Astragalus: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Mahmoud Fathy December 31, 2019

ASTRAGALUS Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Overview Information

Astragalus is an herb. The root is used to make medicine.

Astragalus is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn't enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them.

Astragalus is taken by mouth for hay fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and to strengthen and regulate the immune system.

Some people use astragalus as a general tonic, to protect the liver, and to fight bacteria and viruses. It is also used to prevent and reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment.

Astragalus is commonly used in combination with other herbs.

Astragalus is sometimes applied to the skin to increase blood flow to the area and to speed wound healing.

Astragalus is injected into the vein for the side effects of cancer treatment, heart failure, diabetes, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), and many other conditions.

There are several different species of astragalus. Some species contain a nerve toxin and have been linked to livestock poisonings. Some of these species include Astragalus lentiginosus, Astragalus mollissimus, and others. However, these species of astragalus are usually not found in dietary supplements used by humans. Most astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus.

How does it work?

Astragalus seems to stimulate and increase the immune system.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Reducing side effects of chemotherapy. Early research suggests that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) or using Chinese herbal mixtures containing astragalus might reduce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression (a decrease in the cells that provide immunity) that is associated with chemotherapy treatments.
Diabetes. Early research suggests that astragalus, given intravenously (by IV) or taken by mouth as a combination product, might help control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Insufficient Evidence for

Hay fever. Early research shows that taking a specific product containing 160 mg of astragalus root extract by mouth daily for 3-6 weeks improves symptoms such as running nose, itching, and sneezing in people with seasonal allergies.
Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea). Early research shows that taking a combination of astragalus and other herbal ingredients by mouth helps improve the regularity of menstrual cycles in women with irregular menstruation.
Chest pain (angina). Early research shows that taking 20 grams of astragalus by mouth three times daily for 2 weeks can improve some measures of heart function in people with chest pain.
A condition in which the bone marrow stops making new blood cells (aplastic anemia). Early research shows that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) together with the steroid stanozolol improves symptoms and blood cell counts more than just the steroid alone in people with aplastic anemia.
Asthma. Early research shows that taking an herbal product containing astragalus and other ingredients by mouth for 6 months does not improve asthma symptoms or lung function in children with mild asthma.
Diarrhea caused by cancer drug treatment. Early research shows that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) daily for 21 days during each course of chemotherapy reduces diarrhea from chemotherapy treatments.
Nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment. Early research shows that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) daily for 21 days during each course of chemotherapy reduces nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy treatments.
Tiredness in people treated with cancer drugs. Clinical research suggests that administering 500 mg of a specific astragalus extract (PG2 by Pharmagenesis) intravenously (by IV) three times weekly for 4 weeks during chemotherapy improves fatigue scores after one week but not after two and four weeks.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Early research shows that some herbal products containing astragalus and other herbal ingredients can reduce feelings of tiredness in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, not all doses seem to work. Also, it's not clear if the benefit is due to astragalus or other herbal ingredients.
Long-term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease or CKD). Early research shows that using astragalus along with conventional drugs for kidney disease can improve some measures of kidney function compared to conventional drugs alone. However, it's not known if astragalus can prevent death or increase the time until dialysis is needed.
Liver scarring (cirrhosis). Early research suggests that injecting a combination of astragalus and danshen in to the vein each day for up to 90 days might improve liver function in people with liver cirrhosis. It's too soon to know if the improvement is due to astragalus, danshen, or the combination.
Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Some early research shows that giving 60 grams of astragalus intravenously (by IV) for 20 days improves some symptoms of heart failure. However, other early research using the same dose shows no benefit. When taken by mouth along with conventional drugs for heart failure, some early research shows that astragalus can improve heart function and walking distance compared to conventional drugs alone.
Diabetes. Early research shows that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) or taking astragalus by mouth for up to 4 months improves fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Taking astragalus by mouth seems to improve these outcomes better than giving astragalus by IV. Taking astragalus by mouth might also improve the effect of insulin in the body. The effect of astragalus HbA1c, which gives an indication of average blood sugar over time, is unclear. Taking astragalus by mouth in combination with other herbal ingredients does not seem to improve blood sugar or insulin levels in people with diabetes.
Kidney damage in people with diabetes (diabetic nephropathy). Most early research shows that injecting astragalus into the vein improves some measures of kidney damage in people with diabetic nephropathy.
Vision problems in people with diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). Early research suggests that taking herbal products containing astragalus for up to 10 months may improve vision in some people with vision damage caused by diabetes.
Hearing loss. Early research shows that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) daily for 10 days can improve hearing in people with sudden deafness or hearing loss caused by very loud noise.
HIV/AIDS. Evidence on the effects of astragalus in people with HIV/AIDS is not clear. People treated with a specific combination containing Baikal skullcap root, glossy privet fruit, astragalus root, and Eupolyphaga et polyphage (Ailing granules) for 4 months show improvements in HIV/AIDs symptoms and immune function. However, taking a different combination containing licorice, yin chen, white mulberry, astragalus, and safflower by mouth for 12 weeks does not show the same benefits.
Lung cancer. Platinum-based chemotherapy is used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small-cell lung cancer. Analysis of early research suggests that taking herbal products containing astragalus along with platinum-based chemotherapy can reduce the risk of death in people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer after one, two, and three years of treatment compared to platinum-based chemotherapy alone.
Symptoms of menopause. Early research shows that taking 3-6 grams of a specific combination of astragalus and dong quai called Dang Gui Buxue Tang might reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. However, lower doses do not seem to be effective.
Swelling (inflammation) of the heart (myocarditis). Several early studies have used astragalus for the treatment of viral infections of the heart, but results are not clear. The best evidence suggests that taking astragalus preparations along with conventional drugs can reduce abnormal heartbeats related to the heart infection. However, taking astragalus seems to improve only some but not all blood markers of heart damage.
A group of symptoms that indicate kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome). Patients with kidney disease are at a higher risk of infections. Early research shows that taking astragalus by mouth reduces infections in children with a certain kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome.
Obesity. Early research shows that taking a combination of astragalus with other ingredients along with a low-calorie diet does not improve weight loss in overweight or obese women.
Fatigue after a stroke. Early research shows that taking astragalus for 4 weeks might improve fatigue in people who recently had a stroke.
Kidney failure. People who undergo heart surgery have an increased risk of sudden kidney failure after surgery. Giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) before, during, and after heart surgery seems to reduce kidney failure following heart surgery.
An autoimmune disease that causes widespread swelling (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) . Early research shows that giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) for 12 days each month for 3 months with conventional drugs can improve symptoms and reduce infections in people with lupus.
A heart condition marked by four heart defects (tetralogy of Fallot). Giving astragalus intravenously (by IV) along with conventional treatment for 7 days after surgery to correct a heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot seems to improve heart function and reduce time until recovery compared to conventional treatment alone.
Cervical cancer.
Fibromyalgia.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate astragalus for these uses.

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Astragalus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults. Doses of up to 60 grams per day have been safely used for up to 4 months. Astragalus may cause rash, itchy skin, nasal symptoms, or stomach discomfort. However, these events are uncommon.

When given by IV: Astragalus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when given intravenously (by IV) under the supervision of a medical professional. Doses of 80 grams per day intravenously (by IV) have been safely administered for up to 4 months. Astragalus may cause dizziness or irregular heartbeat.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if astragalus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. However, some research in animals suggests that astragalus can be toxic to the mother and fetus. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other immune system conditions: Astragalus might make the immune system more active. This could worsen the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. Avoid using astragalus if you have any of these conditions.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) interacts with ASTRAGALUS

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) is used to decrease the immune system. Astragalus increases the immune system. Taking astragalus along with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) might decrease the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar).
Lithium interacts with ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking astragalus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus increases the immune system. Taking astragalus along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.<br/><br/>Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of astragalus depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for astragalus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Astragalus: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Reviewed by Mahmoud Fathy on December 31, 2019 Rating: 5

Astaxanthin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Mahmoud Fathy December 31, 2019

ASTAXANTHIN Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Overview Information

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood.

Astaxanthin is taken by mouth for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, high cholesterol, liver diseases, age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), and preventing cancer. It is also used for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It is also used for improving exercise performance, decreasing muscle damage after exercise, and decreasing muscle soreness after exercise. Also, astaxanthin is taken by mouth to prevent sunburn, to improve sleep, and for carpal tunnel syndrome, dyspepsia, male infertility, symptoms of menopause, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin to protect against sunburn, to reduce wrinkles, and for other cosmetic benefits.

In food, it is used as a coloring for salmon, crabs, shrimp, chicken, and egg production.

In agriculture, astaxanthin is used as a food supplement for egg-producing chickens.

How does it work?

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. This effect might protect cells from damage. Astaxanthin might also improve the way the immune system functions.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Age-related vision loss (age-related macular degeneration; AMD). AMD occurs when a portion of retina becomes damaged. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and copper by mouth improves damage in the center of the retina in people with AMD. It does not improve damage in the outer areas of the retina.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Early research shows that taking a combination product containing astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamin E by mouth does not reduce pain in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Indigestion (dyspepsia). Early research shows that taking 40 mg of astaxanthin daily reduces reflux symptoms in people with indigestion. It seems to work best in people with indigestion due to H. pylori infection. A lower dose of 16 mg daily does not improve reflux symptoms. Neither dose reduces stomach pain, indigestion, or the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach of people with indigestion.
Muscle damage caused by exercise. Early research shows that taking astaxanthin for 90 days does not reduce muscle damage caused by exercise in male soccer players.
Muscle soreness caused by exercise. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, and safflower oil by mouth does not reduce muscle soreness or improve muscle performance 4 days after exercise compared to taking only safflower oil.
Exercise performance. Research regarding the effects of astaxanthin on exercise performance is conflicting. Some early research shows that taking astaxanthin decreases the time needed to complete a cycling exercise in trained male athletes. But other research shows that using astaxanthin does not improve the time needed to complete a timed exercise.
Fatigue. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin and sesamin does not seem to improve overall fatigue in healthy adults.
High cholesterol. Early research shows that taking astaxanthin by mouth reduces blood fats called triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. Other early research shows that taking a combination of astaxanthin, berberine, policosanol, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid increases HDL cholesterol levels and lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
Male infertility. Early research shows that taking astaxanthin increases the pregnancy rates of partners of men considered to be infertile.
Menopausal symptoms. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, vitamin D3, lycopene, and citrus bioflavonoids daily reduces menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, joint pain, moodiness, and bladder problems.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E, and safflower oil reduces pain and improves feelings of satisfaction in people with RA.
Sunburn. Astaxanthin might reduce skin damage caused by the sun. Taking astaxanthin by mouth for 9 weeks appears to reduce redness and loss of skin moisture caused by rays of the sun called "UV" rays.
Wrinkled skin. Early research shows that taking astaxanthin by mouth improves how quickly skin bounces back (elasticity) and reduces fine lines and wrinkles in middle-aged women and men. It also seems to improve the moisture content in the skin. Other research shows that taking astaxanthin by mouth, along with applying astaxanthin cream to the face twice daily, improves the appearance of skin wrinkles.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of astaxanthin for these uses.

Side Effects & Safety

Astaxanthin is LIKELY SAFE when it is consumed in amounts found in food.

Astaxanthin is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a supplement. Astaxanthin has been used safely by itself in doses of 4 to 40 mg daily for up to 12 weeks, or 12 mg daily for 6 months. It has been used safely in combination with other carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals at 4 mg daily for up to 12 months. Side effects of astaxanthin may include increased bowel movements and red stool color. High doses of astaxanthin may cause stomach pain.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of astaxanthin during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for ASTAXANTHIN Interactions.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of astaxanthin depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for astaxanthin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Astaxanthin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Reviewed by Mahmoud Fathy on December 31, 2019 Rating: 5

Ashwagandha: Health benefits and side effects

Mahmoud Fathy December 31, 2019

ASHWAGANDHA Health benefits and side effects

Overview Information

Ashwagandha is a plant. The root and berry are used to make medicine.

Ashwagandha has a lot of uses. But so far, there isn't enough information to judge whether it is effective for any of them.

Ashwagandha is used for arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), balance, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trouble sleeping (insomnia), tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, a skin condition marked by white patchiness (leukoderma), bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, Parkinson's disease, under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism), and chronic liver disease. It is also used to reduce side effects of medications used to treat cancer and schizophrenia. Ashwagandha is used to reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood.

Ashwagandha is also used as an "adaptogen" to help the body cope with daily stress, and as a general tonic.

Some people also use ashwagandha for improving thinking ability, decreasing pain and swelling (inflammation), and preventing the effects of aging. It is also used for fertility problems in men and women and also to increase sexual desire.

Ashwagandha is applied to the skin for treating wounds, backache, and one-sided paralysis (hemiplegia).

The name Ashwagandha is from the Sanskrit language and is a combination of the word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell. The root has a strong aroma that is described as "horse-like."

