Herbal supplements
Enchinacea and blue-green algae may trigger flares
The herbal supplement market is exploding. What was a $3 billion industry in 1996, surpassed $19 billion in 2004. Its growing at a rate of 25% per year with no end in sight. In March 1999, the Federal Drug Administration began some supervision of supplements such as improved labeling requirements; but incomplete, misleading or outright fraudulent advertising is still rampant.
Seniors and patients with chronic disease are a large portion those buying herbal supplements, but many dont know much about these products. Scientists have only recently begun to study supplements. What they are finding is that many of the claims of these products are unfounded. Some supplements cause harmful interactions with prescription or over-the-counter medicines, and some are dangerous.
In the June 2004 issue of Archives of Dermatology medical journal published a report that three patients suffered flares after taking herbal supplements. Named in the article were echinacea and two forms of blue-green algae, Spirulina plantensis and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.
Enchinacea - There are three species of echinacea, E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. The leaves and/or roots are used in supplements. Enchinacea is popular and touted to reduce the symptoms and duration of colds and flu-like conditions, and fight infection. How it works is not fully understood, but it may provide short-term stimulation of the immune system--which is already overactive in pemphigus and pemphigoid patients.
The strength and effectiveness of immunosuppressants, such as tacrolimus and clyclosporine may be reduced by Enchinacea. Side effects include headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal complaints, rash and allergic reactions. Enchinacea, in both the leaves and roots, contains phenols. Phenols, are chemicals found in some medications known to cause pemphigus and pemphigoid.
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Double-blind, randomized studies for the treatment of the common cold suggest that, if initiated within 24 hours of onset, echinacea may shorten the duration of colds, but not reduce the severity of symptoms. There is no scientific evidence that it prevents any disease.
When ConsumerLab.com tested five samples of echinacea products, all five failed. One product contained an excessive amount of lead. Four products contained less phenols than the label proclaimed--as much as 75% less.
Enchinacea is also known as coneflower, purple coneflower, black Sampson, Sampson root, sonnenhut, igel- kopfwurzel; and by brand names Echinagard® and Echinacin.®
Blue-green algae - The Spirulina form of blue-green algae are cultured in alkaline fresh water. Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) grows naturally in the Upper Klamath Lake, in Oregon. It is one form of pond scum.
One or both strains are commonly contained in products with algae. Products with this product claim the supplement prevents or treats cancer, AIDS and viral infections, increases energy and/or help with weight loss by suppressing the appetite. In one scientific study cholesterol levels were lowered in some patients with hyperlipidemia (excess lipids in the blood) from pephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease). In some parts of the world blue-green algae is a food source as it contains protein and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Although no human clinical data support its use for any of the proposed claims, studies suggested spirulina has chemoprotective and radioprotective effects in animals. In excessive amounts, this algae is toxic to animals and may cause death. There are no known drug interactions, but blue-green algae may contain toxic contaminates. There is no credible research that its value as a supplement.
Blue-green algae is also known as Spirulina fusiformis, Arthrospira platensis, tecuitlatl, BGA, and dihe.
