Health News: Salmonella found in raw milk from New York ♦ Electric fields remove nanoparticles from blood with ease ♦ The complex sneeze, caught on tape

Salmonella found in raw milk from New York Consumers are being warned not to consume unpasteurized raw milk from the Jerry Dell Farm at Freeville in Tompkins County, NY, because it could possibly be contaminated with Salmonella. A routine sample of the milk..

Platelets promote the liver's regeneration process following surgery Certain platelet-derived growth factors are of major significance for the liver's regeneration processes. It has been shown that platelets can encourage the regrowth of liver tissue in patients who have had parts of their liver removed surgically. This may also act as a starting point for the prediction of potential postoperative problems.

Electric fields remove nanoparticles from blood with ease A new technology that uses an oscillating electric field to easily and quickly isolate drug-delivery nanoparticles from blood has been developed by a team of engineers. The technology could serve as a general tool to separate and recover nanoparticles from other complex fluids for medical, environmental, and industrial applications

The complex sneeze, caught on tape From the daintiest sleeve-stifled 'shoo to the mightiest head-whipping howl, a sneeze is as unique to an individual as a laugh -- we all do it, but everyone seems to do it differently. We know that sneezes can spread infectious diseases like measles, influenza or SARS, suspending viruses in droplets that may be inhaled or deposited onto surfaces and later picked up on the hands of some unsuspecting passerby. But we don't understand exactly how far a sneeze can spread or if and why some people spread sickness through sneezing more effectively than others.

Health News: 3-D printed objects that kill microbes ♦ Chemists turn bacterial molecules into potential drug molecules ♦ Grabbing a parasite by the tail: Team solves 'jumping gene' mystery

Researchers identify liver pathway linked to negative impacts of high-fat, high-cholesterol diet It's no secret that a high-fat, high-cholesterol "junk food" diet has been linked to major health problems, including high blood cholesterol and the buildup of plaques in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Now new research has identified a pathway in the liver, controlled by a protein known as BAF60a, that contributes to these negative effects by stimulating the production of bile—which helps the body to absorb more cholesterol and other fats from the foods we eat.

Grabbing a parasite by the tail: Team solves 'jumping gene' mystery Deep within your DNA, a tiny parasite lurks, waiting to pounce from its perch and land in the middle of an unsuspecting healthy gene. If it succeeds, it can make you sick. Like a jungle cat, this parasite sports a long tail. But until now, little was known about what role that tail plays in this dangerous jumping.

Chemists turn bacterial molecules into potential drug molecules Chemists explain how they have created molecules that mimic and dominate toxic ones secreted by bacteria. The implications for the study of biology and pharmacology are said to be enormous.

3-D printed objects that kill microbes Material scientists and orthodontists have made a 3D printing substrate which kills bacteria on contact. The first applications will be in dentistry, but other implants may follow.

Health News: Inexpensive drug saves blood and money.♦ New strategy to lower blood sugar ♦ Drug-resistant bacteria in the gut overcome with fecal transplant

Highly effective seasickness treatment on the horizon The misery of motion sickness could be ended within five to 10 years thanks to a new treatment being developed by scientists.

Inexpensive drug saves blood and money. Using an inexpensive drug for every hip or knee replacement has helped one hospital reduced its number of red blood cell transfusions performed during these surgeries by more than 40 percent without negatively affecting patients..

Drug-resistant bacteria in the gut overcome with fecal transplant The gut is an important reservoir for drug-resistant bacteria responsible for life-threatening hospital-acquired infections. A study in mice reports that two of the most common antibiotic-resistant bacterial species circulating in hospitals occupy and effectively share the same location in the gut, and that they can be eliminated by fecal transplantation of a healthy gut microbiome.

New strategy to lower blood sugar may help in diabetes treatment? Working in mice, researchers showed they could reduce glucose production in the liver and lower blood sugar levels. They did so by shutting down a liver protein involved in making glucose, an approach that may help treat type 2 diabetes.

Targeting glucose production in liver may lead to new diabetes therapies A biological checkpoint known as the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier is critical for controlling glucose production in the liver and could potentially be a new target for drugs to treat diabetes.

