Is That Herbal Supplement Safe?

Patients who have high blood pressure probably should not take ginseng. In addition, Saint John?s wort can interfere with chemotherapy, and garlic capsules and gingko biloba can prevent blood from clotting postsurgery.

This information on herbal interactions and side effects comes from a new Web site created by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The site provides up-to-date information on the safety and efficacy of 135 of the most popular herbal remedies and dietary supplements. The Web address is www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm.