Side Effects of natural health: A Synthesis of Findings from 9 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of natural health: A Synthesis of Findings from 9 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main research results

Multiple studies have shown that the use of natural health products can cause side effects, especially in older adults and those with cognitive impairment, by interacting with conventional drug therapies.、 6 、 9 . These interactions can lead to serious health problems, so caution is needed.

In addition, natural health products are not always consistent in their ingredients and quality, and some products may have poor manufacturing processes or material management.. Therefore, it is important to purchase from a reliable manufacturer to ensure safety.

Furthermore, some natural health products are of concern for their effects on the liver. 4 . Plant-derived ingredients such as green tea can put a strain on the liver if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the intake amount.

Reasons for side effects

Side effects of natural health products are caused by several factors. First, the complexity of ingredients. Natural health products contain various ingredients, and interactions between these ingredients can lead to unexpected side effects. Also, individual body constitution and health condition can affect the incidence and severity of side effects. Furthermore, interactions with drug therapy are an important factor. Natural health products can weaken the effects of conventional drug therapy or increase side effects..

Common side effects

Digestive system

The use of natural health products can cause digestive system side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. 2 、 5 . These side effects are caused by the irritating nature of the ingredients or the effects on the digestive system's function. Depending on the amount and type of product consumed, the risk of these side effects may increase.

Nervous system

Some natural health products affect the nervous system. For example, melatonin can cause drowsiness.. Also, some herbs can affect mental state, causing anxiety and depression.

Liver

Plant-derived ingredients such as green tea can put a strain on the liver if consumed in excess. 4 . Liver effects include hepatitis and liver dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the intake amount.

Kidney

Some natural health products can put a strain on the kidneys. 7 . Excessive intake of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia and kidney damage.

Allergy

Some natural health products can cause allergic reactions. In particular, herbs and plant-derived ingredients are prone to allergies. Allergic symptoms include skin itching, rash, and difficulty breathing.

Other

In addition to these side effects, other side effects may occur. Specifically, these include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, dizziness, and fever. These side effects vary depending on the type and amount of product consumed.

Side effect countermeasures

Digestive system

To reduce digestive system side effects, start with a small amount and gradually increase the intake amount. It is also effective to take it with meals or drink it with water. If digestive symptoms do not improve, consult a doctor.

Nervous system

Products that may cause drowsiness should be taken before bed. It is also important to be safe by avoiding driving or operating machinery. If you experience any mental abnormalities, consult a doctor.

Liver

To reduce the burden on the liver, follow the intake amount and avoid excessive intake. If you experience any liver abnormalities, consult a doctor immediately.

Kidney

To reduce the burden on the kidneys, follow the intake amount and take the medication as directed by your doctor. If you experience any kidney abnormalities, consult a doctor immediately.

Allergy

People who are prone to allergic reactions should consult a doctor before use. If you experience allergic symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Comparison between studies

Common points of studies

Many studies have shown that natural health products can interact with conventional drug therapy, causing side effects.、 6 、 9 . It is also common that the ingredients and quality of natural health products are not always consistent..

Differences in studies

The side effects that are being focused on and the research methods vary from study to study. For example, 7 reports kidney damage due to excessive vitamin D intake, while other studies do not mention vitamin D side effects. In this way, the focus of each study differs, making it difficult to comprehensively understand all side effects for all natural health products.

Precautions for real-life application

When using natural health products, be aware of the following points.

  • Purchase from a reliable manufacturer
  • Consult a doctor before starting use
  • Read the package insert carefully and use as directed
  • Be aware of interactions with other medications
  • Consult a doctor immediately if side effects occur

Limitations of current research

Research on natural health products is not yet sufficiently advanced. In particular, research on long-term effects is lacking. Also, there are challenges such as variability between studies in terms of research methods and subject selection. Therefore, it is difficult to comprehensively understand all side effects for all natural health products.

Future research directions

Future research needs to examine long-term effects and side effects in different body constitutions and health conditions in more detail. It is also important to standardize research methods and reduce variability between studies. In addition, more detailed research on interactions with drug therapy is needed.

Conclusion

Natural health products can have positive health effects, but they also come with the risk of side effects. It is important to use them cautiously, especially for older adults, those with cognitive impairment, and those receiving drug therapy. To minimize the risk of side effects, it is important to purchase from a reliable manufacturer and consult a doctor before starting use.

Literature analysis of 9 papers
Positive Content
6
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
2
Article Type
3
1
1
2
8
1.