Health News: Frozen raw tuna likely source of salmonella infections ♦ Marine litter undermines benefits of coastal environments ♦ Electrical signals could help repair injured spinal cords

Frozen raw tuna likely source of salmonella infections As of July 14, 2015, 60 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) have been reported from 11 states. Eleven ill people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. That’s according to the latest update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which was posted July 15...

Marine litter undermines benefits of coastal environments Marine litter has the potential to undermine the psychological benefits of coastal environments.

Common diabetes drug can also treat liver cirrhosis Diabetes drug metformin can treat portal hypertension--high blood pressure in the liver resulting from cirrhosis, new research shows. This study adds to the growing body of evidence showing that use of metformin goes beyond treating type 2 diabetes.

Therapeutic target identified for treatment of spinal cord injuries Therapeutic target for the treatment of acute spinal cord injuries has been identified. According to research, conducted on mice, the administration of a drug that prevents loss of myelin -- the insulating sheath around nerve fibers that allows signals to be transmitted -- increases the mobility of the mice after an injury.

Electrical signals could help repair injured spinal cords Wichita State University's Li Yao is taking a special approach to the study of spinal cord injuries through research that uses an electrical signal to repair tissue damage.

Bilinguals of two spoken languages have more gray matter than monolinguals A new study suggests people who speak two languages have more gray matter in the executive control region of the brain

Health News: 86 children sickened, Staph found in daycare food samples ♦ Analysis reveals link between suicide, inflammation ♦ Arthritis drug restores skin color

86 children sickened, Staph found in daycare food samples Eighty-six children may have been sickened by a Staphylococcus aureus toxin found in food served at the Montgomery, AL, daycares they attended. Of those children, 30 were hospitalized and, as of Friday, two were reportedly still there. The Alabama Department of Public Health found the toxin in food products served at both daycare center locations in Montgomery

For vitiligo patient, arthritis drug restores skin color A medication for treating rheumatoid arthritis has restored skin color in a patient suffering from vitiligo, according to dermatologists. The disfiguring condition is best known as the disease that plagued late pop star Michael Jackson.

Consensus paper on patient preferences for arrhythmias management published A unique consensus paper on patient preferences for arrhythmias management has been published. Cardiac arrhythmias can have a big impact on quality of life. Patients with ventricular arrhythmias, for example, may be banned from sports and driving. Those with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) need to weigh the longevity they would gain with the device against the potential for a protracted death from progressive heart failure when deciding whether or not to have it switched off towards the end of life

Inflaming the drive for suicide: Analysis reveals link between suicide, inflammation One American dies from suicide every 12.8 minutes, making suicide the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There is consensus that if we could better predict who was at risk for suicide, then we could more effectively intervene to reduce this terrible burden on individuals, families and public health.

Study identifies characteristics of patients likely to have a potential living liver donor Younger patients, those who are married, and those with Child-Pugh C disease—the most severe measure of liver disease—are more likely immigrants, divorced patients and those at the lowest income levels were less likely to have a potential live donor volunteer for liver donation.With a limited supply of deceased donor organs, livers from living donors provide a much needed, life-saving option for those with end-stage liver disease. Despite evidence suggesting that the 5-year recipient survival from the time of wait listing is estimated to be 20% higher with a live donor compared with deceased donor, living donor liver transplantation accounts for only a few percent

Cancer Research: Organic nanoparticles, more lethal to tumors ♦ Study discovers how pancreatic cancer spreads to the liver ♦ Non-invasive colon cancer screening for African-Americans

Smoking induces early signs of cancer in cheek swabs DNA damage caused by smoking can be detected in cheek swabs. The study provides evidence that smoking induces a general cancer program that is also present in cancers which aren't usually associated with it -- including breast and gynecological cancers.

Study discovers how pancreatic cancer spreads to the liver Investigators has illuminated the precise molecular steps that enable pancreatic cancer to spread to the liver -- the event that makes the most common form of the disease lethal. By understanding this process, their discovery can lead to targeted treatments that delay metastasis, and offer clinicians a new biomarker to test for the earliest signs of pancreatic cancer.

