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New Study Reports Rising Use of Herbal Supplements, Possible Harmful Interactions with Conventional Drugs

By Lindsay F. Wiley [Bio]

February 3, 2003 - A new study reports that the use of herbal supplements, which can have dangerous interactions with commonly-used pain relievers, has increased dramatically in the U.S. in recent years. The study reports that many patients who use herbal supplements often use conventional drugs concurrently.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) available over the counter, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, have the potential to interact with supplements such as ginkgo, garlic, ginger, bilberry, dong quai, feverfew, ginseng, turmeric, meadowsweet, willow, chamomile, motherworth, horse chestnut, fenugreek, red clover, and tamarind to increase the risk of bleeding. When used concurrently with opioid analgesics, sedative herbal supplements such as valerian, kava, and chamomile may lead to increased central nervous system depression. Additionally, ginseng may inhibit the analgesic effect of opioids.

Herbal supplements are regularly marketed without undergoing a safety review by the FDA. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, herbal supplement manufacturers do not need to register with the FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling their products. The study was authored by Worku Adebe at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Adebe concluded that further investigation is needed to determine the clinical significance of these potential interactions.