January 2005
| Don't mix cholesterol lowerers An herbal supplement marketed for reducing cholesterol may interfere dangerously with many prescription drugs, including those prescribed for high cholesterol. Researchers at the University of Kansas found that guggulsterone, a plant sterol and the active ingredient in the supplement gugulipid (GNC Fingerprinted Gugulipid, 1-EZ Diet Gugu), triggers a liver enzyme that reduces the effectiveness of more than half of the prescription drugs on the market. Affected drugs include the cholesterol-lowering statins and medicines used to treat AIDS and cancer. If you're on prescription medication, consult your doctor before taking gugulipid or other supplements. |
