Amazon Heart Support by Raintree Nutrition, Inc.

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Abdominal pain. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for abdominal pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Abortion. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for abortion, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Contraception. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for contraception, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Colic. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for colic, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Cough. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Delirium. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for delirium, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Gonorrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for gonorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Hypertension. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Joint pain. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for joint pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Malaria. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for malaria, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Migraine headache. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for migraine headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Pneumonia. Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for pneumonia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although there has been interest in using oral abuta for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose.
• Wound healing. Although there has been interest in using topical abuta for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of abuta for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate abuta for these uses.

(Read more about ABUTA)

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). Although some research disagrees, most clinical research shows that taking chanca piedra might improve clearance and decrease the size of kidney stones. However, it seems that disease severity, stone location, and chanca piedra dose and/or formulation may alter the likelihood of benefit. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with kidney stones shows that taking a specific chanca piedra product (Uriston) 2 grams orally daily for up to 3 months after undergoing 1-3 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy sessions increases clearance of kidney stones within 30-60 days by 1-2 times that of control (41224). Other preliminary clinical research in patients with kidney stones smaller than 10 mm also shows that drinking a chanca piedra tea, prepared with 4.5 grams of dried extract in 250 mL boiled water, twice daily for 12 weeks decreases the number of kidney stones by 38% and kidney stone size by 40% when compared with baseline (99849). However, a small clinical trial in adults with kidney stones failed to demonstrate beneficial effects from chanca piedra extract 450 mg three times daily orally for 3 months (41202). Some subgroup and other analyses also suggest that chanca piedra may be more effective in patients with hyperoxaluria or hyperuricosuria at baseline or those with smaller kidney stones of less than 6 mm or 10 mm (41224,99849,102692). Preliminary clinical research also shows that, in patients taking chanca piedra leaf extract 225 mg with magnesium stearate 152 mg and vitamin B6 2 mg twice daily for 3 months, stone-free status occurs in about 55% of patients with middle or upper kidney stones and about 14% of those with lower stones when compared with baseline (102692).

LIKELY INEFFECTIVE

• Hepatitis B. Most clinical research shows that oral chanca piedra is not effective for treating hepatitis B. Details: Despite preliminary clinical research suggesting that chanca piedra may be beneficial in patients with hepatitis B (41287), multiple follow-up clinical trials show that taking chanca piedra 200-900 mg three times daily for 1-6 weeks is not effective for treating hepatitis B, decreasing the duration of acute hepatitis B, or decreasing levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (3924,3925,41180,41242,41255,41259,41294,41318).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Abdominal pain. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for abdominal pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Anemia of chronic disease. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for anemia of chronic disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Oral chanca piedra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical study in adults with BPH, some of whom were already receiving treatment for their symptoms, shows that taking a specific product containing water-soluble extracts of chanca piedra, boldo, goldenrod, fireweed, and spiny restharrow (Fluxonorm, Omega Pharma) for 30 days improves lower urinary tract symptom scores by about 50% when compared with baseline. Maximum urinary flow rate and quality of life were also improved when compared with baseline (106432). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Colic. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for colic, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral chanca piedra is beneficial in patients with diabetes. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with types 2 diabetes shows that taking chanca piedra extract 12.5 grams orally twice daily for 7 days does not affect fasting or postprandial blood glucose levels when compared with baseline. The extract was prepared as 25 grams boiled in 200 mL of water (41186). The validity of this study is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Gallbladder disease. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for gallbladder disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Gastric cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for gastric cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Gonorrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for gonorrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Hangover. It is unclear if oral chanca piedra is beneficial in patients with hangover. Details: Preliminary clinical research in a small number of healthy adults shows that taking a standardized extract of chanca piedra (PHYLLPRO, Biotropics Malaysia Berhad) 375 mg orally twice daily for 10 days prior to heavy alcohol consumption may improve alcohol clearance, but does not improve hangover symptom scores or mood scores, when compared with placebo (99846). However, the study may have been inadequately powered to detect a difference between groups.
• Hypertension. It is unclear if oral chanca piedra is beneficial in patients with hypertension. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking chanca piedra 1.6 grams orally three times daily for 10 days does not reduce systolic or diastolic blood pressure when compared with baseline (3928). The validity of this study is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Intestinal parasite infection. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for intestinal parasite infection, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Lymphedema. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for lymphedema, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Malaria. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for malaria, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Miscarriage. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for miscarriage, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral chanca piedra is beneficial in patients with NAFLD. Details: A large clinical study conducted in Malaysia in adults with mild-to-moderate NAFLD shows that taking a standardized extract of chanca piedra (Hepar-P, Nova Laboratories, Malaysia) 3000 mg daily for 12 months does not reduce measures of steatosis or liver enzymes when compared with placebo, but seems to improve measures of fibrosis (114011). However, this is a secondary endpoint, and it is unclear if there were appropriate statistical adjustments for multiple comparisons. Also, the lack of other positive outcomes in this study may be due to the possibility that recommended lifestyle changes obscured any benefit.
• Osteoarthritis. It is unclear if topical chanca piedra is beneficial in patients with osteoarthritis. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with knee osteoarthritis shows that topical application of a chanca piedra gel with phonophoresis once daily for 10 days reduces pain and improves function when compared with placebo gel. Pain was reduced by 78%, compared with a reduction of 44% in those using the placebo gel, and patients using chanca piedra were able to walk 62 meters farther in 6 minutes when compared with placebo gel (102691).
• Premature ejaculation. Oral chanca piedra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research in adults with premature ejaculation shows that taking a specific combination product containing chanca piedra, cardamom, vitamin B6, tribulus, tryptophan, thiamine, and winter savory (Eiacumev, Farmaceutica MEV) orally once daily for 3 months improves premature ejaculation severity scores and increases time to ejaculation when compared with sexual counseling. Time to ejaculation increased by around 30 seconds when compared with control (97016). The validity of this study is limited by the lack of randomization and placebo-control.
• Pruritus. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for pruritus, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Respiratory tract infections. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for respiratory tract infections, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Sexual dysfunction. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for sexual dysfunction, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Solid tumors. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for solid tumors, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Tonsillopharyngitis. Oral chanca piedra has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with tonsillopharyngitis shows that taking chanca piedra 50 mg and black seed 360 mg orally three times daily for 7 days moderately relieves pain when compared with placebo (36199).
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for UTIs, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Vaginitis. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for vaginitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose.
• Vertigo. Although there has been interest in using oral chanca piedra for vertigo, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chanca piedra for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate chanca piedra for these uses.