In Ayurvedic, Indian, and Unani medicine, ashwagandha is described as "Indian ginseng." Ashwagandha is also used in traditional African medicine for a variety of ailments.

Don't confuse ashwagandha with Physalis alkekengi. Both are known as winter cherry.

How does it work?

Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain , reduce swelling (inflammation), lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Stress. Taking a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM66, Ixoreal Biomed) 300 mg twice daily after food for 60 days appears to improve symptoms of stress.

Insufficient Evidence for

Reducing side effects associated with medications called antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia but they can cause levels of fat and sugar in the blood to increase. Taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Cap Strelaxin, M/s Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd.) 400 mg three times daily for one month might reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood in people using these medications.
Anxiety. Some clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha can reduce some symptoms of anxiety or anxious mood.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some clinical research shows that a combination herbal product containing ashwagandha may improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD. The effect of ashwagandha alone is unclear.
Bipolar disorder. Taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Sensoril, Natreon, Inc.) for 8 weeks might improve brain function in people being treated for bipolar disorder.
A brain condition called cerebellar ataxia. Preliminary research shows that ashwagandha in combination with an alternative form of medicine known as Ayurvedic therapy might improve balance in people with cerebellar ataxia.
Fatigue in people treated for cancer (chemotherapy). Early research suggests taking a specific ashwagandha extract 2,000 mg (Himalaya Drug Co, New Delhi, India) during chemotherapy treatment might reduce feelings of tiredness.
Diabetes. There is some evidence that ashwagandha might reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
High cholesterol. There is some evidence that ashwagandha might reduce cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). People with underactive thyroid have high blood levels of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). People with underactive thyroid can also have low levels of thyroid hormone. Taking ashwagandha seems to lower TSH and increase thyroid hormone levels in people with a mild form of underactive thyroid.
Male infertility. Some preliminary clinical evidence suggests that ashwagandha might improve sperm quality, but not sperm count, in infertile men. It is not known if taking ashwagandha can actually improve fertility.
Osteoarthritis. Early research shows that ashwagandha taken along with a zinc complex, guggul, and turmeric might improve arthritis symptoms. The impact of ashwagandha alone is unclear.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Early research shows that ashwagandha root extract might reduce symptoms of OCD when taken with prescribed medications for 6 weeks better than taking the prescribed medication alone.
Parkinson's disease. Preliminary research suggests that a combination of herbs including ashwagandha improves Parkinson's symptoms. The effect of ashwagandha alone in Parkinson's is unknown.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research shows that ashwagandha powder taken for 3 weeks followed by 4 weeks of sidh makardhwaj (a mixture of gold, mercury, and sulfur) slightly improves symptoms in some people with RA. The impact of ashwagandha alone in RA is unclear.
Increasing interest in sex. Early research shows that taking ashwagandha extract daily for 8 weeks along with receiving counseling increases interest in sex and sexual satisfaction in adult women with sexual dysfunction better than counseling alone.
Altering immune system function.
Fibromyalgia.
Inducing vomiting.
Liver problems.
Preventing the signs of aging.
Swelling (inflammation).
Tumors.
Tuberculosis.
Ulcerations.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of ashwagandha for these uses.

Side Effects & Safety

Ashwagandha is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth short-term. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to apply ashwagandha directly to the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use ashwagandha if you are pregnant. It is rated LIKELY UNSAFE during pregnancy. There is some evidence that ashwagandha might cause miscarriages. Not enough is known about the use of ashwagandha during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Ashwagandha might lower blood sugar levels. This could interfere with medications used for diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to go to low. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely.

High or low blood pressure: Ashwagandha might decrease blood pressure. This could cause blood pressure to go to low in people with low blood pressure; or interfere with medications used to treat high blood pressure. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously if you have low blood pressure or take medications for your blood pressure.

Stomach ulcers: Ashwagandha can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Don’t use ashwagandha if you have a stomach ulcer.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using ashwagandha.

Surgery: Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Thyroid disorders: Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha seems to increase the immune system. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system. Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking ashwagandha along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some of these sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking ashwagandha along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Thyroid hormone interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of ashwagandha depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for ashwagandha. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Ashwagandha: Health benefits and side effects

Reviewed by Mahmoud Fathy on December 31, 2019 Rating: 5

Activated Charcoal: Uses and Risks

Mahmoud Fathy December 31, 2019

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Uses and Risks

Overview Information

Common charcoal is made from peat, coal, wood, coconut shell, or petroleum. "Activated charcoal" is similar to common charcoal. Manufacturers make activated charcoal by heating common charcoal in the presence of a gas. This process causes the charcoal to develop lots of internal spaces or "pores." These pores help activated charcoal "trap" chemicals.

