Questionable effects Max H. Pittler, MD, from the Univer sity of Exeter in Great Britain, reviewed evidence from various studies of the top seven extracts sold in the United States. One set of studies suggested that while garlic is superior to placebos in treating hypercholesterolemia, the effect is modest and its value debatable. His review found a nonsignificant difference between ginger and placebos in treating nausea and vomiting. He did find, however, that gingko biloba was superior to placebos for treating dementia and symptoms of intermittent claudication. In these and most other cases, Dr. Pittler s review found that rigorous clinical comparisons to more traditional medicines were insufficient or entirely absent.
Many patients assume that natural equals safe.
One went to a hands-on healer who purported to draw out her cancer from across a room, while the other opted for massive vitamin doses, even though studies show some cancers feed on vitamins. Although both women died, Dr. Cassileth said she believed both were treatable. Herb interactions Herbs are popular, Dr. Cassileth noted, but although natural, they are actually dilute versions of powerful pharmaceuticals and therefore not necessarily safe. Even though science has not yet identified all active ingredients in herbs and other botanicals, she said that many patients assume that natural equals safe. Ma huang, an herbal central nervous system stimulant also known as ephedra, has caused cardiac symptoms, seizures and deaths.