(Read more about CHANCA PIEDRA)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Bladder cancer. Oral graviola has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Low-quality, observational research in adults with intermediate to high-risk non-muscular invasive bladder cancer has found that taking graviola 100 mg and ellagic acid 100 mg daily for 6 months is associated with 83% higher recurrence-free survival when compared with no intervention. However, taking graviola and ellagic acid was only associated with higher recurrence-free rates at 6 months, not at 12 months. All subjects included in this study were also unable to receive standard recurrence prevention therapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) (106054).
• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral graviola for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Cough. Although there has been interest in using oral graviola for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral graviola for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Headache. Although there has been interest in using oral graviola for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral graviola has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adult females with HPV and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (L-SIL) shows that taking a combination of graviola 100 mg and ellagic acid 16 mg orally twice daily for 6 months increases viral clearance of high-risk HPV by 3-fold when compared with placebo. Graviola treatment also prevented the progression of L-SIL to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (H-SIL) in all patients, whereas 12% of subjects taking placebo progressed to H-SIL (96297). A small observational study in females with HPV suggests that taking graviola 100 mg and ellagic acid 16 mg (Oasit-K, BioSTILOGIT Pharmaceuticals) once daily for 12 months is not associated with improved detection of HPV DNA high-risk genotypes or E6 and E7 oncogene mRNA when compared with nonavalent HPV vaccination, but is linked with reduced cytological abnormalities observed on Pap test when compared to baseline (112855). Additionally, a small observational study in males with HPV and infertility suggests that taking graviola 100 mg and ellagic acid 100 mg daily for 3 months is associated with a reduced percentage of patients with persistent HPV DNA in seminal fluid and improved sperm concentration, motility, and morphology when compared with control (112853). However, for these studies, it is unclear if these effects are from graviola, ellagic acid, or the combination.
• Insect repellent. Although there has been interest in using topical graviola as an insect repellent, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Interstitial cystitis. Although there has been interest in using oral graviola for interstitial cystitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Leishmania lesions. Although there has been interest in using topical graviola for leishmania lesions, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of graviola for this purpose.
• Male infertility. Oral graviola has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small observational study in males with human papilloma virus (HPV) and infertility suggests that taking graviola 100 mg and ellagic acid 100 mg daily for 3 months is associated with a reduced percentage of patients with persistent HPV DNA in seminal fluid and improved sperm concentration, motility, and morphology when compared with control (112853). More evidence is needed to rate graviola for these uses.

