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Dear List-family... Recent List discussion about PD & disbetes indicated to me that there's a number of List members and/their family members living with diabetes. Therefore, when I came across the following report, I copied and posted it here for those who might need to read it. Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] FDA warns diabetics to shun five Chinese herb products WASHINGTON (February 25, 2000 7:05 a.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - Diabetics are being warned by the Food and Drug Administration to avoid five brands of Chinese herbal products because the herbs illegally contain prescription drugs that could cause dangerous drops in blood sugar. Makers of the products say they contain only natural Chinese herbs. But after a diabetic herb user had several episodes of hypoglycemia, California investigators discovered that the products also contain the prescription diabetes drugs glyburide and phenformin. Consumers can receive a dangerously high amount of the drugs from the affected herbs, California's health department concluded - and herb users in particular are at risk if they also take regular diabetes medicine. "People with diabetes should avoid these products and consult their physician if they've been taking them," the FDA warned Thursday. In particular, people who suffer fatigue, excessive hunger, profuse sweating or numbness after taking the herbs should call a doctor. Affected products are: -Diabetes Hypoglucose Capsules, sold by Chinese Angel Health Products of Santa Monica, Calif. -Pearl Hypoglycemic Capsules, imported by Sino American Health Products Inc. of Torrance, Calif., but also sold by Chinese Angel. -Tongyitang Diabetes Angel Pearl Hypoglycemic Capsules and Tongyitang Diabetes Angel Hypoglycemic Capsules, sold by Sino American. -Zhen Qi Capsules, sold by Sino American. The FDA has stopped imports of the products and is investigating how the drugs were added to the herbs and whether any other herbal products are contaminated. Chinese Angel and Sino American have agreed to recall the products, which may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.