Activated charcoal is commonly taken by mouth to treat poisonings. It is also used for intestinal gas (flatulence), high cholesterol, hangovers, upset stomach, and bile flow problems (cholestasis) during pregnancy.

Activated charcoal is applied to the skin as part of bandages for helping heal wounds.

How does it work?

Activated charcoal works by "trapping" chemicals and preventing their absorption.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Poisoning. Activated charcoal is useful for trapping chemicals to stop some types of poisoning when used as part of standard treatment. Activated charcoal should be given within 1 hour after a poison has been ingested. It does not seem to be beneficial if given for 2 or more hours after some types of poisoning. And activated charcoal doesn't seem to help stop all types of poisoning.

Insufficient Evidence for

Lowering cholesterol levels. So far, research studies don't agree about the effectiveness of taking activated charcoal by mouth to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Diarrhea caused by the cancer drug irinotecan. Irinotecan is a cancer drug known to cause diarrhea. Early research shows that taking activated charcoal during treatment with irinotecan decreases diarrhea, including severe diarrhea, in children taking this drug.
Decreasing gas (flatulence). Some studies show that activated charcoal is effective in reducing intestinal gas, but other studies don't agree. It's too early to come to a conclusion on this.
Indigestion. Some early research shows that taking certain combination products containing activated charcoal and simethicone, with or without magnesium oxide, can reduce pain, bloating, and feelings of fullness in people with indigestion. It's unclear if taking activated charcoal by itself will help.
Treating reduced bile flow (cholestasis) during pregnancy. Taking activated charcoal by mouth seems to help treat cholestasis in pregnancy, according to some early research reports.
Lowering phophate levels in people on dialysis. Early research shows that taking activated charcoal daily for 24 weeks might reduce phosphate levels in people on hemodialysis who have high phosphate levels.
Preventing hangover. Activated charcoal is included in some hangover remedies, but some experts are skeptical about how well it might work. Activated charcoal doesn't seem to trap alcohol well.
Toxic effects from the antiseizure drug phenytoin. Some early research shows that activated charcoal can help remove phenytoin from the body, bringing the phenytoin levels back to a normal range.
Wound healing. Studies on the use of activated charcoal for wound healing are mixed. Some early research shows that using bandages with activated charcoal helps wound healing in people with venous leg ulcers. But other research shows that activated charcoal does not help treat bed sores or venous leg ulcers.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of activated charcoal for these uses.

Side Effects & Safety

Activated charcoal is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth, short-term, or when applied to wounds. Side effects taking activated charcoal by mouth include constipation and black stools. More serious, but rare, side effects are a slowing or blockage of the intestinal tract, regurgitation into the lungs, and dehydration.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Activated charcoal might be safe when used short-term if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, but consult with your healthcare professional before using if you are pregnant.

Gastrointestinal (GI) blockage or slow movement of food through the intestine: Don't use activated charcoal if you have any kind of intestinal obstruction. Also, if you have a condition that slows the passage of food through your intestine (reduced peristalsis), don't use activated charcoal, unless you are being monitored by your healthcare provider.

Interactions

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

· Syrup of ipecac interacts with ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal can bind up syrup of ipecac in the stomach. This decreases the effectiveness of syrup of ipecac.

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

· Alcohol interacts with ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal is sometimes used to prevent poisons from being absorbed into the body. Taking alcohol with activated charcoal might decrease how well activated charcoal works to prevent poison absorption.

· Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal absorbs substances in the stomach and intestines. Taking activated charcoal along with medications taken by mouth can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take activated charcoal at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

For drug overdose or poisoning: 50-100 grams of activated charcoal is given at first, followed by charcoal every 2-4 hours at a dose equal to 12.5 grams per hour. Sometimes a single-dose of 25-100 grams of activated charcoal may be used.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

For drug overdose or poisoning: Activated charcoal 10-25 grams is recommended for children up to one year of age, while activated charcoal 25-50 grams is recommended for children 1-12 years of age. Activated charcoal 10-25 grams is recommended if multiple-doses of activated charcoal are needed.

Activated Charcoal: Uses and Risks

Reviewed by Mahmoud Fathy on December 31, 2019 Rating: 5

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