About the ‘Interactions’ Category

Fang Ji (Aristolochia) vs. Fang Ji (Stephania)

 

There are two herbs with similar names in China.

  1. Guang Fang Ji (Rx. Aristolochia)
  2. Han Fang Ji (Rx. Stephania Tetrandra)

Both of these herbs are roots and when these roots are diced up it can be difficult to visually differentiate between the two.

Knowing which you have can be important too, aristolochic acid (found only in the Guang Fang Ji – Aristolochia plant) is not good for the kidneys. However the Stephania root is an excellent diuretic and very safe to use.

Fortunately we have chemical analysis to know for sure which one we have.

More… »

 

Dang Gui, Dong Quai, Tang-Kuei (Angelica sinensis)

 

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with Dang Gui, Dong Quai, Tang-Kuei (Angelica sinensis). [Source]

Patient AbstractHerb and UseDrug Believed to InteractOther Drugs Being TakenMedical ObservationMechanismLegitimacy
46 year old woman with history of stroke, rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation [44]Dong quai Angelica sinensis (Gynaecological conditions)WarfarinDigoxin, frusemide↑ INRHerb acts as Cox inhibitorLikely
Woman with history of mitral valve replacement [45]Dong quai Angelica sinensis (Gynaecological conditions)WarfarinNone statedINR = 10, widespread bruisingHerb acts as Cox inhibitorPossible

 

Bing Lang, Da Fu Pi (Areca catechu)

 

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with Bing Lang and Da Fu Pi (Areca catechu). [Source]

Patient AbstractHerb and UseDrug Believed to InteractOther Drugs Being TakenMedical ObservationMechanismLegitimacy
51 year old man with schizophrenia [38]Betel nut Areca catechu (Stimulant)FluphenazineProcyclidineRigidity, bradykinesia, jaw tremorNot knownLikely
45 year old man with schizoaffective disorderBetel nut Areca catechu (Stimulant)FlupenthixolProcyclidineStiffness, tremor, akathisiaNot knownLikely

 

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

 

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza). [Source]

Patient AbstractHerb and UseDrug Believed to InteractOther Drugs Being TakenMedical ObservationMechanismLegitimacy
66 year old man with atrial fibrillation, rheumatic mitral stenosis, cerebral embolism, and gastric adenocarcinoma [40]Danshen Salvia miltiorrhiza (Cardiovascular disease)WarfarinDigoxin, propranolol, topical oil containing 15% salicylates↑ INR; gastric bleeding but additive action due to coumarin content of herbProbably no interactionPossible
62 year old man with mitral valve replacement [41]Danshen Salvia miltiorrhiza (Cardiovascular disease)WarfarinDigoxin, frusemide, captopril↑ INR but additive action due to coumarin content of herbProbably no interactionLikely
48 year old woman with a history of rheumatic heart disease, mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation [42]Danshen Salvia miltiorrhiza (Cardiovascular disease)WarfarinDigoxin frusemide, theophylline, mefenamic acid↑ INR but additive action due to coumarin content of herbProbably no interactionPossible

 

Ren Shen Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

 

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with ren shen Ginseng. [Source]

Patient AbstractHerb and UseDrug Believed to InteractOther Drugs Being TakenMedical ObservationMechanismLegitimacy
47 year old man with history of heart valve replacement [51]Ginseng Panax species (Fatigue)WarfarinDiltiazem nitroglycerin, salsalateINR decreased to 1.5 (previously stable 2–3)Herb has antiplatelet activityLikely
42 year old woman with chronic depression [52]Ginseng Panax species (Fatigue)PhenelzineLorazepam triazolam, bee pollenManic symptomsNot knownPossible
64 year old woman [53]Ginseng Panax species (Fatigue)PhenelzineNoneInsomnia, headache, tremorNot knownUnevaluable

 

Ma Huang Ephedra and Hypertension

 

ma.huang 300x150 Ma Huang Ephedra and Hypertension

Ma Huang Ephedra, so misunderstood. :(

In December of 2000, CRN, or the Council for Responsible Nutrition (a dietary supplement trade group) provided the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) a report demonstrating the safe upper limit dosage for ephedra, known as “ma huang” in Chinese medicine.

This industry group sought to determine the safe dosages for ephedra since there were reports coming in of adverse events such as high blood pressure and heart attacks following the ingestion of extremely large dosages of this herb for energy and weight loss. These uses were inconsistent with their uses in Chinese medicine. More… »

 

Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) and Interferon

 

chai.hu.med Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) and Interferon

Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) is a great herb for a variety of viral issues as well as stress-induced problems. Interferon therapy is designed to address viral issues as well. The interaction of Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) and interferon is an additive problem. Interferon therapy boosts the strength and sensitivity of the immune system. Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) has the same (but weaker) effect. When these two medicines are used together, they can give rise to an excessive immune response that damages the lungs. More… »

 

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Licorice) and High Blood Pressure

 

gan.cao.med Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Licorice) and High Blood PressureThis is really more about a “side-effect” than an interaction.

Long-term high-dose use of gan cao (Licorice root) is associated with changes in how the kidneys excrete water. If you retain more water, it is possible for blood pressure to rise. Reports of this issue describe dosages of 273 to 546 mg per day [source], and 1,000 mg per day [source]. The typical dosage of gan cao (Licorice root) used in Eagle herbs formulas varies between 10 – 20 mg per day. Not too much comparatively speaking. This is consistent with traditional uses of this herb. More… »