Know how to read labels well - Raspberry Ketone and other plants

Raspberry ketone is a chemical compound isolated from the raspberry species Rubus idaeus L., cultivated in Portugal. This ketone compound is sometimes included in formulations (e.g., drinkable liquid concentrates) to complement weight loss programs. However, there is no clinical evidence or scientific evidence to support this claim. The scarcity of long-term studies limits conclusions regarding the safety and health risks associated with the consumption of products containing raspberry ketone. However, it is known that it can cause organic disorders in patients with hypertension, asthma or COPD due to its potential stimulant properties.

As important as the fact that it is a chemical substance included in products whose indication addresses weight loss, is the quantity in which it is found. This and other cases serve as a recommendation and warning for those who consume or intend to start consuming a product of this type. Before taking it, it is extremely important to know how to read the label and understand what is actually there, that is, to know what the product contains and in what quantities, as most of the time the “name” of the product only translates one type. of compound, and not the mixture that is actually inside the packaging and which can cause significant damage to the body.

As examples we have:

• GREEN TEA (Camellia sinensis L.) which has a large amount of caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant contraindicated in cases of hypertension and anxiety disorders.
• APPLE VINEGAR, which in addition to reducing potassium levels in the blood and thus interfering with some medications (Digoxin and Thiazide Diuretics, for example), can cause corrosion in the tissues lining the stomach and thus develop into an ulcer.
• MANGOSTONE has been shown to reduce the activity of some liver enzymes, putting into question the availability of some medications in the body (Warfarin, Valproic acid, phenytoin, paclitaxel, for example).

Bibliography:

• Miller, L. G.; D. Pharm. BCPS. Selected Clinical Considerations Focusing on Known or Potential Drug-Herb Interactions. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(20):2200-2211.

• Foti, R.S.; Pearson, J.T.; Rock, D.A.; Wahlstrom, J.L.; Wienkers, L.C. In Vitro Inhibition of Multiple Cytochrome P450 Isoforms by Xanthone Derivatives from Mangosteen Extract. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 2009; 37:1848-1855.