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A P P E N D I X F  Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies

■■ TABLE F Complementary and alternative therapies (continued) Substance Reported uses and possible risks

chong cao fungi

Oral: antioxidant; promotes stamina, sexual function Discourage use by children

Coleus forskohlii

Oral: treatment of asthma, hypertension, eczema Urge caution when taken with antihypertensives or antihistamines ; severe additive effects can occur; discourage use if individual has hypotension or peptic ulcer

comfrey

Topical: treatment of wounds, cuts, ulcers Oral: gargle for tonsillitis Warn against using with eucalyptus ; monitor liver function Oral: weight loss, lowers blood glucose Advise caution when taken with oral hypoglycaemic agents Oral: enhancement of athletic performance Warn against using with insulin ; do not use with caffeine

coriander

creatine

monohydrate dandelion root

Oral: treatment of liver and kidney problems; decreases breastfeeding (after delivery or with weaning); lowers blood glucose Advise caution when taken with oral hypoglycaemic agents , antihypertensives and quinolone antibiotics Oral: slows ageing, improves vigour (“Fountain of Youth”); androgenic side effects Risk of interactions with alprazolam , calcium channel blockers and oral hypoglycaemic agents ; screen individuals older than 40 years for hormonally sensitive cancers before use

DHEA (dehydro- epiandrosterone)

di huang

Oral: treatment of diabetes mellitus Risk of hypoglycaemia with oral hypoglycaemic agents Oral: lowers cholesterol, lowers blood glucose Advise caution with oral hypoglycaemic agents

dried root bark of Lycium chinense Mill echinacea (cone flower)

Oral: treatment of colds, flu; stimulates the immune system, attacks viruses; causes immunosuppression if used long term May be liver toxic; discourage use longer than 12 weeks; caution against taking with liver-toxic drugs or immunosuppressants ; discourage use with antifungals ; serious liver injury could occur; advise against use by individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, AIDS Oral: increases energy, relieves fatigue May cause serious complications, including death; increased risk of hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction; interacts with many drugs; banned import into Australia Oral: treatment of migraine headaches, treatment of menstrual problems, haemorrhage Monitor individuals who take ergot with antihypertensives Topical: gargle for tonsillitis, pharyngitis Oral: treatment of fever, chills

elder bark and flowers ephedra (ma huang)

ergot

eucalyptus Topical: treatment of wounds Oral: decreases respiratory secretions, suppresses cough Warn against using with comfrey ; very toxic in children evening primrose Oral: treatment of PMS, menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy

Discourage use with phenothiazines , antidepressants —increases risk of seizures; discourage use by those with epilepsy, schizophrenia

false unicorn root

Oral: treatment of menstrual and uterine problems Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding Oral: treatment of colic, gout, flatulence; enhances breastfeeding Significantly decreases levels of ciprofloxacin Oral: lowers cholesterol level; reduces blood glucose; aids in healing Advise caution when taken with oral hypoglycaemic agents , anticoagulants

fennel

fenugreek

feverfew

Oral: treatment of arthritis, fever, migraine Advise caution when taken with anticoagulants ; may increase bleeding; discourage use before or immediately after surgery because of bleeding risk Oral: treatment of coronary diseases, arthritis, colitis, depression, aggression, attention-deficit disorder Oral: treatment of colds; diuretic; prevention of coronary artery disease; intestinal antiseptic; lowers blood glucose; anticoagulant effects; decreases blood pressure Advise caution if person has diabetes or takes an oral anticoagulant ; known to affect blood clotting; anaemia reported with long-term use Oral: treatment of nausea, motion sickness, postoperative nausea (may increase risk of miscarriage) Affects blood clotting; warn against use with anticoagulants Oral: appetite suppressant, lowers cholesterol, promotes weight loss Oral use may be unsafe; discourage use

fish oil

gamboge

garlic

ginger