(Read more about GRAVIOLA)

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of abuta.

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

(Read more about ABUTA)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when taken orally in doses of up to 3 grams daily for up to 12 months (3924,3928,41180,41186,41224,41287,41294,41318,98846,107946)(114011). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of chanca piedra when used topically.

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used during pregnancy or in those trying to become pregnant. Animal research shows that chanca piedra, particularly at high doses, may have contraceptive effects or may increase the risk of low birth weight or birth defects (41183,41316,41317); avoid using.

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about CHANCA PIEDRA)

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Some research has found that consumption of large amounts of graviola fruit and/or tea made from graviola leaves (e.g., daily) is associated with an increased odds of having movement disorders that resemble Parkinson disease (7854).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally (7854).

(Read more about GRAVIOLA)

DIURETIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking abuta with diuretic drugs might cause additive effects and increase the risk of adverse effects.  Details Animal research shows that taking abuta causes diuretic effects, including potassium excretion (101068).

(Read more about ABUTA)

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, chanca piedra might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro research suggests that methyl brevifolincarboxylate, a constituent isolated from chanca piedra, can inhibit platelet aggregation (41234). This effect has not been reported in humans.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might affect glucose control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Animal research suggests that chanca piedra can have hypoglycemic effects (19,41226,41280,41305,41306,41307). However, a small clinical study in adults with diabetes shows that chanca piedra extract 25 grams orally daily for 1 week does not lower fasting or postprandial blood glucose levels (41186).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Unlikely •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of chanca piedra with antihypertensive drugs might have additive blood pressure lowering effects.  Details Animal research suggests that chanca piedra can decrease blood pressure (41245). However, this effect was not observed in most hypertensive patients treated with chanca piedra for 10 days (3928).

DIURETIC DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use of chanca piedra with diuretics might increase diuresis.  Details Some preliminary clinical research in adults with hypertension shows that chanca piedra has diuretic properties (3928). However, higher quality research in adults with kidney stones shows taking chanca piedra does not increase urine volume when compared with placebo (41202). Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking diuretic drugs.

LITHIUM Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, chanca piedra might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.  Details Some preliminary clinical research in adults with hypertension shows that chanca piedra has diuretic properties (3928). However, higher quality research in adults with kidney stones shows that taking chanca piedra does not increase urine volume when compared with placebo (41202). Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

NOREPINEPHRINE (Levophed) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, chanca piedra may reduce the effects of norepinephrine.  Details Animal research suggests that methyl brevifolincarboxylate, a constituent isolated from chanca piedra, can reverse blood vessel contraction caused by norepinephrine (41215).

(Read more about CHANCA PIEDRA)

CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, graviola might decrease concentrations of carbamazepine when used concomitantly.  Details A study in rats shows that graviola extract reduces the area under the curve of carbamazepine by 46% and maximum concentration by 35% when compared with carbamazepine alone (112852).

(Read more about GRAVIOLA)

General ...There is currently a limited amount of information available on the adverse effects of abuta. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

(Read more about ABUTA)

General ...Orally, chanca piedra seems to be well tolerated. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, use of chanca piedra can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting (99849,107946).

Ocular/Otic ...Orally, chanca piedra was associated with cases of visual impairment in one clinical trial (107946).

Other ...Orally, chanca piedra was associated with cases of fatigue in one clinical trial (107946).

(Read more about CHANCA PIEDRA)

General ...Orally, regular consumption of graviola may be unsafe.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Epigastrium pain, nausea.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Movement disorders, myeloneuropathy.

Gastrointestinal ...In one clinical study, some patients reported nausea and burning pain in the epigastrium after taking graviola leaf extract 300 mg daily (95045).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, regular consumption of graviola fruit may cause movement disorders and myeloneuropathy. The symptoms of these disorders are similar to Parkinson disease (7854). In addition, a large observational study in patients with Parkinson disease suggests that even low cumulative consumption of graviola fruit, juice, or any amount of herbal tea containing graviola is associated with worsened motor and cognitive symptoms (112854).

(Read more about GRAVIOLA)