Alaska Injury Law Blog

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology has just published a review of 44 years of research and has concluded that herbal products can contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The risks noted include increased bleeding, and reducing or increasing the effect of a patient's cardiovascular medications, Many of the ingredients used (aloe vera, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and green tea) can interact with a patient's heart medications and lead to serious adverse reactions. For example, some ingredients increase the blood levels of statins, calcium channel antagonists, and several anti-arrhythmic drugs. Another herbal ingredient is known to inhibit platelet aggregation and can lead to increased bleeding risk when the patient is also taking anti-coagulants such as aspirin, Plavix, or Coumadin. Some ingredients (garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, saw palmeto) can have their own cardiovascular effects, and some can induce arrhythmias on their own. The authors, all Mayo Clinic physicians, have called for increased regulation of the products.

Sources:

"Use of Herbal Products and Potential Interactions in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases," Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2020; 55:515-525.

Medpage Today, 2/1/10.

Litigation by the Alaska Personal Injury Law Group has been cited in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics for its role in aiding the FDA in its decision to finally rule that ephedra products were adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The litigation, Talbert v. E'ola Products, Inc., 3AN-97-4046, was handled by Richard E. Vollertsen and arose out of stroke injuries suffered by a young woman using an ephedra weight loss product that had also been spiked with ephedrine hydrochloride.

Source:

"Clinical Pharmacology and Dietary Supplements: An Evolving Relationship," Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Vol. 87, No. 2, Feb. 2010.

The USDA has recalled 17,235 pounds of Daniele International salami because it is suspected of being contaminated with salmonella. To date, over 203 individuals have been sickened in 42 states, including one here in Alaska. Costco, a local retailer, is one of the retailers that has sold the company's products.

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts from 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Sources:
Feb. 1, 2010, USDA

January 31, 2010, USDA

CDC Investigation of Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella