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Herbal Supplements May Render Migraine Medications Ineffective: Study Points to Wider Lack of Integration of Traditional Medicine and CAM Therapies

By: Michael Long

June 28, 2003 (New York) – Over-the-counter (OTC) herbal products such as gingko biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wart and valerian root can possibly interact with commonly prescribed migraine medications, report researchers from the University of Utah presenting at the American Headache Society. In some instances, these herbs may worsen migraine headaches even when taken without any prescription drugs.

Researchers reported that taking these herbs with the triptan class of drugs and tricyclic antidepressants may lead to toxic interactions because the herbs slow down the body’s ability to break down and safely remove the prescription drugs through the liver.

Selecting the top-selling herbal remedies as reported by the FDA and others, lead researcher Dr. Carlar Rubingh and her colleagues analyzed past research on how the herbs acted within the body and what side effects could be expected. They then matched these mechanisms and side effects with the mechanisms of migraine headaches and migraine medications.

The Ginko biloba leaf, a supplement frequently used to treat senility and other aging problems, has been shown to increase blood flow and neural transmission in the brain. While increasing blood flow in the brain may be desired in treating senility and aging problems, an increase in blood flow to the brain may cause migraine headaches to worsen. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal noted that 28 million Americans over the age of 12 were estimated to suffer from migraine headaches in 1999. The problem also disproportionately affects women.

The problem, however, goes much wider and deeper than just the case of migraine headache medication. Rubingh noted that 40% of Americans have used OTC herbal products. When it is widely reported that even drinking grapefruit juice may interfere with the absorption rates of common prescription drugs, the need to consider the interactions between pharmaceutical, herbal and even food chemicals is medically-significant.

Translating the knowledge that there may be risks in using herbs with prescription drugs, or vice versa, into everyday medical practice poses a significant problem for anyone in the healthcare field today. After the American Headache Society annual meeting ends, when what limited news coverage of the specific interactions in this study dissipates, there should be some new steps taken that can reduce the damage currently being done.

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