CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- University of Virginia toxicologists say St. Johns Wort is one of the most common herbal products reported to cause herb-drug interactions.
The Blue Ridge Poison Center says herbal remedy users may wrongly assume that their "natural" product cannot harm them, but physicians need to know about even the occasional use of such products by their patients.
Many herbal remedies could cause a toxic reaction when combined with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Research has shown that St. John's Wort may reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs for heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers or other medications.
A 1994 federal law removed dietary supplements, like herbs, from FDA control. The poison center said consumers are unlikely to receive information about any potential drug interactions or other harmful side effects from a seller of herbal products.
"It is dangerous to assume that something marketed as "natural" is always safe," the center said in a release. "Keep your doctor informed about every herbal product you use."
