Unsafe Chinese Herbs

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world's oldest medical systems. Chinese herbal medicine is an integral part of TCM. Research into the safety and effectiveness of Chinese herbs in still in its early stages; although preliminary studies show some positive results, problems with processing, dosages and drug interactions can make the use of certain Chinese herbs unsafe.



Chinese herbs are commonly contaminated with drugs, heavy metals and other toxins, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Other safety concerns include improper prescribing and use of Chinese herbal medicines, and their possible interactions with other drugs.

Adulterated and Contaminated Herbal Medicines

• The manufacturing process of herbal medicines isn't well regulated.

  The California Department of Health found that one-third of the Chinese herbal medicines it tested contained either prescription drugs or toxic heavy metals. The FDA has issued a warning to diabetics about Chinese herbal medicines because it found the prescription drugs glyburide and phenoformin in certain brands.

  The Japanese Ministry of Health reports that some Chinese herbal medicines contain contaminants that can cause severe and sometimes fatal thyroid and liver problems.

  The National Cancer Association points out that toxins and prescription drugs sometimes accidentally enter Chinese herbal medicines during the manufacturing process. For instance, manufacturers may inadvertently use toxic herbs in place of the proper Chinese herb, either because they look similar or have similar names.

Aristolochic Acid

• Aristolochic acids used for weight loss can cause kidney failure.

  A 2009 study published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" found that Chinese herbal medicines like Mu Tong, which contain aristolochic acid, increase the risk of urinary tract cancer. According to these researchers, 60 grams of Mu Tong, or 150 milligrams of aristolochic acid, can significantly increase the risk of urinary tract cancer, independent of other factors in the study.

  Aristolochic acids can also cause renal failure. Other unsafe Chinese herbs in this plant family include fang-chi or stephania, which caused kidney failure in women at a Belgian weight loss clinic.

  Asarum also contains aristolochic acid, according to Subhuti Dharmananda, the Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine. Xiexin is a Chinese herb derived from many different species of asarum.

Ephedra

• Ephedra is still available in tea form.

  Dr. Robert Schulman warns that many Chinese herbs become unsafe when used in the wrong way. In TCM, ma huang --- the Chinese version of ephedra --- is only used in combination with other herbs for the treatment of colds and cough. When used by itself in large amounts for the treatment of fatigue, it can cause heart problems, strokes and death, according to "Herbal Supplements Guide." Ephedra can also raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels and create irritability, insomnia and mood swings.

  In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra as a weight loss aid and performance booster, but NCCAM notes that this ban does not apply to Chinese herbal remedies or herbal teas.

Dong Quai

• Dong quai can interact with many other medications.

  Another Chinese herb with possible adverse effects is dong quai, which is also known as Chinese angelica, danggui and tan kue bai zhi. It is sometimes referred to as "female ginseng," according to naturopath Steven Ehrlich. Researchers have not yet determined whether dong quai is safe, but its essential oil does contain known carcinogens. Scientists suspect the herb may have estrogen-like effects, so people with hormone-related cancers should avoid it. It's also contraindicated for people who suffer from abdominal bloating or chronic diarrhea.

  Dong quai can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and cause inflammation and rashes. Dong quai may cause uterine contractions and increase miscarriage risk. It may also interact in adverse ways with blood-thinning drugs or herbs, hormonal medications and St. John's wort.