St. John's wort. This herbal product is primarily used as an antidepressant. Few studies have evaluated its effectiveness for promoting weight loss. St. John's wort and ephedra are the two primary ingredients in herbal phen-fen. If you are taking St. John's wort, you should avoid tyramine-containing foods (for example, aged cheese, cured or aged meats, wines, etc.). You should also check with your doctor before taking any other medications, since it has many potential harmful interactions with antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, heart medications and dextromethorphan (contained in various cold remedies). The use of St. John's wort for weight loss is potentially very dangerous. There are no clinical studies to support the use of St. John's wort for weight loss.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Found in some over-the-counter weight loss products, this extract from a West African plant seed has replaced tryptophan supplements after the FDA banned sale of tryptophan due to its link to a rare and potentially deadly blood disorder. 5-HTP has not been proven to effectively promote weight loss and is under constant scrutiny for safety. In larger doses, 5-HTP may have a negative effect on the liver.
Chitosan (KITE-o-san). This dietary supplement is made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Chitosan cannot be digested; therefore it passes through your intestinal tract unabsorbed without adding any calories. The chemical nature of Chitosan makes it bind with fatty foods, removing some of the fat from your body as it passes through rather than allowing it to be absorbed. Several studies, however, found no more weight loss from Chitosan than from a placebo (sugar pill).
Chromium is thought to enhance the effect of insulin and therefore the breakdown of carbohydrates. It has been touted as a weight loss aid and a fat burner. Much of the evidence is inconclusive on chromium's effect on weight loss. Several studies have failed to show any benefit in weight loss after taking this mineral.
Pyruvate. Pyruvate is formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein from food. It may have a slight effect in helping you shed pounds, according to some studies. Found in the form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate can be found in various foods including red apples, cheese, and red wine. Pyruvate appears to be safe, but claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite and aiding in weight loss need further study.
Aloe. Most often used as a topical product for wound healing, oral forms of aloe are added to herbal weight-loss products. Oral aloe produces a strong cathartic response (producing bowel movements) and many aloe weight-loss products are marketed as "internal cleansers." However, aloe or aloe-containing products should not be ingested orally if you have intestinal problems like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or abdominal pain of an unknown reason. Use of this agent orally has lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and problems with the body's mineral balance. In addition, it can interact with medications such as Lanoxin (digoxin), a medicine used to treat heart failure. The use of aloe has not been proven to keep weight off.
Cascara. Cascara is a common ingredient used in weight loss products. One of the few herbs approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong stimulant laxative. Misuse of this herb has caused problems with the body's minerals (such as potassium, sodium). It should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cascara may interact with medications such as Lanoxin and diuretics (water pills, used to treat hypertension and other health problems).
Dandelion. Dandelion is a natural diuretic. It may produce significant weight loss by decreasing body water. However, it can cause allergic reactions and heartburn.
Glucomannan. Made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac, glucomannan is said to contribute to weight loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Small limited studies have shown glucomannan to be effective in decreasing body weight. This effect is believed to be due to a "feeling of fullness" which may be due to the swelling of the glucomannan in the gut once it has been exposed to liquids. However, esophageal obstruction has been reported in several people taking glucomannan. Glucomannan and glucomannan-containing products have been banned in several countries due to the high incidence of gastrointestinal obstruction. Glucomannan should not be used by people with a previous history of gastrointestinal obstruction, and caution should be used in diabetics.
Guarana. Made from the seeds of a plant native to Brazil, guarana speeds up the brain's activity and is used to promote weight loss due to its stimulant and diuretic effect. Guarana contains 3% to 5% caffeine and may cause high blood pressure. Some of the extracts have been known to cause prolonged bleeding and interact with blood thinner medication such as Coumadin. Many advertisements state guarana is free from side effects; however, this statement is not true. Side effects from guarana may include nausea, dizziness, and anxiousness.
Garcinia (hydroxycitric acid). An ingredient found in at least 14 weight loss supplements comes from a plant native to India and Southeast Asia. To date, the best available data show this product is not effective in weight loss.
Yerba Mate. Also known as Paraguay tea, yerba mate is a strong brain stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of 100 to 200 mg of caffeine). The principle side effects reported are excessive stimulation and high blood pressure. It has not been proven to promote weight loss. Some case reports of poisoning (leading to hospitalization) with this agent have been reported and excessive use may be linked to cancer of the esophagus.
Guar Gum. Also known as guar, guar flour, and jaguar gum, guar gum is a dietary fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean. Guar gum has been commonly used in small amounts as a thickening agent for foods and medications. It has been noted to decrease appetite by providing a "feeling of fullness." However, like glucomannan, guar gum may cause obstruction of the esophagus. The water-retaining capacity of the gum permits it to swell to 10- to 20-fold and has led to gastrointestinal obstructions. Reviews of multiple studies show it has no effect on weight loss.
Herbal Diuretics. There are many varieties of herbal diuretics that are commonly found in over-the-counter weight loss products as well as herbal weight loss preparations. Most of the diuretics used in over-the-counter treatments are derived from caffeine. Most of the herbal diuretics are not toxic but have been known to interact with medications (for example, lithium [Lithobid, Eskalith], Lanoxin or conventional diuretics such as Lasix or Esidrex). Herbal diuretics do not provide enough water loss to be considered effective in losing weight. More importantly, long-term weight loss is loss of fat, not water.
Common Sense Advice for Taking Herbal Medicines
- If you become ill while taking an herbal remedy, see a doctor or consult with a health care professional.
- Do not take herbs if pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
- Do not take herbs if you are nursing.
- Do not give herbs to a baby.
- Do not take large quantities of any one herbal preparation.
- Do not take any herb on a daily basis.
- Buy only preparations in which the plants are listed on the packet (Note: There is no guarantee attached to any product.)
- Do not take herbal remedies if you are taking medicine for a chronic condition (for example, high blood pressure or depression). If you are unsure consult with your doctor prior to taking any herbal preparation.
- Do not take herbal remedies without first talking to your doctor.
- Always advise your doctor of any herbal remedy or alternative medicine you are taking.
Keep in mind that herbal preparations will not provide permanent weight loss and there are multiple ingredients in herbal weight loss preparations, some of which have serious side effects and can lead to dangerous toxicities. The use of herbal remedies to lose weight is not generally recommended by the medical community due to the high risk of toxicities and lack of clinical effectiveness.
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