Herbal Medicine

A few facts on Herbal Medicine that I learned from Dr. Baker today:

1. Vitamin A - little evidence for prevention of cancer
2. Vitamin D - 400-800 IU daily helps prevent chronic disease
3. Lutein - proven to help prevent macular degeneration
4. Calcium supplements - don't take more than 600 mg at one time because of absorption limitations
5. Glucosamine sulfate +/- Chondroitin - may raise glucose in diabetics, chondroitin takes months to show effectiveness
6. SamE - likely effective to treat depression and osteoarthritis
7. Coenzyme Q10 - may enhance therapeutic effects of other heart failure drugs but doesn't improve CHF itself, does NOT treat periodontal disease
8. Fish oils - at least 1000 mg of total EPA/DHA is needed for therapeutic effects - reduces triglycerides!!
9. Melatonin - may modestly improve jet lag, but may disturb sleep cycle
10. Probiotics - lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are the only ones that aren't destroyed by stomach acid (ie Activia Yogurt), likely effective for rotaviral diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and may reduce vaginal candidosis
11. Ginkgo - NOT effective for improving memory, may delay progression of dementia slightly
12. Echinacea - doesn't prevent the common cold and triggers ragweed allergy
13. Ginseng - may help reduce blood glucose in type 2 diabetics
14. Saw palmetto - improves BPH symptoms same as Proscar, but no additional benefit when added to drug therapy
15. St. John's Wort - works as well as tricyclic anti-depressants for mild-moderate depression

Most importantly: Just because an "herbal supplement" is "natural" doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe. If it is effective enough to have positive benefits, it likely has side effects as well. So, make sure to tell your physician/dentist all medications and supplements that you take!