Herbal supplements aren’t always good for you, study reveals hidden truth – cityzen

Six botanical supplements at the center of a controversial study: what they are and the controversy surrounding them, the details

A study by researchers at the University of Michigan focused on what could be liver damage in regular users of six herbal products. The subject of the study was supplements based on turmeric, green tea extract, garcinia cambogia. Plus black cohosh, red yeast rice and ashwagandha. Here are some details and a response to the survey itself.

At the heart of a recent study by researchers, published Yes JAMA Network Openanalysis of exposure to six botanicals, which may be hepatotoxic according to the study. The study also analyzed the impact on public health. The associated results have generated a lot of controversy, he explains The Life Saver.

More specifically, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)collected between January 2017 and March 2020, to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of US adults, who consume the 6 botanicals. It’s about the turmeric, green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, black cohosh, red yeast rice and ashwagandha.

The study of botanical specialties: some numbers and the opinion of the chief science officer of the American Botanical Council

To be included in the study, 9,685 adults, explain The Life Saverand the 57.6 percent of those reporting that they used at least one food item in the last thirty days. Of these, the 4.7 percent we used at least 1 of the 6 potentially hepatotoxic botanicals, we read. Turmeric is the most common, with 236 users. Followed by green tea extract with 92 users, ashwagandha with 28 users, Garcinia cambogia with 20 users. And again, red fermented rice with 20 users and black cohosh with 19 users.

Many of the users said that they used such products to improve or maintain health, to prevent health problems and to strengthen the immune system. For example, 27.2 percent of those who drank green tea regularly – read again – aimed to improve their energy levels.

According to the analysis, to some extent 15.6 million adults in the United States have used at least one such herbal in the past 30 days. This is a number similar to those taking prescription drugs associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to the researchers, such data would reinforce the need increased awareness among doctors of potential side effects, as well as more rigorous monitoring and appropriate management of botanicals.

As mentioned at the beginning, there was no shortage of controversy, which has been involved in botanical societies and other scientists. In this regard, lo dell’s chief science officer‘American Botanical Council, Stefan Gafner (PhD), they had the opportunity to comment on these aspects through a special newspaper in the region, ie Nutra Ingredients in Europe.

The controversial aspects of the chief science officer of the American Botanical Council

He explained that when case reports are published, “Botanical ingredients in products that are supposed to be harmful are rarely verified by appropriate testing methods“. There are several cases – he stressed – of “apparent liver damage due to botanical extract“, who after”they were due to the presence of conventional drugs or other types of contamination”. Gafner said proper identification of ingredients is a critical element of causal assessment.

In addition, he had the opportunity to argue that the recorded effects are always due to the use of these supplements. Gafner explained that the DLIN document suggests that there are already quality problems with some products. The DLIN document reported one hundred and forty (51 percent) of the products examined as mislabeled, and ninety-one of these with hepatotoxic compounds, ie – read on The Salvagente.it – aflatoxins, anabolic steroids, anthraquinones, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and drugs.

The DLIN, previously mentioned in the study, is a research consortium that collects and studies cases of liver injury due to prescription, over-the-counter and other drugs, providing including herbal dietary supplements. Gafner said that “several of these adulterants included steroids or prescription drugs“. So, he continued, “these products are not food products but drugs disguised as food products,” Gafner repeated.

Here is some general, brief and detailed information on the subjectwhich can be further investigated by referring to the sources mentioned.

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and relates to scientific studies or publications in medical journals. Therefore, they do not replace consultation with a doctor or specialist, and they should not be considered for creating treatments or diagnoses.