In a new scientific statement citing Natural Medicines, the American Heart Association (AHA) warns against the use of many supplements in people with heart failure. St. John's wort, grapefruit juice, ginseng, hawthorn, danshen, black cohosh, and green tea are among those discussed for their potential to cause significant interactions with commonly used heart failure medications. Other natural medicines, including aconite, gossypol, licorice, and yohimbine are noted for their potential to cause harmful cardiovascular effects, including high blood pressure and decreased heart rate. Ephedra, a banned substance in the US, is also warned against as it raises blood pressure, can stimulate the heart, and make chest pain and irregular heartbeat worse.
For more details on specific drug interactions associated with these supplements, please review our scientific monographs on each product, or try our interaction checker.
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