Ginseng toxicity

Awang DVC. Siberian ginseng toxicity may be case of mistaken identity. CMAJ 1996 155 1237. 

Side effects may be as mild and rare as headache, nausea, and stomach upset for saw palmetto [23,24], However, some supplements may have serious side effects. Hypertension, euphoria, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, edema, and diarrhea were reported in 22 patients following long-term ginseng use at an average dose of 3 g of ginseng root daily [38]. Side effects reported with valerian use include headaches, hangover, excitability, insomnia, uneasiness, and cardiac disturbances. Valerian toxicity including ataxia, decreased sensibility, hypothermia, hallucinations, and increased muscle relaxation have been reported [39]. 

Ginseng ASA, NSAIDs Antidiabetic agents Clopidogrel, ticlopidine CNS stimulants, caffeine Corticosteroids Digoxin MAO inhibitors Warfarin Additive antiplatelet effects Additive hypoglycemia Additive antiplatelet effects Additive CNS toxicity Additive CNS toxicity Falsely elevated levels Increased toxicity Increased risk of bleeding... 

Byun B-H, Seo B-I, Rhee S-J, Kim E-J, and Do S-H (2003) 318 Study on single dose toxicity of panax ginseng aqua-acupuncture solution in rats. Toxicology Letters. 

Pokeweed contains phytolaccatoxin and related tri-terpenes. All plant parts are poisonous, especially the roots. Uncooked berries have been known to poison children. Toxic exposures have occurred from eating the uncooked leaves in salads or when the root is mistaken for horseradish, parsnip, or ginseng. Effects appear 30 min to 6h after exposure. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps, profuse sweating, and foamy diarrhea. Other effects include oral burning, a bitter taste in the mouth, dyspnea, weakness, tremors, and seizures. One case of Mobitz Type I heart block has been reported after ingesting poke-weed, but is believed to be secondary to parasympathetic effects from prolonged vomiting. Symptoms may last up to 48 h. As few as 10 berries can result in toxic effects. Dermal exposures result in irritation, pain, and the sensation of heat. 

Ginseng is promoted as a tonic capable of invigorating the user physically, mentally, and sexually. It is also said to possess antistress activity, or to serve as an adaptogen, improve glycemic control and stimulate immune function. Claims that ginseng can improve athletic performance, enhance longevity, or treat toxic hepatitis are not supported by human trials. 

Wilkie, A. and Cordess, C. 1994. Ginseng—a root just like a carrot J. R. Soc. Med. 87, 594—595. Williamson, E. 2003. Potter s Herbal Cyclopaedia . CW Daniel and Co., Saffron Walden, UK. Wilson, C., Dettenkofer, M., Jonas, D., and Daschner, F. 2004. Pathogen growth in herbal teas used in clinical settings A possible source of nosocomial infection Am. J. Infect. Control 32, 117-119. Winship, K. 1991. Toxicity of comfrey. Adv. Drug Reaction Toxicol. Rev. 10, 47-59. 

Antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants Antihypertensives felodipine Antibiotics quinolones, isoniazid Bronchodilators albuterol, theophylline Corticosteroids prednisone Dopa agonists levodopa Herbals ma huang, ginseng, ephedra Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen Stimulants amphetamines, methylphenidate, caffeine, cocaine Sympathomimetics pseudoephedrine Thyroid hormones levothyroxine Toxicity anticholinergics, antihistamines, digoxin Withdrawal alcohol, sedatives... 

That many chemical substances are not soluble in sc carbon dioxide permits selective extraction.100 It is often used with foods, for which it eliminates the possibility of leaving toxic residues of solvents such as methylene chloride. It also avoids the hydrolysis that might occur when esters (for flavors or fragrances) are recovered by steam distillation. It has been used to extract the flavor from hops, the caffeine from coffee, fat and cholesterol from foods,101 pecan oil,102 lavender oil (for which hydrolysis of linalyl acetate could occur in steam distillation), 103 ginseng (from which it does not extract pesticide residues),104 ginger,105 microalgae,106 cooked chicken,107 ethanol from cider,108 and many others. One method used with aromas and con-... 

Supercritical CO2 has been considered as a potential alternative to conventional solvents due to its relative non-toxicity and non-flammability, as well as its low critical temperature and pressure. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been used for example in the extraction of fatty acids from diverse matrices such as grape seeds , ginseng seeds, wood pulp , and infant formula . The absence of oxygen and light during the supercritical extraction process helps prevent degradation of the extract. For example, Tipsrisukond, et al." found... 

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