Are the herbal ingredients in my tablets safe? - #40071
hello i have bought some herbal tablets and they conatin: salacia chinensis anamirta cocculus derris scandens cryptolepis dubia strychnos dracaena conferta eucommia bark are these ingredients safe? thanmk you
Have you taken these herbal tablets before?:
- No, this is my first timeDo you have any known allergies to herbs or plants?:
- No, no known allergiesWhat other medications or supplements are you currently taking?:
- Over-the-counter medicationsDoctor-recommended remedies for this condition

Doctors' responses
Hello Thank you for reaching out with your concern. It’s wise to double-check the safety of herbal ingredients before use — especially when multiple potent herbs are combined.
✅ Understanding the Ingredients
1. Salacia chinensis (Saptarangi) Regulates blood sugar, improves metabolism. Safety: Generally considered safe when used in moderate doses.
2. Anamirta cocculus (Indrajav ) Caution: Contains picrotoxin, a neurotoxic compound in raw form. Not safe for self-medication — used in very minute, processed forms only under medical supervision.
3. Derris scandens Traditional use: Anti-inflammatory, used for joint pain. Safety: Mildly toxic in high doses; may cause drowsiness or liver irritation.
4. Cryptolepis dubia Use: Antimicrobial herb in folk medicine. Safety: Limited clinical data; should be used cautiously.
5. Strychnos (likely Strychnos nux-vomica / Kuchla) ⚠️ Highly toxic if unprocessed — contains strychnine and brucine. Only Shodhit (purified) form is used in Ayurveda in minute doses for nerve and muscle conditions.
6. Dracaena conferta Limited data on medicinal safety. Some species are ornamental and not traditionally used in Ayurveda.
7. Eucommia bark (Eucommia ulmoides) Traditional Chinese herb for bone and joint health. Generally safe in moderate, purified form.
✅ Overall Safety Summary
The combination you listed includes both safe and potentially toxic herbs (especially Anamirta cocculus and Strychnos).
Unless this formulation is: Manufactured by a reputed, licensed Ayurvedic or herbal company, and Prescribed by a qualified practitioner,
➡️ It is not safe to take without supervision.
✅ Ayurvedic Recommendation
If you are seeking a natural supplement for metabolic health, joint support, or general well-being, safer classical alternatives include:
Triphala chorna 1 tsp with warm water at bed time (for detox and digestion)
Guduchi satva 1 tsp with warm water twice daily – immunity and metabolism
Ashwagandha capsule 1-0-1 after food – energy and strength
✅ DIET AND LIFESTYLW SUPPORT
Maintain a light, wholesome diet with freshly cooked food. Avoid chemical or unlabelled supplements. Include herbal teas like ginger–tulsi or cinnamon for safe detox. Drink sufficient water and get adequate rest.
Please consult an Ayurvedic physician or qualified herbal expert before consuming the tablets. Bring the product label so they can check dosage, purity, and possible interactions with your current medications.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm regards, Dr. Snehal Vidhate
Thank you for sharing the ingredient list. I want to be very honest with you. This combination is not safe for general use and some of the herbs listed or known to be toxic if not possessed correctly. For safety, please do not start the tablets unless you have a clear medical guidance and confirmation that the strychnos use is a purified regulated form
YES ITS SEAF DONT WORRY TAKE IT FOR 90 DAYS
Some ingredients in your herbal tablets—like Salacia chinensis and Eucommia bark—are generally safe and used in traditional medicine, but others like Anamirta cocculus, Strychnos, and Cryptolepis dubia may pose risks due to potential toxicity or limited safety data. Please consult an Ayurvedic doctor before use, especially given your kidney and gut sensitivity.
🌿 Safer Ayurvedic Alternatives for Your Symptoms Given your fatigue, anemia, kidney strain, and gut sensitivity, here are gentle Ayurvedic medicines with dosage and anupana (vehicle): 1. Punarnava Mandur – Kidney & anemia support - Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with Warm water after meals
2. Ashwagandha Churna or Tablet – For fatigue & immunity - Dosage: 1–2 grams or 1 tablet twice daily with Warm milk or water
3. Guduchi (Giloy) Satva or Tablet – For immunity & inflammation - Dosage: 500 mg once or twice daily with Warm water or honey
4. Lauh Bhasma (Iron Bhasma) – For anemia - Dosage: 125 mg once daily with Honey + ginger juice
5. Kutki Churna – Liver & gut detox - Dosage: 250–500 mg once daily with warm water before meals
🧘♀️ Gentle Lifestyle Tips - Diet: Warm, nourishing foods like khichdi, ghee, boiled vegetables, and herbal teas - Avoid: Raw, cold, spicy, or junk foods - Massage: Use warm sesame oil or dhanwantharam oil 2–3 times a week - Yoga: Gentle poses and breathing (e.g., Viparita Karani, Supta Baddha Konasana)
HELLO,
Your question regards the safety of the herbal ingredients in the tablets you bought.
