Dr. Brinker has organized information on 98 known herbal preparations that beneficially enhance the therapeutic activity of drugs or reduce adverse effects as used for inflammation, chemotherapy, drug abuse and infections. Many will welcome and be able to use this information.
• Unique–A more specialized reader will appreciate the metabolism appendix which provides the most extensive known compilation of herbal influences on drug absorption and metabolism involving transport proteins, cytochrom P450 isoenzymes and conjugating enzymes.
This text scrupulously distinguishes between what is known through empirical clinical observations such as case reports and the data obtained from modern clinical human studies, as well as different types of laboratory research on animals and with tissues and cells, citing over 2700 medical and scientific sources to document these findings. A listing of these references is available upon request.
In addition, the type of preparation cited in studies is described to emphasize differences between preparations from the same herb, along with dosage size and duration. This allows for discriminative understanding of the studies. As well, conflicting results are utilized to put these issues in context.
The main text gives contraindications and drug interactions information for 321 herbs.
Appendices organize information on these 321 and additional herbal remedies into categories addressing specific cautions (such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal absorption, thyroid function, cardiotonic potentials, etc), interactions with particular types of drugs, precautions for mothers, infants and children, drug interactions with vitamins and minerals, and advantageous combinations with medicines used for inflammations, infections, cancer and for addressing substance abuse.
What People Are Saying About This Book
“Francis Brinker is one of the most reliable, thoughtful and authoritative botanical writers of our time. In this new edition of his now classic text, ... Francis’ research takes the issue of herb-drug interactions into a new realm—one that transforms this from a worrisome possible problem to a potential solution for the many patients and practitioners who seek an integrated medical model that incorporates both herbal products and Western drugs safely.
Aviva Romme, M.D., midwife, herbalist
Director, Herbal Medicine for Women Course
President, American Herbalists Guild
Medical Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia
Author, Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health
“One of the best features of this edition, and it is characteristic of all his writings, is the extreme care that Dr. Brinker has taken to carefully explain each section of the book, to assess each of his over 2000 references in detail, and to caution clinicians and researchers alike that in a clinical context all herbs are not equal unless we know how and what was extracted, the dosage form used, and the amount administered. ... It is because of this attention to detail that Dr. Brinker’s interactions books, beginning with the first edition in 1997, have been and continue to be the
gold standard in the interactions field for my clinical practice and for my naturopathic medical students. I am certain you will find it the same for your practice.”
Paul Richard Saunders, Ph.D., N.D., DHANP
Professor of Materia Medica, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
“Kudos to Dr. Brinker for once again plowing through the voluminous mountain of theoretical data that exists and organizing it in a sane, honest, thoughtful, useable guide that keeps us up to date and frees our time to be with patients.”
Jillian Stansbury, N.D.
Physcian, Battle Ground Healing Arts
Chair, Botanical Medicine Department, National College of Natural Medicine
Author, Herbs for Health and Healing
“This is a book I would never want to do without in my clinical practice, my research into botanicals, or my counseling of patients about the safe use of plant medicines. ...”absolutely setting this book apart from other sources exploring herb-drug interactions is the section on Complementary Adjuncts. Dr. Brinker helps [to] open our eyes to useful and beneficial herb-drug combinations.”
David Kiefer, M.D.
Clinical Instructor of Family Medicine, University of Washington
Clinical Assistant Professor Medicine, University of Arizona
Adjunct Faculty, Bastyr University School of Naturopathic Medicine
“Practicing the art of 21st century medicine mandates an understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of herbal remedies. All practitioners crave a single comprehensive, authoritative, and accessible botanical medicine resource to run to when need presents. Without question, this is the one.”
Russell H. Greenfield, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Editor, Alternative Medicine Alert
Table of Contents
Preface to the Fourth Edition
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Herbal Agents - Contraindications, Drug Interactions, and Complementary Adjuncts
Designation of Contraindications, Drug Interactions, Complementary Adjuncts, Side Effects, and Types of Evidence
Legend for Categories
Appendix A – Herbals to Be Used With Caution
1. Due to Potential Allergic Response
2. Due to Potential Photosensitizing Effect
3. Due to Local Irritant Effects When Fresh
4. In Acute Inflammation of the Urinary Tract
5. In Gastrointestinal Irritation
6. In Hypothyroid Conditions or Euthyroid Goiter
7. Due to Potential Adverse Effects
Appendix B – Herbal-Drug Interactions
1. Modifying Intestinal Absorption of Medicines
2. Potentiating Cardiotonic Medicines
3. Potentiating Sedative or Tranquilizing Medicines
4. Modifying Blood Sugar in Diabetics
5. Modifying the Effects of Anticoagulants
6. Concerning Incompatible Gastrointestinal Tract Medications
7. Modifying Enzyme Activities in Metabolic Conversions
Appendix C – Herbals Contraindicated For Mothers and Children
1. During Pregnancy
2. While Breast Feeding
3. In Children
Appendix D – Vitamin/Mineral/Drug Interactions
1. Drug and Mineral Interactions with Vitamin Supplements
2. Drug and Vitamin Interactions with Mineral Supplements
Appendix E – Herbals as Potential Complementary Adjuncts with Medicines
1. Potentially Beneficial Combinations of Herbals with Drugs
2. Herbal Aids for Modifying Substance Abuse
3. Complementing Treatment of Inflammations
4. Enhancing Chemotherapy and Chemoprevention or Reducing the Adverse Effects
5. Herbals for Preventing and Healing Radiation Adverse Effects and/or Enhancing Radiotherapy or Photodynamic Therapy
6. Herbals and Anti-infectious Agents