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Ginseng is commonly used for a variety of conditions where it is purported to have positive effects on mental, physical, and sexual performance. There are some data to suggest it may have some small positive effects on mental and sexual activities, but the data remain conflicting. Ginseng also can reduce glycemic concentrations after glucose challenge. It should be used with caution in patients receiving anticoagulants as reports have suggested it may reduce the effect of warfarin.

It appears that cranberry juice may be effective in preventing the recurrence of urinary tract infections, but not in treating urinary tract infections. It is generally well tolerated and relatively free of adverse effects. There have been case reports of coadministration of cranberry juice and warfarin resulting in bleeding events, but this potential interaction remains to be conclusively established.

Hawthorn appears to be effective for the treatment of stage II congestive heart failure. The mechanism(s) by which hawthorn exerts this positive effect is still unclear as results regarding changes in particular cardiovascular parameters are mixed. Human clinical studies of the use of hawthorn in other cardiovascular conditions are lacking. Adverse effects of hawthorn therapy appear to be mild and no significant drug interactions have been reported (though, in theory it might potentiate the effect of vasodilators).

Evening primrose oil (OEP) is a dietary supplement that contains essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and has been investigated in-depth for its effectiveness for conditions that are associated with a deficiency in essential fatty acids. OEP has a good safety profile with mild side effects and rare serious adverse events. OEP should not be taken during pregnancy, prior to surgery, in patients at risk for seizures or taking phenothiazine-related medications, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, low-molecular-weight heparins, or anticoagulants. There have been no reports of toxic ingestion, mortality, or teratogenicity with OEP supplementation, and usage during lactation is presumed to be safe. The German Commission E has not approved the use of OEP for any condition at this time. OEP is possibly effective for essential fatty acid deficiency and breast pain, and for rheumatoid arthritis after 6 months of treatment. Efficacy of OEP has not been clearly established for the following: atopic eczema, premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes, night sweats, preeclampsia, shortening duration of labor, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

has enjoyed a rich history of uses in food, cosmetics, and medicine Recent misuse of this product for weight loss, however, is threatening to tarnish the holistic reputation of this fruit Manufacturers are isolating and concentrating the synephnne content from the 0 33 mg/g contained in the pulp of whole fruit to 20 mg/g in some dietary supplements, and over 100-fold increase to 35 mg/g in extracts With the known cardiovascular effects of synephrine, this may be creating a potentially dangerous or abuseable supplement out of what people once safely enjoyed The use of for weight loss has little support in the literature, but this has not stopped producers from marketing the drug for this purpose since the void left after the ban of ephedra The increased frequency in which case reports of toxicity have emerged since this product has started being used for weight loss should serve as a cautionary note for more vigilant monitoring of safety.

is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years in Europe for female reproductive system disorders, is well-tolerated, and has established efficacy in helping with some symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. The major active constituents of iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. Its dominant pharmacological effect on the body is inhibition of prolactin secretion. is available in a variety of dosage forms and its use is gaining popularity in the United States. Although it has a low adverse-effect profile, women should avoid ingesting the herb while trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy, or while nursing.

Although bilberry has been used for a variety of conditions, it has only been shown to be moderately effective in the treatment of retinopathy. No other clinical studies have demonstrated bilberry’s effectiveness for any other conditions. Fortunately, adverse effects from ingesting bilberry are minimal.