Doctors with the Rotterdam Cancer Institute in the Netherlands recently told members of the American Association for Cancer Research that St. John's Wort, a popular herbal dietary supplement frequently used to treat depression, may interfere with the effects of a common cancer drug.
Dr. Ron Mathijssen, who headed the study, presented evidence that showed the supplement significantly hindered the normal course of Camptosar, a medication used to treat colorectal cancer. More importantly, the negative effects of St. John's Wort persisted for several weeks after patients stopped using the herb.
Health officials recently warned consumers that St. John's Wort may interfere with medications for HIV / AIDS, birth control, heart disease, organ transplants and seizures.
See InjuryBoard's page on St. John's Wort and consult with a physician if you have suffered negative side effects of taking the supplement.