Non-invasive colon cancer screening may be promising for African-Americans, Stool DNA (sDNA) testing, a new non-invasive technology for colon cancer screening, is a promising alternative to colonoscopy for African Americans.  sDNA sensitivity and specificity of advanced lesions and all adenomas (polyps) in African Americans was similar to or exceeded that of other racial group.

Chemo before surgery benefits patients with advanced ovarian cancer Women with advanced ovarian cancer have fewer side effects and tend to have a better quality of life if given chemotherapy before surgery. Delaying surgery also reduced the amount of time spent in the hospital after surgery.

Organic nanoparticles, more lethal to tumors Carbon-based nanoparticles could be used to sensitize cancerous tumours to proton radiotherapy and induce more focused destruction of cancer cells, a new study shows. Radiotherapy used in cancer treatment is a promising treatment method, albeit rather indiscriminate. Indeed, it affects neighboring healthy tissues and tumors alike. Researchers have thus been exploring the possibilities of using various radio-sensitizers; these nanoscale entities focus the destructive effects of radiotherapy more specifically on tumor cells.

Health News: Opossum-based antidote could save thousands of lives ♦ Fruit likely caused listeria ♦ Vitamin D helps immune cells prevent atherosclerosis, diabetes + more

CDC:Recalled fruit likely caused listeria cases last summer  This past summer, consumers were confronted with a series of recalls of peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots and other stone fruits potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The fruit, sourced from Wawona Packing Co., was recalled from major retailers such as ALDI, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Kroger and Walmart.. Continue Reading

Being near greened vacant lots lowers heart rates  Greening vacant lots may be associated with biologic reductions in stress, according to a new study. Residents who walked near newly greened vacant lots had significantly lower heart rates compared to walking near a blighted, or neglect Continue Reading

Vitamin D helps immune cells prevent atherosclerosis, diabetes Altered signaling through the vitamin D receptor on certain immune cells may play a role in causing the chronic inflammation that leads to the combination of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These are the most common cause of illness and death Continue Reading

Opossum-based antidote to venom from snake bites could save thousands of lives Scientists have turned to the opossum to develop a promising new and inexpensive antidote for venomous snake bites. They predict it could save thousands of lives worldwide without the side effects of current treatments. Continue Reading

Total body iron balance: Liver MRI better than biopsy  Investigators have demonstrated that MR imaging of the liver is more accurate than liver biopsy in determining total body iron balance in patients with sickle cell disease and other disorders requiring blood transfusion therapy. This discovery follows the researchers earlier work in pioneering techniques to use MRI to noninvasively measure liver iron. Continue Reading

Health Research: Antibiotic resistance linked to corruption ♦ Towels top kitchen hazards ♦ Missing culprit' in heart failure + more

Antibiotic resistance linked to corruption, experts suggest  Researchers have linked antibiotic resistance with poor governance and corruption around the world. "We found poor governance and higher levels of corruption are associated with higher levels of antibiotic resistance," "It is a finding that will be surprising to people in  Medicine."  Continue Reading

Towels top kitchen contamination hazards list  Food safety research used video observations to show people touching kitchen towels before washing their hands or using towels after washing their hands inadequately. Even after properly washing their hands, they would reuse the infected towels and contaminate themselves all over again. Continue Reading

Missing culprit' in heart failure identified by researchers  Working with lab animals and human heart cells, scientists have identified a cell-signaling breakdown that triggers heart failure. An enzyme called PDE-9 interferes with the body's natural "braking" system needed to neutralize stress on the heart, Continue Reading

Backup system that helps sustain liver during crisis discovered  An antioxidant system that helps sustain the liver when other systems are missing or compromised has been discovered by scientists.Continue Reading

Apple of the mind's eye: how good is our memory of everyday visual stimuli?  In our world of branding and repetitive advertising, it is feasible that we dutifully soak up visuals and messages and store them accurately in our mind’s eye. New research tests this theory by examining our memory of the ubiquitous Apple logo and our perceived ability for recall. Researchers ask ‘are we really paying attention?’ Their experiment reveals some surprising insights  Continue Reading

