Suspected adverse reactions associated with herbal products used for weight loss: a case series reported to the Italian National Institute of Health.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe suspected adverse reactions (ARs) associated with herbal products used for weight control in Italy.


METHODS
Spontaneous reports of suspected ARs associated with herbal products used for weight control were collected by the Italian National Institute of Health (April 2002 to June 2010), and the causality assessment was performed.


RESULTS
Forty-six of the suspected ARs were associated with herbal products used for weight control. Women were involved in 85% of the reports. The reactions affected mainly the cardiovascular system, the skin, the digestive system, the central nervous system, and the liver. A large proportion of ARs were serious. In more than half of the suspected ARs, the use of other therapies (herbs and/or drugs) was reported, while concomitant conditions were present in 22% of the reports.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of herbal dietary supplements for weight loss is associated with several ARs. Considering the risk/benefit ratio, consumers should pay attention when using these products.
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy. annabella.vitalone@uniroma1.it
Annabella
A
Vitalone
Francesca
F
Menniti-Ippolito
Paola Angela
PA
Moro
Fabio
F
Firenzuoli
Roberto
R
Raschetti
Gabriela
G
Mazzanti
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
D028321:Plant Preparations
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