Effects on Internal Organs

A primary function of the liver and kidneys is to detoxify and clear poisonous substances from the body. For these reasons, they are often the first to be affected by the use of toxic herbs. A number of reviews address the global 

HERBS THAT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH LONG-TERM USE 

Herb common name GI Hepatotoxic CNS Headache Cardiovascular Blood thinning Allergy Other Death 

SAFETY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH HERBAL INGREDIENTS 265 

Because of their herbal contents, certain Asian traditional medicines have been consistently linked to undesirable hepatic events (Benoussan, 2000 Pittler and Ernst, 2003). It has been estimated that from 1 to 8% of patients using these drugs develop elevated liver enzyme levels, which tend to return to normal once therapy is completed (Al-Khaafi, 2000 Dasgupta, 2003 Melchart et al., 1999a,b). In a Taiwanese study, a number of cases of 

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Specialized equipment can minimize exposure to the hazards of laboratory operations. Impact resistant safety glasses are basic equipment and should be worn at all times. They may be supplemented by face shields or goggles for particular operations, such as pouring corrosive liquids. Because skin contact with chemicals can lead to skin irritation or sensitization or, through absorption, to effects on internal organs, protective gloves are often needed. 

Toxicity Methylamine is known to cause irritation to eyes, nose, and throat in workers. Studies have indicated that the compound causes injury to eyes through corneal opacities and edema hemorrhages in the conjunctiva, and injury to liver.10 Studies of Guest and Varma33 indicated no significant deleterious effects on internal organs or skeletal deformities in experimental mice. 

Problems Associated with Long-Term Use Effects on Internal Organs... 

HERBS WITH ADVERSE EFFECTS ON INTERNAL ORGANS... 

No adverse effects on internal organs were observed in rats orally administered an extract of Asian water plantain at doses of 1 or 2 g/kg daily for 3 months (Chen and Chen 2004). 

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