2/22/15 Health News: Few U.S. Consumers Handle Chicken Safely-- Transfusion approach may save to lives-- Flame retardants cause liver problems-- Compounded hormones risks

Few U.S. Consumers Handle Chicken Safely, Raising Food Poisoning Risks  Many Americans may be handling poultry products in their kitchens improperly, posing a potentially serious risk of food poisoning, according to new research. Researchers outlined the results of a nationally representative web food survey of U.S. Continue Reading

Innovative transfusion approach has potential save to lives  A new nationwide, multi-site study in the United States may help save hundreds of lives among trauma patients with major bleeding. The study compared two different methods of blood transfusion, and found that one approach gave patients a significantly better chance of survival  Continue Reading

Severe asthma: Gallopamil confirmed as a therapeutic approach The clinical efficacy of gallopamil in 31 patients with severe asthma has been demonstrated through a new study. This chronic disease is characterized by remodeling of the bronchi, which exacerbates the obstruction of the airways already seen in 'classic' asthma. In contrast to the reference treatment, gallopamil has proved capable of reducing the bronchial smooth muscle mass.  Continue Reading

Flame retardants found to cause metabolic, liver problems Chemicals used as synthetic flame retardants that are found in common household items such as couches, carpet padding, and electronics have been found to cause metabolic and liver problems that can lead to insulin resistance, which is a major cause of obesity, according to new research Continue Reading

More women now using compounded hormones without understanding the risks From 28 percent to 68 percent of women using hormones at menopause take compounded, so-called 'bioidentical' hormones, but women don't understand the risks of these unapproved, untested treatments, shows an analysis of two large surveys Continue Reading

2/7/15 Health News: Gold in food not worth its weight in health ♦ Compound switches off epilepsy development ♦ Healthy' fat tissue could reverse diabetes ♦ Erectile dysfunction drugs could protect liver from damage

Gold in food not worth its weight in health

Is it necessary to add powdered gold to liquors? Should powdered gold at all be used as a food additive? Will consumption of gold harm human health? Such questions are still haunting the public despite an official agency issuing a statement to clarify a National Health and Family Planning Commission's draft seeking people's feedback by  Continue Reading

Novel compound switches off epilepsy development

A novel compound helps curtail the onset and progression of temporal lobe epilepsy, researchers have discovered. The finding may contribute to the development of antiepileptic therapies, they say. Continue Reading

Healthy' fat tissue could be key to reversing type 2 diabetes

Preventing inflammation in obese fat tissue may hold the key to preventing or even reversing type 2 diabetes. The scientists found they could 'reverse' type 2 diabetes in laboratory models by dampening the inflammation in fat tissue. Continue Reading

Erectile dysfunction drugs could protect liver from sepsis-induced damage

Drugs that are on the market to treat erectile dysfunction could have another use: they might be able to protect the liver from damage caused by sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to infection, Continue Reading

New minimally invasive test identifies patients for Barrett's esophagus screening

A new minimally invasive cell sampling device coupled with assessment of trefoil factor 3 expression can be used to identify patients with reflux symptoms who warrant endoscopy to diagnose Barrett's esophagus, according to a new study Continue Reading

Sometimes Drugs and the Liver Don't Mix

The liver is a remarkable, if underappreciated, organ. It turns the nutrients in our diets to substances the body can use and converts toxins into harmless substances or makes sure they are removed from the body

When the liver is working well, our metabolism hums along in equilibrium. But drugs and dietary supplements can sometimes wreak havoc with that system, leading to dangerous liver problems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to prevent drug-induced liver injuries.

“Any drug may cause dangerous liver problems but, fortunately, such problems only occur rarely,” says John R. Senior, M.D., an FDA gastrointestinal medical reviewer and consultant in hepatology, which includes study of the liver. “It is challenging to predict how drugs will affect the liver because each patient is different in how they respond to a given drug. Our goal is to prevent the toxicity of drugs.”

