months. These cardiovascular events were considered to be possibly related to the antiplatelet activity of horse chestnut or to an immunologic response to antigens present in horse chestnut paste (91972). A case of atrial fibrillation is also reported in a previously healthy 46-year-old male after accidental ingestion of a horse chestnut seed. The patient also presented with abdominal pain, nausea, sweating, and palpitations. The arrhythmia resolved within a few hours without medical intervention (110439).

Dermatologic ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract has been reported to cause pruritus (282,12113,55486).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset, and dyspepsia (282,12113,55477,55486,55493,55520,110439).

Hepatic ...Orally, there is one case report of hepatotoxicity in a 69-year-old female who took 6-15 tablets of a specific product (Venencapsan) containing horse chestnut leaf, milfoil, celandine, sweet clover, milk thistle, and dandelion root daily for 6 weeks. The patient's symptoms disappeared 6 weeks after discontinuing the product and reappeared following re-initiation (55518). Another case report describes a 70-year-old male presenting with acholia, choluria, and jaundice after 3 weeks of self-treatment with an unspecified dose of a specific combination product (Venenkraft) containing horse chestnut. The patient presented with elevated liver transaminase and bilirubin levels, and was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury. Following discontinuation, laboratory values and symptoms progressively resolved (107702). In both of these case reports, it is unclear if hepatotoxicity was due to horse chestnut, another ingredient, or the combination.
Intravenously and intramuscularly, isolated cases of liver toxicity have occurred after administration of horse chestnut extract containing aescin (2,512,552).

Immunologic ...Pollen from the horse chestnut flower can cause allergic reactions in children (7775). Horse chestnut can also cause hypersensitivity reactions, which occur more commonly in people who are allergic to latex (7853,8418).
Rectally, the horse chestnut constituent esculin has caused severe allergic contact dermatitis and proctitis in a 38-year old man (10383).
Intravenously, administration of aescin can cause anaphylaxis (18,553).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, calf spasms have been reported in patients with CVI who took horse chestnut seed extract (282).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, horse chestnut seed extract has been reported to cause headache or dizziness (55486,55520).

Renal ...Orally, high doses of aescin have been reported to cause kidney toxicity (55525). Horse chestnut seed and bark can cause toxic nephropathy (4). A case of life-threatening kidney rupture occurred in a patient who was taking horse chestnut seed extract and had been diagnosed with angiomyolipoma, a condition characterized by increased risk of kidney rupture with hemorrhage. The rupture was attributed to the anticoagulant effects of horse chestnut seed extract, which may have increased the risk of hemorrhage (55496).
Intravenously, isolated cases of kidney toxicity have occurred after administration of horse chestnut containing aescin (512).

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General ...Orally, fresh pulsatilla is a toxic gastrointestinal irritant (4,19). It can also cause kidney and urinary tract irritation (2).
Topically, contact with the fresh plant can cause skin irritation, mucous membrane irritation, itching, and pustule formation known as ranunculus dermatitis (2). Allergic reactions to pulsatilla volatile oil have been documented with patch tests (4).
Inhalation of pulsatilla volatile oil may cause nasal mucosal and conjunctival irritation (4).

Dermatologic ...Topically, contact with the fresh plant can cause skin irritation, mucous membrane irritation, itching, and pustule formation known as ranunculus dermatitis (2).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, fresh pulsatilla is a toxic gastrointestinal irritant (4,19).

Genitourinary ...Orally, fresh pulsatilla can cause urinary tract irritation (2).

Immunologic ...Topically, allergic reactions to the protoanemonin-containing volatile oil of pulsatilla have been documented with patch tests (4).

Ocular/Otic ...Inhalation of the protoanemonin-containing volatile oil of pulsatilla may cause conjunctival irritation (4).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Inhalation of the protoanemonin-containing volatile oil of pulsatilla may cause nasal mucosal irritation (4).

Renal ...Orally, fresh pulsatilla can cause kidney irritation (2).

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General ...Topically, witch hazel is generally well tolerated. Orally, witch hazel seems to be well tolerated at appropriate doses, but high doses may be associated with more adverse effects due to the tannin content in witch hazel.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Contact dermatitis.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Kidney and liver damage when preparations containing at least 10% tannins are used in high doses.

Dermatologic ...Topically, witch hazel can cause contact dermatitis (6,86505). A small number of people develop redness or burning (67795).

Gastrointestinal ...Witch hazel contains tannins, with the leaf containing 8% to 10% tannins and the bark containing up to 12% tannins (512,10377,93894). Orally, plants with at least 10% tannins can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (12).

Hepatic ...Witch hazel contains tannins, with the leaf containing 8% to 10% tannins and the bark containing up to 12% tannins (512,10377,93894). Orally, plants with at least 10% tannins can cause necrotic conditions of the liver (12).

Oncologic ...Witch hazel contains tannins, with the leaf containing 8% to 10% tannins and the bark containing up to 12% tannins (512,10377,93894). Some evidence suggests that tannins might cause cancer; other evidence shows tannins may prevent it (12). Regular consumption of herbs with high tannin concentrations correlates with increased incidence of esophageal or nasal cancer (12).

Renal ...Witch hazel contains tannins, with the leaf containing 8% to 10% tannins and the bark containing up to 12% tannins (512,10377,93894). Orally, plants with at least 10% tannins can cause kidney damage (12).

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