Food and Herbal Interaction with Medicines. Beware of these: they are dangerous

ROME – Not everything that is natural and without contraindications. And this is well known by those who usually rely on natural remedies. Many people, however, do not take into account the possible interactions that can exist between a herb (or food) and a drug. There are so many that Fabio Firenzuoli – a well-known doctor and phytotherapist – reported the most common in an entire book: «Interactions between herbs, foods and drugs», published by Tecniche Nuove. For more information, you can visit the site of the Vigilanza in phytotherapy drug. Herbal interactions with medications

• Hawthorn properties: it is a well-known cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive. It is an excellent coronary vasodilator thanks to the release of smooth muscle. It has a sedated effect on the central nervous system thanks to proanthocyanidins. For this reason it is useful in case of anxiety, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems caused by nervous disorders.
• Hawthorn interactions: use with antiplatelet agents is not recommended due to the high risk of bleeding. It also interacts with digitalis drugs, especially those based on digoxin for which it enhances its effect. However, according to a 2003 study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 450 mg of hawthorn extract, twice daily, is not a sufficient dose to cause drug interactions.

• Incense properties: its real name is Boswelia Serrata, and it is a well-known anti-inflammatory thanks to the presence of boswellic acids. Excellent in the treatment of bronchial asthma, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).
• Incense interactions: The ISS (Istituto Superiore della Sanita) reports some cases of interactions with Warfarin that occurred during a study conducted on patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Following the simultaneous intake with incense there was an increase in the prothrombin time. In conjunction with the use of NSAIDs and cortisone which enhances the anti-inflammatory effect.

• Chamomile properties: for centuries it has been used for anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic purposes with direct action on smooth muscles. It is used in case of peptic ulcer, gastritis and esophagitis.
• Chamomile interactions: increases the risk of toxicity of drugs such as calcium channel blockers, those based on cisapride (ALIMIX), lovastatin (LOVINACOR) and simvastatin (ZOCOR). Power of effects of Melissa, Valerian, Kava and probably alcohol too. It is not recommended to use it concomitantly with bitters and NSAIDs.

• Cinnamon properties: it is a powerful antimicrobial, especially useful in the intestine. Its extracts should only be used under medical supervision. Recent studies indicate it as a valid remedy for diabetes. Cinnamon from Ceylon, also commonly used in cooking, is not to be confused with Cinnamonun Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) with different properties.
• Cinnamon interactions: it should not be taken concomitantly with NSAIDs and gastrolysis drugs (for example Aspirin).

• Charcoal properties: it is mainly used as an absorbent remedy to eliminate intestinal gas and diarrhea. It is extracted by dry distillation of some sweet woods such as lime or poplar.
• Charcoal interactions: it must necessarily be taken at least 3 hours away from drugs to avoid reducing their absorption

• Turmeric properties: turmeric has made a comeback in recent years due to its powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Excellent in case of liver problems, degenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s, gallstones and as an anticancer.
• Turmeric interactions: according to some studies, high doses of turmeric should be avoided in patients taking drugs based on digoxin or cyclosporine. Positive interactions, on the other hand, occur with reserpine (antihypertensive) and indomethacin-based anti-inflammatories (INDOXEN) for which it reduces the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

• Echinacea properties: it is a known antiviral, antibacterial and immunostimulant. Often used to prevent and treat colds. These effects, especially the immunostimulating one, are not present in tinctures and alcoholic extracts. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are not toxic to the liver, however some species – possibly contaminated – also contain toxic alkaloids.
• Echinacea interactions: should not be taken concomitantly with antineoplastic drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. On the other hand, the interaction with ecozanol, of which it enhances its effects against Candida, is positive.

• Eleutherococcus properties: it is one of the best known adaptogens, together with ginseng. It performs immunostimulating and tonic actions. Useful in asthenia, convalescence, bacterial and viral diseases. It should not be used in hypertensive subjects or those suffering from insomnia.
• Eleutherococcus interactions: increases the effect of barbiturates, aminoglycoside antibiotics and digitalis. Those taking insulin may need to adjust their dosage if they are taking eleutherococcus.

• Horsetail properties: it is an excellent diuretic and remineralizing. Remedy of choice in case of fractures or connective tissue problems. It should not be used in case of renal insufficiency.
• Horsetail interactions: it negatively interacts with diuretic and cardioactive drugs. According to some studies conducted on an animal model it does not allow the assimilation of vitamin B1.

• Eucalyptus properties: fluidifying of catarrhal secretions, balsamic, antibacterial and antidiabetic. In high doses it causes nausea, vomiting, convulsions (essential oil).
• Eucalyptus interactions: being an enzymatic inducer, it increases the action of barbiturates, amphetamines and aminopyrin.

• Properties fennel: it has the precious virtue of breaking the gas bubbles found in the intestine, reducing, according to Firenzuoli, «the time of stay and transit in the gastrointestinal tract». Excellent antispasmodic and useful remedy against constipation, slow digestion, bloating and hiatal hernia
• Fennel interactions: caution during hormonal therapies due to estrogenic activity.

• Ginkgo Biloba properties: excellent for the treatment of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, vasculitis, tinnitus and vertiginous syndromes. Prevents mental deterioration. In high doses it can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. There have been rare cases of cerebral hemorrhage due to its fluidifying effect.
• Ginkgo Biloba interactions: taken with aspirin increases the risk of ocular haemorrhage. Danger of bleeding with Warfarin. Risk also increased with Pentosifylline and MAOIs and thrombolytics. Simultaneous thiazide diuretics could cause hypertension.

• Ginseng properties: another powerful adaptogen useful in cases of asthenia and chronic fatigue. It increases the levels of serotonin and ACHT (adrenocorticotropic hormone), a virtue useful in cases of cognitive impairment.
• Ginseng interactions: it must not be taken concomitantly with Warfarin, with caffeine, with Phenelzine (danger of migraines and tremors). Enhances the effect of hypoglycemic drugs.

• Hypericum properties: it is an excellent antidepressant, improves circulation and increases the nocturnal secretion of melatonin.
• Hypericum interactions: its use in conjunction with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, with haloperidol, paroxetina, trazodone, nefazodone and sertraline, should be avoided. Also be careful with theophylline, phencropumone, cyclosporine, and digitalis.

The interactions of food with drugs

• Garlic interactions: with antiplatelet agents and Warfarin. It increases the gastrolysis of NSAIDs, the risk of bleeding with thrombolytics, Pentosifylline, Ticlopidine. Vitamin E and fish oil increase the antithrombotic effect.
• Caffeine Interactions (Methyl Xanthines): All methyl xanthines such as caffeine and theobromine can cause many interactions with medications taken by mouth. It is advisable to avoid use in conjunction with oral contraceptives (increased stimulating effects, I-MAO and Phenylpropanolamine (danger of hypertensive crisis), thyroid hormones, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, iron (reduces their absorption), of Asprina (increases its bioavailability) Methyl Xanthines are found in coffee, cocoa, Guarana, tea and Mate.
• Cabbage interactions: inhibits the anticoagulant effect of Warfarin and interferes with iodized drugs (thyroid). It is an enzymatic inducer so it can enhance the effect of some substances taken together.
• Licorice interactions: increases potassium loss in conjunction with diuretic and laxative drugs. Hypokalaemia also increases the toxicity of digitalis and antiarrhythmics. Oral contraceptives increase the effect of the glycyrizin of licorice and therefore also the side effects. The positive interactions are carried out towards cortisone drugs and NSAIDs so it reduces their gastro-lesivita.