Khella Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Khella Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Khella, a plant commonly found in the Eastern Mediterranean region, is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses. However, when taken orally in high doses or for an extended duration, it can lead to potential liver damage. Additionally, during pregnancy, oral use is considered likely unsafe due to its uterine stimulant activity. Limited information is available about its safety when applied topically. It's best to exercise caution, especially when using khella orally and during pregnancy.

How Is Khella Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Khella exerts its effects through various active constituents found in its dried, ripe fruits. These include visnadin, visnagin, and khellin. Here's how it works:

• Antimicrobial Effects: Khella has some antimicrobial activity due to its khellin and visnagin constituents, which possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
• Bronchodilator Effects: Khella is traditionally used for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Its khellin constituent acts as a bronchodilator, helping to open airways.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Khella is employed for cardiovascular disorders such as angina and hypertension. Visnadin, visnagin, and khellin have cardiovascular effects by blocking calcium channels, dilating blood vessels, and reducing peripheral vascular resistance.
• Vasodilator Effects: Khella's vasodilatory properties make it suitable for treating angina and hypertension.
• Dermatological Effects: Khella, specifically the khellin constituent, is of interest in psoriasis treatment due to its structural similarity to psoralen, making it useful as a photosensitizer for psoriatic patients.

Pharmacokinetics

Khella extract, when taken orally, increases plasma levels of visnagin in animals. This suggests that the active components of khella are absorbed into the bloodstream when ingested.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

Khella may interact with various drugs and supplements, including digoxin, hepatotoxic drugs, and photosensitizing drugs. These interactions can affect the effectiveness of medications and may lead to adverse effects. It's essential to be cautious when combining khella with other substances, and you should consult with a healthcare professional if you're considering such combinations.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Orally, prolonged use or high doses of khella can lead to side effects like nausea, dizziness, constipation, lack of appetite, headache, itching, and insomnia. Additionally, there is a concern that khella might cause photosensitivity. When used topically, its side effects are not well-documented. If you experience any unusual symptoms while using khella, it's advisable to seek medical advice.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Information about the standardization of khella supplements is limited, and there is insufficient reliable data available on this aspect. As a result, it may be challenging to determine the consistency and quality of khella supplements. When considering khella supplements, it's wise to choose reputable brands that provide clear information about their product's composition.

What Is Khella Typically Used For?

Khella finds its application in various health conditions, including:

• Psoriasis: Khella, specifically the khellin constituent, has shown promise in clearing psoriatic lesions when taken orally in combination with sunlight exposure.
• Vitiligo: The use of khellin, either orally or topically, in conjunction with light therapy, has yielded mixed results in vitiligo treatment. Some studies suggest significant re-pigmentation, while others do not show substantial improvement. Further research is needed to establish its effectiveness conclusively.
• Respiratory Conditions: Khella is traditionally used for respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, cough, and whooping cough, primarily due to its bronchodilatory properties.
• Cardiovascular Disorders: Khella has been employed in treating angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, with its constituents exhibiting cardiovascular effects by blocking calcium channels and dilating blood vessels.
• Other Uses: Khella is also used for colic, abdominal cramps, kidney stones, gallbladder disorders, diabetes, menstrual pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), wound healing, and insect bites.

Interactions with Drugs, Supplements, and Conditions

Khella can interact with various drugs and supplements, potentially affecting their efficacy and safety. For example, it may interact with digoxin, hepatotoxic drugs, and photosensitizing drugs, so caution is advised when combining these substances. Additionally, individuals with liver disease should be cautious when using khella, as it can affect liver function tests. It's crucial to discuss potential interactions and concerns with a healthcare provider.

Overdose

There is insufficient reliable information available about the toxicology of khella. To avoid the risk of overdose, it's important to adhere to recommended dosages and seek medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

Drugs that interact with Khella