PUAMA
It's "100% pure and natural ingredients" work to fight many problems of the respiratory system. ...it goes on to say "Hydrastis" heals cicatrizant membranes by helping to remove scar tissue....
OOOHHHH. That's what it says at the website, so it must be true, right?
Here's a rather more scientific evaluation of hydrastis:
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Purported Use: Antimicrobial for urinary tract infections, astringent, antihemorrhagic, adulterant of illicit drugs (morphine, cocaine, and marijuana) in urinalysis tests, eye washes, rheumatic or muscular pain, antispasmodic, and treatment of menstrual disorders.
German Commission E Indications: Information unavailable.
Efficacy: Clinical experience suggests goldenseal may "cleanse" the liver or blood and restore digestive function in alcoholics. Unproven as an agent for urinary tract infections and hemorrhage.
Wu et al. evaluated the effect of adulterants on urine screening for drugs of abuse by using the cloned enzyme donor immunoassay (CEDIA) technique. Goldenseal tea altered urine assays containing amphetamines and tetrahydrocannabinol but not assays containing barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, or phencylidine.
Mechanism of Action: Unknown. Goldenseal contains berberine that has antibacterial and amoebicidal properties.
Contraindications/Precautions: Avoid in pregnancy-uterine stimulant. Not recommended for internal use because safety and efficacy are lacking.
Drug Interactions: None reported.
Side Effects: Large doses may irritate the mouth and throat and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypoglycemia, and paresthesias. In higher doses, one of the alkaloids (hydrastine) may cause exaggerated reflexes, hypertension, and convulsions. CNS stimulation and respiratory failure may be fatal.
Dosage (mouthwash): 2 teaspoons (6 grams) of herb and 1 cup of water TID-QID.
References: Wu AH et al. CEDIA for screening drugs of abuse in urine and the effect of adulterants. J Forensic Sciences 1995;40(4):614-8
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