May potentiate toxicity of cardiac glycosides and thiazide diuretics. May color urine red. May affect the hypothalamus- pituitary system. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. May cause GI disturbances and hypotension.
Efficacy is anecdotal.
An alkaloid constituent has been shown to be hypotensive. Benefits against heart disease, and research is being done to determine if it is effective against cancer. Unknown DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone Is made in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to steroid hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, and testosterone. Claims to have less potential for androgenic conversion while providing an anticancer effect. May work by stimulating the production of phagocytes.