Acute liver failure is a rapid deterioration of the organ’s ability to function. Data suggest that prescription and over-the-counter drugs (OTC) and dietary supplements cause more acute liver failure cases than all other reasons combined.

FDA has identified several instances of liver damage caused by dietary supplements. For example, the agency has issued public health warnings and sent warning letters to companies marketing supplements for weight loss and muscle building. In one instance, a Texas-based company agreed to recall and destroy certain dietary supplement products after discovering a link between the supplement and cases of liver failure and non-viral hepatitis.

No Easy Way to Identify the Vulnerable

Finding even a few cases of serious liver toxicity in clinical trial subjects exposed to a drug can be a reason for discontinuing the trial. Also, cases of serious liver toxicity have prompted FDA to request sponsors to withdraw their approved drugs from the market.

Senior explains there’s no easy way to identify the people who might be vulnerable. “The drug-disease relationship is not so simple,” he says. “Identifying drugs that may cause liver injury only solves half the problem. The other half: Drugs that appear to be safe in preclinical studies still may be harmful to some patients.”

Meanwhile, we have an aging population that is more dependent on drugs. “The more medications you take, the more likely you are to have trouble,” Senior says.

A few drugs are toxic to the liver only when used in excess. One example is acetaminophen.

“Acetaminophen when used as labeled is generally considered to be safe. But overdoses of acetaminophen are the most common cause of drug-related liver injury, whether these occur accidentally or otherwise,” says Mark Avigan, M.D., a medical reviewer at FDA with a background in gastroenterology and hepatology. “With acetaminophen overdoses, some people get a more severe reaction than others.”

Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in hundreds of OTC and prescription medicines commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain and fever, allergies, coughing, colds, flu, and even sleeplessness. Overdoses leading to serious liver injury have resulted from consumers inadvertently taking both OTC and prescription drugs containing acetaminophen.

Inadvertent overdoses with prescription drugs that contain acetaminophen and a narcotic have been responsible for a significant proportion of all the cases of acetaminophen-related liver failure in the United States, some of which have resulted in liver transplant or death.

FDA has taken steps to keep consumers safe. In early 2014, FDA requested withdrawal of over 120 applications for combination prescription acetaminophen drug products containing more than 325 mg acetaminophen per dosage unit. The agency also has reminded pharmacists and physicians to stop prescribing and dispensing combination prescription acetaminophen products containing more than 325 mg. It is FDA’s understanding that as a result, all manufacturers have discontinued marketing combination prescription drug products that contain more than 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Some antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications also have been tied to liver damage.

Hepatitis, a liver inflammation, can have several potential causes. Drugs may induce a form of hepatitis that closely resembles viral hepatitis (liver inflammation caused by viral infection).

Signs and Symptoms

How can you recognize the signs of liver problems?

Avigan says you might feel tired and have a poor appetite. In more extreme cases, your eyes and skin become yellowish (jaundice) and your skin becomes very itchy. “Your skin itches because the liver is not properly clearing toxins from the body,” he says.

When patients taking a drug they have not used before get those symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention and stop using that drug if it is identified as the cause, Avigan cautions.

If the symptoms surface and the patient has been taking a medication for a long time, there could be another cause. Senior says it’s difficult to be certain that the symptoms were caused by a drug and not something else. Obesity and excessive consumption of alcohol also can damage the liver.

Considering Risks and Benefits

Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of any drug with their doctors when they start treatment, Avigan says. They should also discuss dietary supplements with their clinician before taking them.

Some life-saving drugs are the only options for very sick patients.

“Before approving or denying approval of a drug, we evaluate its risks and work to identify its liver injury potential, even if only one in 10,000 people will be badly affected,” Avigan says. “With some drugs, for example for cancer patients, the benefits of treatment might far outweigh the risks.”

The liver can regenerate even when 65% of it is destroyed or surgically removed, as in a cancer treatment. This versatile organ is often capable of adapting and becoming tolerant of various foreign agents, including drug products. But if the liver isn’t healthy, complications from drug interactions can be even worse.

Canada: Liver Pâté Recalled Due to Botulinum

Webbers Food is recalling "Hausmacher" liver pâté from the marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below.

