Miracle Herb 2000: A Look at the Evidence

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
physicians office. A comparison table of
efficacy, treatment regimes, adverse effects,
safety, and costs is provided below
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.

• 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.
• Unwanted effects of Miracle Herb 200 have been
  reported in some studies. These include
• Excessive hair growth (35)
• Constipation (14)
• Insomnia(5)
• Anhedonia (3)
• 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

Conclusion 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. Conventional treatments not
only offer better data to support their use, but
they may also be more cost effective and have
less adverse effects.
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.
References 1 2 3