Dietary supplements are a $20-billion-a-year industry. After the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act deregulated natural substances in 1994, it has become more and more difficult to monitor what makes it into the market. Though most of the health claims made by manufacturers remain to be proven, the same cannot be said about the dangers of some of these products. Some herbs currently available for sale in health food stores can be deadly.

Aristolochia

Aristolochia is one of over 500 species in the Birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae). Highly regarded by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, birthwort was still in use well into this century, as doctors gave it to women in labor to help them expel the placenta. Because aristolochic acid, a component of aristolochia, is a poison, it caused the death of many women.

Up until recently, aristolochia was a common ingredient in many Chinese herbal products for sale nationwide. After numerous reported cases of kidney failure, cancer, and deaths, the FDA has now issued a warning to both consumers and medical professionals about the herb. The FDA is also actively trying to block new imports of aristolochia into the country. Britain and Belgium have already banned the herb, together with Japan and several other countries.

Comfrey

Comfrey has been used for medicinal purposes for over a century. Herbalists and doctors used it on a regular basis in the 1800's to treat broken bones, sprains, severe burns, and numerous skin conditions. When applied externally, it can speed up the shedding of skin cells and nurse injured tissues back to health.

Comfrey, however, is not appropriate for internal usage because it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolidizine alkaloids (PAs), which can lead to liver failure and cause cancer. PAs can also be absorbed through broken skin, which renders comfrey unusable on deep wounds. In 2001, the FDA issued a warning against consumption of comfrey. Several deaths related to comfrey overdose have been reported.

Kava

Kava is an ancient crop used extensively as a religious herb in the Western Pacific. In the US, kava has become popular as a stress-fighter.

Recent concerns about kava's safety have made France and Switzerland ban the herb completely. In Germany, kava is only available by prescription. Cases of severe hepatic toxicity have been linked to the use of kava, but there are currently no definitive studies to confirm this. If you decide to take kava, do so under the close supervision of your physician.

Pennyroyal

The herb pennyroyal is a member of the mint family. Although primarily sold as an essential oil today, it was traditionally used in folk medicine to induce abortions. In dried herb form, it is used to treat indigestion and gallbladder problems, and studies suggest that it may lower blood sugar levels.

Pennyroyal dangers far outweigh its benefits. The FDA has warned consumers to avoid pennyroyal use in any form, including essential oils, as it can cause liver damage, blood vomiting, and fever. Agitation and hallucinations, followed by seizures and death have been reported. As little as one teaspoon of pennyroyal essential oil can lead to difficulty swallowing, irregular heartbeats, and irreversible damage to the brain and kidneys. Pregnant women should be very careful not to handle pennyroyal, as it can cause miscarriages.

Androstenedione

According to Wikipedia, "Androstenedione is manufactured as a dietary supplement, often called andro for short. The substance has similar effects to anabolic steroids when taken as a supplement, allowing users to build muscle mass."

The Controlled Substance Act has included both anabolic steroids and prohormones on the list of controlled substances. Since January 2005, possession of pure andro is considered a federal crime. Androstenedione causes estrogenic side effects, male infertility (with prolonged use), mood swings, and blurred vision. Andro also lowers HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels.

Yohimbe

Yohimbine (also known by the names of aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol, or quebrachin) has been used for decades as both a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction and as an aphrodisiac. It is now being marketed as a weight loss supplement and as an ingredient in body building products.

High doses of Yohimbine have been linked to rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, and anxiety attacks. Cases of renal failure and seizures have recently turned up and are under investigation by the FDA. Serious adverse effects are likely when yohimbine is taken with OTC products containing phenylpropanolamine (common in nasal decongestants and diet pills). Paralysis and death are possible with high doses.

Chaparral

Chaparral is sold in the form of capsules, teas, and concentrated extracts. It has been heavily promoted as a cancer cure, an arthritis treatment, and a method to stop muscle spasms.

Chaparral is extremely toxic. Liver damage (including cases of acute non-viral hepatitis), cirrhosis, and kidney failure have been reported following use of chaparral. At least five cases of severe hepatotoxicity have resulted in liver transplants.

Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)

Germander is often combined with other herbs and marketed as a weight loss product and obesity treatment. Profusely used in the past as a tonic for chronic conditions and inflammatory diseases, it is now considered unsafe but still recommended by alternative healers.  Breathing problems and chest pains have been reported by users of germander. After almost 30 cases of acute nonviral hepatitis were reported in France, the French Ministry of Health banned all products containing this herb.

Lobelia

Lobelia, also known as Indian Tobacco, is often grown in window boxes because of its beautiful deep blue flowers. Native Americans used it to treat asthma and muscle disorders, to induce vomiting and as a purgative. However, as little as a teaspoon of lobelia in dried form can cause irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties. Higher doses are lethal.

Bitter Orange

Precautions

Keep in mind that there are no regulations about health supplements, so in theory, anything can make it into the market. Be cautious.

If you have any previous conditions or are at high risk because of age or family history, please consult your health care professional before taking any natural health products. Read labels, do your research, ask around. You can also consult the Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) website for posted warnings on herbs.