Transcript Slide 1

Miracle Herb 2000: A Look at the Evidence
Ann Zweber and Roberto Linares
Oregon State University College of Pharmacy
Introduction
Miracle Herb 2000 has been used for weeks
in several regions of Kentucky. Natives claim
it cures warts and syphilis, as well as cause weight
loss. Although many claims have been made, there is
little evidence for safety and efficacy.
Miracle Herb 2000 is a small shrub that grows on gravel
roadsides. It is characterized by small pink leaves, and
spikes on stems. Traditionally, the spikes are harvested
in the fall and ground into a paste to apply to affected
areas.
Clinical Data
Several small studies have been conducted to evaluate
the efficacy of Miracle Herb 2000 for the treatment of
warts. Results have been inconclusive
• Yoder, et al5 conducted a randomized placebo controlled
trial with 17 patients and found that Miracle Herb 2000
was no better than placebo for the elimination of warts on
elbows. A summary chart would be nice here
•Wu, Smith, and Holler6 conducted an open label trial with
23457 patients with chronic warts. After a six week
treatment with a 10% solution of Miracle Herb 2000, 65%
of the patients reported a reduced number and size of
warts.
Comparison to Conventional Medicine
The FDA has approved 3 other treatments for warts.
Salicylic acid gel and patches are available without a
prescription, and podophyllum toxin is used in a
physician’s office. A comparison table of efficacy,
treatment regimes, adverse effects, safety, and costs is
provided below:
MH 2000
Efficacy
20%
Treatment
Apply 6
times daily
for 6
months
Excessive
hair growth,
hernias,
cancer
Adverse
effects
Biochemistry
Several studies of active constituents of Miracle Herb
2000 have been reported in the literature. MH 2000
contains a variety of flavones and terpenes which may
contribute to its effects1. One component, alpha hydroxy
mega terpene has a unique, and highly unstable pyridine
ring system which may disrupt sulfhydryl bonds in
susceptible amino acids2.
Drug Action
Absorption: Studies of the active components of MH
2000 have demonstrated that several of the are acid
labile. Only one product currently available is an enteric
coated tablet, possibly circumventing rapid inactivation by
gastric acid.
Distribution: No studies have been conducted to
determine the distribution of MH 2000. xxxx is highly
water soluble, indicating that if it is absorbed intact it
would not likely distribute to fat tissues
Metabolism and excretion: Urinalysis of patients using
enteric coated MH 2000 found 15%, 25% and 25% of
xxxx excreted unchanged at 4, 6 and 8 hours.
Safety
Costs
Unknown
Salicylic
acid gel
60%
Salicylic acid Podophyllu
patches
m toxin
63%
70%
Twice
Every 48
daily for 6 hours for 6
weeks
weeks
Once with
follow up in
two weeks
Local
irritation
Local
irritation
Local
irritation,
toxic to …
Contraindicat
ed in
diabetes
$20 for 6
weeks (full)
treatment
Contraindic
ated in
children
Office visit
$75 plus
treatment
$25
Contraindi
cated in
diabetes
$4000 for 6 $15 for 6
month (full) weeks
treatment
(full)
treatment
Precautions and possible complications
Because of the potential teratogenic effects, MH 2000
should not be used in pregnant of nursing women Animal
studies in rats have shown an increase in tumor growth.
Patients who are allergic to plants in the Family Micicaceae
should not use Miracle Herb 2000.
Conclusion
Unwanted effects of Miracle Herb 200 have been reported in
some studies. These include:
•Excessive hair growth (35%)
•Constipation (14%)
•Insomnia(5%)
•Anhedonia (3%)
The safety and efficacy for Miracle Herb 2000 has not
been established. Since herbal products are not
regulated by the FDA, quality and standardization of
products cannot be assured. Although Miracle Herb
2000 may be safe in small amounts for patients without
contraindications, lack of support for its efficacy does
not warrant recommendations for use at this time.
Because Miracle Herb 2000 is metabolized by the
cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, it may increase levels of the
following medications:
•Yrgiptamine
•Somalopram
•Kegrololol
MH 2000 may have an additive effect with:
•Jernilamine
•Pancreopril
Conventional treatments not only offer better data to
support their use, but they may also be more cost
effective and have less adverse effects.
References
1
2
3