by Arlene Miles

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Taking a dietary or herbal supplement for a health issue is not as easy as one may think. Although most supplements come from natural sources, not all can be deemed safe and may also contain dozens of compounds. A particular product's active ingredients and their effects may also not be known.

Natural supplements can also interact with prescription and over-the-counter drugs in some circumstances. What's more, what you think you should take and what your doctor prescribes may not be the same. For our purposes, we will delineate the advantages and drawbacks to the largest selling supplements according to Mayoclinic.com.

Glucosamine/chondroitin

This combination is by far the best-selling supplement used in the United States. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage. Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced by the body distributed in connective tissue. Chondroitin is a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water.

Glucosamine/chondrotin is used to relieve joint paint in individuals with osteoarthritis. Studies have varied regarding the efficacy of this treatment, but when taken in combination, glucosamine/chondrotin appears to have the same pain-reducing effect as ibuprofen with fewer side effects.These are mild, producing mostly stomach upset. Individuals allergic to shellfish should avoid this supplement as it is made from shellfish coverings.

Ginkgo biloba

This herb has been used for thousands of years to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Ginkgo is widely used in Europe to treat dementia as studies indicate that the herb appears to dilate blood vessels which improve blood flow to the brain. Because of this reported benefit, gingko has been deemed "the memory herb" and is recommended to help improve overall thinking and memory. Gingko also provides relief for individuals with intermittent claudation, which is pain in the legs due to insufficient blood flow.

The flavinoids found in ginkgo may halt or lessen retinal problems, particularly for individuals with diabetically-induced eye disease as well as macular degeneration. Other ailments for which ginkgo is prescribed include tinnitus, asthma, depression, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo.

Side effects are rare but can include diarrhea, edema, erythema, headache, irritability, restlessness, and nausea and vomiting. According to recent studies, Ginkgo biloba extracts should not be used while taking blood

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