ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sales of herbal dietary supplements have increased dramatically. A patient case drew our attention to the problem of incomplete declaration of content. METHODS: Two dietary supplements which the manufacturers claim to be natural, extremely fat-burning and energizing were analysed, as were urine and serum samples from persons taking these supplements. RESULTS: Surprisingly, the herbal dietary supplements contained drugs. Diazepam, clonazepam, ephedrine and metabolites were found when analyzing serum samples after intake of the dietary supplement Thermo-X 650, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine after intake of the Purple Burn supplement. INTERPRETATION: Use of herbal dietary supplement can have serious consequences, for instance through interactions with drug therapy. Consumers must be given sufficient product information for safe use.
