Herbal medicines when administered in large doses, or combined with prescription drugs, or injected can lead to potential fatal conditions, according to a forensic pathologist from the University of Adelaide.

The highly toxic behavior of herbal medicines, most of which were considered to be safe by many, was outlined in a paper by Professor Roger Byard that was published in the US-based Journal of Forensic Sciences.

From News-Medical.Net:

In his paper he cites the case of an epileptic patient on prescription medicine who had also ingested a Chinese herbal preparation and lapsed into a coma. Cushing syndrome, a hormonal disorder, has also been linked to the ingestion of steroids and herbal cures mixed together.

Some herbal medicines may also have a variety of effects on standard drugs, according to Professor Byard. St John’s Wort can reduce the effects of warfarin and cause intermenstrual bleeding in women taking the oral contraceptive pill.

Gingko and garlic also increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulants and certain herbal remedies such as Borage Oil and Evening Primrose Oil lower the seizure threshold in epileptics.

Professor Byard says the American Society of Anesthesiologists has recommended its patients discontinue using herbal medicines at least two weeks before surgery because of the risks of herbal and drug interaction, including an increased chance of hemorrhaging.

Professor Byard remarked that people with a habit to combine herbal medicines with standard drugs to optimize efficiency may face devastating results.

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