Here is the breakdown of each ingredient you’ve listed:
Salacia chinensis - Traditionally used for the management of diabetes and weight. Generally considered safe at moderate doses but may lower blood sugar; caution if taking in conjunction with other glucose-lowering medications.
Anamirta cocculus - contains picrotoxin, a powerful neurotoxin; not considered safe for self-medication, as even in small quantities it can cause seizures, dizziness, and nausea.
Derris scandens: This is used for inflammation and pain; it is generally safe when taken in small doses, though in some individuals it may cause liver enzyme elevations or allergic reactions.
Cryptolepis dubia - The safety data is limited; related species possess antimicrobial action but may also exert liver toxicity following prolonged use.
Strychnos (probably Strychnos nux-vomica) - Highly toxic. Contains strychnine, a chemical producing convulsions and even death in small quantities. Not to be used unless highly processed and standardized under medical supervision.
Dracaena confusa - Very limited data; not a frequently studied medicinal plant. Safety profile unknown.
Eucommia bark, Eucommia ulmoides: This is generally considered safe and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help maintain joint and blood pressure health.
Summary: Unsafe ingredients: Anamirta cocculus, Strychnos (due to neurotoxins). Unknown/limited safety: Dracaena conferta, Cryptolepis dubia. Potentially safe with caution include Salacia chinensis, Derris scandens, Eucommia bark.
Considering the potential toxicity of Strychnos and Anamirta cocculus, these tablets are not to be taken unless prescribed and verified by a licensed herbalist or physician. Herbal products are not always standardized; hence, contamination or overdosing risks are high.
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Buy any herbal medicine from reputed, ISO certified company. Through ingredients are good but these ingredients have to undergo proper standardization, and purification of herbs to make it acceptable to human body. Also please do not self medicate, as it can cause adverse effects, do consult doctor who can guide you about dosage and about its requirement according to the health parameters. You can mention what problem you are facing and what is your health conditions, we will suggest you the right herb that can suit you best.
When considering the safety of herbal ingredients in your tablets, it’s important to look at both traditional uses in Ayurveda and any potential interactions or side effects.
Salacia chinensis is commonly used in Ayurveda for managing diabetes. It’s generally considered safe, but some people might experience digestive upset with it. Anamirta cocculus, on the other hand, involves more caution due to potential toxic properties; it should only be used under professional guidance. Derris scandens (nowadays known as D. elliptica) is sometimes utilized for pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory agent, yet must be taken carefully because higher doses can be problematic.
Cryptolepis dubia, is not a regular in traditional Ayurvedic texts, but some studies link it to antimicrobial properties. However, there’s limited evidence on its effects in humans, raising concerns about its safety in certain amounts. Strychnos species need careful attention as some types can be poisonous; especially S. nux-vomica, known for its toxic alkaloids. This is another ingredient that should be employed only under close supervision of a qualified professional. Dracaena conferta is less commonly mentioned in Ayurveda, making its safety somewhat ambiguous—it’s not extensively researched in contemporary uses.
Eucommia bark often turns up in traditional Chinese medicine more than Ayurveda, appreciated for its benefits to joint health and blood pressure. Though relatively safe, it’s wise to combine with an awareness of any existing health conditions you might have, to avoid adverse reactions.
To ensure safety, a consultation with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in both Ayurvedic herbs and mainstream medicine is advisable before beginning or continuing this herbal supplement. They can provide guidance specific to your health needs, considering possible interactions with existing conditions or medications you might be using.
The safety of these herbal ingredients depends on several factors, including your individual health condition, dosage, and how these herbs interact with each other and with any medications you might be taking. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components:
Salacia chinensis is generally used in traditional medicine for its potential to support blood sugar regulation. It’s typically considered safe, although some people may experience digestive disturbances.
Anamirta cocculus contains picrotoxin, which can be toxic in large amounts. It’s essential to be cautious with the dosage, as it can cause neurological effects.
Derris scandens has been traditionally used for pain relief and inflammation. Again, it’s important to monitor for any adverse reactions, as sensitivities can vary widely.
Cryptolepis dubia has anticonvulsant and antibacterial properties but requires careful dosing due to potential toxicity at higher levels.
Strychnos is of particular concern since it’s known for containing strychnine, which is highly toxic even in small amounts. Consuming this without professional guidance is not advised.
Dracaena conferta isn’t well-studied in scientific literature, so its safety profile remains uncertain. Traditionally, certain Dracaena species are used for various ailments, but more research is needed.
Eucommia bark is used in traditional Chinese medicine to support the musculoskeletal system and is generally considered safe.
Given this mix, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before taking these tablets, especially due to the presence of potentially toxic substances like strychnos. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health needs and circumstances. Safety should always be the priority when dealing with potent herbs. If you experience any side effects or feel unwell after consuming them, seek medical attention promptly.

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