The following product has been sold in glass jars with no label only from November 13, 2013 to December 5, 2013, inclusively, at the following locations in Nova Scotia:

• Hammonds Plains Farmers' Market, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia
• Lunenburg Farmers' Market, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Check to see if you have recalled product in your home. Recalled product should be thrown out.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

 If you have further Question You can Contact Webbers Food, 902-521-5385, webbersfood@gmail.com

More OxyElite Pro Products Recalled Due to Acute Liver Failure

USPlabs LLC, Dallas, TX is voluntarily conducting a national recall of all lots and sizes of the OxyElite Pro products listed below.

These products contain Aegeline, a synthesized version of a natural extract from the Bael tree.

Epidemiological evidence shows that use of these products has been associated with serious adverse health consequences, namely serious liver damage or acute liver failure, concentrated in Hawaii. Investigations are ongoing into a potential causal relationship. The Company agrees with FDA that a national recall is appropriate as a precautionary measure.

Product was distributed nationwide through retail stores, mail orders and direct delivery.

OxyElite Pro Super Thermo capsules

• 2 count capsules UPC #094922417275
• 10 count capsules UPC #094922417251
• 10 count capsules UPC #094922417268
• 21 count capsules UPC #094922426604
• 90 count capsules UPC #094922395573
• 90 count capsules "Pink label" UPC #094922447906
• 180 count capsules UPC #094922447852

OxyElite Pro Ultra-Intense Thermo capsules

• 3 count capsules UPC #094922447883
• 3 count capsules UPC #094922447876
• 90 count capsules UPC #094922395627
• 180 count capsules UPC #094922447869

OxyElite Pro Super Thermo Powder

• Fruit Punch 0.15 oz UPC #094922417237
• Fruit Punch 0.15 oz UPC #094922447517
• Fruit Punch 4.6 oz UPC #094922426369
• Fruit Punch 5 oz. UPC #094922447487
• Blue Raspberry 4.6 oz UPC #094922426376
• Grape Bubblegum 4.6 oz UPC #094922447500
• Green Apple 4.6 oz. UPC #094922426499
• Raspberry Lemonade 4.6 oz. UPC #094922447494

No other products produced by USPlabs are subject to recall. Consumers who have purchased the products should immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to where they purchased it for a refund. Contact your health care professionals if you have experienced any adverse effects.

 Copies of Product Labels

Ireland: OxyELITE Pro and VERSA-1 Recalled Due to Liver Disease

OxyELITE Pro and VERSA-1 Supplements Associated with Liver Disease. USP Labs LLC, Dallas, USA is recalling OxyELITE Pro supplements, which are marketed for “energy boost, muscle building and weight loss”. This follows reports in the USA of 56 cases of liver disease that may be related to the consumption of these supplements. One person died and two people required liver transplants.   

VERSA-1 is also produced by USP Labs LLC.  Although VERSA-1 has not been associated with liver disease, both supplements contain the ingredient aegeline. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advises consumers not to consume OxyELITE Pro or VERSA-1 as aegeline cannot be excluded as a cause of illness.

OxyELITE Pro Super Thermo capsules; OxyELITE Pro Ultra-Intense Thermo capsules; OxyELITE Pro Super Thermo powder and VERSA-1 have been on sale in Ireland.  The implicated supplements are sold via the internet and may be available through outlets that specialise in “sports supplements”.

There is a danger of developing acute non-viral hepatitis (liver disease).

Inspectors are requested to check relevant businesses including gyms, sport supplement retailers and Irish businesses selling supplements from websites. All batches of OxyELITE Pro and VERSA-1 supplements must be removed from sale and a point of sale recall notice displayed. Please notify the FSAI (rapidalert@fsai.ie) of any implicated supplements found on sale and provide the supply chain details.

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers are requested to remove the affected products from sale and clearly display a point of sale recall notice advising customers not to consume OxyELITE Pro and VERSA-1 supplements.

Consumers are advised NOT to consume OxyELITE Pro and VERSA-1 supplements. Consumers who may have already taken these products and are feeling unwell should seek medical advice.