Acustimulation wristbands for the relief of chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Author: RoscoeJoseph A, MorrowGary R, BushunowPeter, TianLili, MattesonSara

Reduced nausea

This randomized clinical trial examined the efficacy of an acustimulation wristband for the relief of chemotherapy-induced nausea in 27 patients. We compared active acustimulation of the Pericardium 6 (PC-6) point on the ventral surface of the wrist with sham acustimulation (a corresponding point on the posterior surface of the wrist). A control group received no acustimulation. Findings on the efficacy of an acustimulation band for the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea are positive but not conclusive.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

2.

Clinical efficacy of acupuncture on the morphine-related side effects in patients undergoing spinal-epidural anesthesia and analgesia.

Author: JiangYi-Hong, JiangWei, JiangLei-Ming, LinGao-Xiang, YangHua, TanYi, XiongWei-Wei

Improves gastrointestinal function
Reduces itchiness
Reduces nausea
Reduces vomiting
None mentioned

Acupuncture was found to reduce the incidence of morphine-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and itchiness, in patients undergoing anesthesia and analgesia. The effectiveness of acupuncture depended on the location of the acupuncture points and the state of the spinal cord.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Randomized study exploring the combination of radiotherapy with two types of acupuncture treatment (ROSETTA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Author: AsadpourRebecca, KesselKerstin A, BrucknerTom, SertelSerkan, CombsStephanie E

RT/RCHT side effect treatment

Radiation therapy (RT), alone or combined with chemotherapy (RCHT), can cause side effects like fatigue, pain, nausea, and redness. These symptoms can significantly impact people's lives and quality of life. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help reduce these side effects, especially pain. However, it is unclear whether true acupuncture or a sham acupuncture (where needles are placed in non-acupuncture points) is more effective in reducing side effects and improving quality of life.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases.

Author: MazzantiGabriela, Menniti-IppolitoFrancesca, MoroPaola Angela, CassettiFederica, RaschettiRoberto, SantuccioCarmela, MastrangeloSabina

Hepatotoxicity
Liver damage

Green tea is associated with liver damage. The hepatotoxicity is probably due to (-)-epigallocatechin gallate or its metabolites which, under particular conditions related to the patient's metabolism, can induce oxidative stress in the liver.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

5.

Medication-related problems in individuals with spinal cord injury in a primary care-based clinic.

Author: PatelTejal, MilliganJamie, LeeJoseph

Improved SCI care with pharmacist

This study found that patients with spinal cord injury frequently use medications, leading to polypharmacy and medication-related problems. This highlights the need for interprofessional care including a pharmacist.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Potential for drug interactions in seniors with osteoarthritis.

Author: PutnamWayne, LawsonBeverley, FrailDawn, BowerKelly, ArchibaldGreg, ConterHoward, MacKillopJim

Computerized interaction detection
High number of insignificant interactions

A high risk of drug interactions was found in seniors with osteoarthritis, but few interactions were clinically significant. The on-line program reported all significant interactions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Vitamin D Toxicity from an Unusual and Unexpected Source: A Report of 2 Cases.

Author: SilvaCarolina, FungAngela W S, MassonVanessa, AssenKatrina, WardValerie, McKenzieJordan, Blydt-HansenTom D, CosmeJake, van der GugtenGrace, BarakauskasVilte E, FoxDanya Arielle

Hypervitaminosis D

This study presents two cases of hypervitaminosis D caused by a manufacturing error in a creatine supplement that did not claim to contain vitamin D. The study highlights the importance of considering dietary supplements as a potential source of toxicity, even when the product label does not explicitly list the toxic substance.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

8.

Selenium and lung cancer: a systematic review and meta analysis.

Author: FritzHeidi, KennedyDeborah, FergussonDean, FernandesRochelle, CooleyKieran, SeelyAndrew, SagarStephen, WongRaimond, SeelyDugald

Reduced cisplatin nephrotoxicity
Reduced radiation therapy side effects
Increased lung cancer risk in high selenium populations
Insufficient evidence for general prevention
More evidence needed for therapeutic efficacy

Selenium may be effective for lung cancer prevention among individuals with lower selenium status, but at present should not be used as a general strategy for lung cancer prevention. More evidence on the ability of selenium to reduce cisplatin and radiation therapy toxicity is required to ensure that therapeutic efficacy is maintained before any broad clinical recommendations can be made in this context.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

9.

Adverse drug events in cognitively impaired elderly patients.

Author: GanjaviHooman, HerrmannNathan, RochonPaula A, SharmaPapita, LeeMonica, CasselDaniel, FreedmanMorris, BlackSandra E, LanctôtKrista L

ADE reduction
ADE increase

Risk of ADEs increased with greater age and cognitive impairment but decreased with the use of NHPs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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