Editorial

Pancreatitis after Herbal Supplement Consumption

Authors: Mankanwal S. Sachdev, MD

Abstract

The paper by Hillesheim and Whitcomb describes an interesting report of a young female who develops pancreatitis after consuming a popular herbal supplement used for improving sexual libido. This case reminds us of two key issues: first of all, herbal products and supplements are becoming more important to our daily practice of medicine; and, secondly, one must remember to consider them as a possible etiology of disease processes.

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References

1. Bent S, Ko R. Commonly used herbal medicines in the United States: a review [see comment]. Am J Med 2004;116:478–485.
 
2. Dietary Supplement Regulatory Implementation Act of 2005 (2005).
 
3. De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. N Engl J Med 2002;347:2046–2056.
 
4. Marcus DM, Grollman AP. Botanical medicines: the need for new regulations. N Engl J Med 2002;347:2073–2076.
 
5. Bonakdar RA. Herbal cancer cures on the Web: noncompliance with The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Fam Med 2002;34: 522–527.