Licorice Used as Medicine. Is it Safe???

Licorice is a plant. You are probably most familiar with it as a flavoring in foods, beverages, and tobacco. The root is used to make medicine. Licorice is used for various digestive system complaints including stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic, and ongoing inflammation of the lining of the stomach (chronic gastritis).

Some people use licorice for sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Licorice is also used for osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), liver disorders, malaria, tuberculosis, food poisoning, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Licorice is sometimes used along with the herbs Panax ginseng and Bupleurum falcatum to improve the function of the adrenal glands, especially in people who have taken steroid drugs long-term. Steroids tend to suppress the activity of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce important hormones that regulate the body’s response to stress.

Licorice is also used in an herbal form called Shakuyaku-kanzo-to to increase fertility in women with a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome. In combination with other herbs, licorice is also used to treat prostate cancer and the skin disorder known as eczema.

Some people use licorice as a shampoo to reduce oiliness in their hair.

Many “licorice” products manufactured in the U.S. actually don't contain any licorice. Instead, they contain anise oil, which has the characteristic smell and taste of “black licorice.”

Licorice interacts with many prescription medicines. Talk to your healthcare provider if you plan to start using licorice.

How effective is it?

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

The effectiveness ratings for LICORICE are as follows:

Possibly effective for...

• Heartburn (dyspepsia), when a combination of licorice and several other herbs is used. These other herbs are peppermint leaf, German chamomile, caraway, lemon balm, clown’s mustard plant, celandine, angelica, and milk thistle. The combination is packaged as a product called Iberogast or STW5. It was developed in 1961 in Germany. Research suggests that taking 1 mL orally three times daily over a period of 4 weeks significantly reduces severity of acid reflux and associated pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...

• Muscle cramps. Preliminary clinical research suggests taking a specific combination of licorice and peony (Shakuyaku-kanzo-to) might reduce muscle cramps in people with liver disease (hepatic cirrhosis) or in people undergoing treatment for kidney failure (hemodialysis).
• Hepatitis. There is some evidence that some of the chemicals in licorice might be effective in treating hepatitis B and hepatitis C when given intravenously (by IV). But the studies involved too few patients to draw firm conclusions.
• Stomach ulcers. There is some evidence that specially prepared licorice will speed the healing of stomach ulcers.
• Weight loss. There is conflicting information about the use of licorice for weight loss. Licorice seems to reduce body fat. However, it causes water retention that can offset any change in body weight.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of licorice for treating eczema.
• Arthritis.
• Lupus.
• Infections.
• Infertility.
• Cough.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Prostate cancer.
• Other conditions.

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

The chemicals contained in licorice are thought to decrease swelling, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the chemicals in our body that heal ulcers.

Are there safety concerns?

Licorice is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when consumed in larger amounts use as medicine, short-term. However, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in large amounts for more than four weeks. Consuming 30 grams or more of licorice daily for several weeks can cause severe side effects including high blood pressure, low potassium in the blood, weakness, paralysis, and occasionally brain damage in otherwise healthy people. In people who eat a lot of salt or have heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, as little as 5 grams per day can cause these problems.

Other side effects of licorice use include tiredness, absence of a menstrual period in women, headache, water and sodium retention, and decreased sexual interest and function in men.

People who chew tobacco flavored with licorice might develop high blood pressure and other serious side effects.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is UNSAFE to take licorice by mouth if you are pregnant. It might cause a miscarriage or early delivery. Not enough is known about the safety of licorice during breast-feeding. Don’t use licorice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

High blood pressure: Licorice can raise blood pressure. Don’t consume large amounts of it if you have high blood pressure.

Heart disease: Licorice can cause the body to store water, and this can make congestive heart failure worse. Licorice can also increase the risk of irregular heartbeat. Don’t consume licorice if you have heart disease.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Licorice might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use licorice.

A muscle condition caused by nerve problems (hypertonia): Licorice can cause the level of potassium to drop in the blood. This can make hypertonia worse. Avoid licorice if you have hypertonia.

Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia): Licorice can lower potassium in the blood. If your potassium is already low, licorice might make it too low. Don’t use licorice if you have this condition.

Sexual problems in men: Licorice can lower a man’s interest in sex and also worsen erectile dysfunction (ED) by lowering levels of a hormone called testosterone.

Kidney disease: Overuse of licorice could make kidney disease worse. Don’t use it.

Surgery: Licorice might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop taking licorice at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Are there interactions with medications?

Major

Do not take this combination.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. The body breaks down warfarin (Coumadin) to get rid of it. Licorice might increase the breakdown and decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Moderate

Be cautious with this combination.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

Estrogens

Licorice seems to change hormone levels in the body. Taking licorice along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.

Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)

Licorice can cause the body to get rid of potassium. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can also cause the body to get rid of potassium. Taking licorice and ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) together might cause potassium to become too low.

Furosemide (Lasix)

Licorice can cause the body to get rid of potassium. Furosemide (Lasix) can also cause the body to get rid of potassium. Taking licorice and furosemide together might cause the potassium levels in your body to go too low.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking licorice along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking licorice, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some of these medications changed by the liver include ketamine (Ketalar), phenobarbital, orphenadrine (Norflex), secobarbital (Seconal), dexamethasone (Decadron), and others.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how the liver breaks down some medications. Taking licorice along with medications that are broken down by the liver might increase or decrease the effects of these medications. Before taking licorice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and warfarin (Coumadin).

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how the liver breaks down some medications. Taking licorice along with medications that are broken down by the liver might increase or decrease the effects of some medications. Before taking licorice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Large amounts of licorice seem to increase blood pressure. By increasing blood pressure, licorice might decrease the effectiveness of medications for high blood pressure.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids)

Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Licorice might also decrease potassium in the body. Taking licorice along with some medications for inflammation might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some medications for inflammation include dexamethasone (Decadron), hydrocortisone (Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), and others.

Water pills (Diuretic drugs)

Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking licorice along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

Herbs that affect the heart

Using too much licorice can decrease potassium in the body. This can damage the heart. Using licorice with herbs that can damage the heart might make this effect worse. Herbs that might damage the heart include digitalis, lily-of-the-valley, pheasant's eye, and squill.

Stimulant laxative herbs

Using too much licorice can decrease potassium in the body. Herbs that have a stimulant laxative effect can also lower potassium in the body. Using licorice along with these herbs can increase the risk of lowering potassium levels too much. Stimulant laxative herbs include aloe vera, alder buckthorn, European buckthorn, cascara sagrada, castor oil, rhubarb, and senna.

Are there interactions with foods?

Grapefruit juice

Drinking grapefruit juice when taking licorice might increase licorice's ability to cause potassium depletion.

Salt

Licorice use can increase sodium and water retention and increase blood pressure. Also, eating a lot of salt can make the side effects of licorice even worse.

What dose is used?

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For upset stomach: A specific combination product containing licorice (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc) and several other herbs has been used in a dose of 1 mL three times daily.

Other names

Acide Glycyrrhizique, Acide Glycyrrhizinique, Alcacuz, Alcazuz, Bois Doux, Bois Sucré, Can Cao, Chinese Licorice, Deglycyrrhized Licorice, Gan Cao, Gan Zao, Glabra, Glycyrrhiza, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza glabra typica, Glycyrrhiza glabra violacea, Glycyrrhiza glabra glandulifera, Glycyrrhiza Radix, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhizae, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhizinic Acid, Isoflavone, Jethi-Madh, Kanzo, Lakritze, Licorice Root, Liquiritiae Radix, Liquirizia, Mulathi, Mulethi, Orozuz, Phytoestrogen, Phyto-œstrogène, Racine de Réglisse, Racine Douce, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Régalissse, Regaliz, Reglisse, Réglisse, Réglisse Déglycyrrhisée, Réglisse Espagnole, Réglisse Russe, Regliz, Russian Licorice, Spanish Licorice, Subholz, Sussholz, Sweet Root, Yashtimadhu, Yashti-Madhu, Yashti-Madhuka, Zhi Gan Cao.

Source National Institute of Health