Re: Info Re: kombucha, from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

[Guest guest]

" Adverse ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast infections (12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in 20

people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic conditions (10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have been

associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of lead poisoning

have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a lead-glazed

ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported

from Kombucha as well, including two cases of allergic reaction, one case of

jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain (11). One case of

hepatotoxicity has also been reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2). "

-----------------------------------

Okay, so, added all together this is about 30-40 people... and this is why we

shouldn't use it? And yet the media is BOMBARDED with drug ads that all talk

about adverse effects and possible death - and yet no one berates them for using

it! Huh... yet another sign that the world just can't cope with those who want

to be different and - shall I dare say it - take a personal interest in their

own health and do something about it. How rude of us to want to do that. This

information just plain irks me. Can I just ask this simple question? How many of

you have had anthrax or died from KT?..... I thought so.

Info Re: kombucha, from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

Kombucha

var tabs = []; tabs.width = " 180px " ; tabs[tabs.length] = {id: " Professional " ,

label: " Healthcare Professional " }; tabs[tabs.length] = {id: " Consumer " ,

label: " Consumer " }; writeTabs( " herbs " , tabs); function logTab(name, id){new

Image().src = " /mskcc_resources/forms/herbs/log/track_monograph.cfm?LView= " +

((name == " Consumer " )? " CON " : " HC " ) + " & LogTerm=Kombucha & TimeStamp= " + new

Date().getTime()}Healthcare Professional

Consumer

How It Works

Purported Uses

Research Evidence

Warnings

Do Not Take If

Side Effects

Common Name

Clinical Summary

Purported uses

Constituents

Mechanism of Action

Warnings

Contraindications

Adverse Reactions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Literature Summary and Critique

References

How It WorksBottom Line: Kombucha tea has not been shown to be beneficial to

humans. The process of fermenting Kombucha tea encourages contamination and

serious adverse effects have been reported. Contaminated Kombucha tea can be

especially dangerous for people with impaired immune systems including many

patients with cancer or AIDS.

Not a fungus, the Kombucha " mushroom " is a symbiotic culture of yeasts and

bacteria that grows inside a semi-permeable membrane. Kombucha tea is prepared

by fermenting sweetened black tea with Kombucha for seven to ten days. Kombucha

tea, a slightly carbonated and acidic drink, has been used to treat a wide

variety of symptoms and diseases. Kombucha tea has high levels of caffeine,

sugar and B vitamins which may account for some of its purported benefits.

Kombucha has been shown to have wide antibiotic and antioxidant effects in

animals; however few benefits have been shown in humans. Allergic reaction and

sever adverse reactions due to contamination have been reported.

top

---------------------------------

Purported Uses

To treat acne

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat anxiety

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat atherosclerosis (the formation of plaque on the arteries)

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat cancer

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have antioxidant effects; however no

studies support this use in humans.

To treat constipation

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat diabetes

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat fatigue

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat gallbladder disease

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat headaches

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To maintain overall health

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat hemorrhoids

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat AIDS

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To lower blood pressure

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To stimulate the immune system

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have immune stimulating activity;

however there is no evidence to support this use in humans.

To treat arthritis

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat stress

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

top

---------------------------------

Research EvidenceNo clinical studies of Kombucha in humans have been found in

published literature.

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike

approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific

standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may

be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or

effectiveness.

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a glazed

ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

Do Not Take IfIf your immune system is suppressed, you should avoid Kombucha

beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment.

top

---------------------------------

Side Effects

Stomach problems

Yeast infections

Anthrax contamination

Allergic reaction

Jaundice

Head and neck pain

Impairment of liver function

top

---------------------------------

Common NameChampagne of Life, Manchurian Fungus, Manchurian mushroom, Tea

Fungus, Kargasok Tea, Haipao, Fungus Japanicus, Combucha, Kwassan, Spumonto,

T'Chai from the Sea, Tschambucco

top

---------------------------------

Clinical SummaryPrepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a symbiotic

culture of yeasts and bacteria, Kombucha tea has been used to treat a wide

variety of symptoms as well as certain diseases such as cancer, AIDS and

diabetes (3). The high caffeine and sugar content of the tea may account for

increased energy some users have reported following consumption of the product

(4). Animal studies have shown potent antioxidant, immunostimulating (5), and

hepato-protective (6) effects with limited toxicity (7), however clinical

studies in humans are lacking (8). Because of the method of preparation,

Kombucha can easily become contaminated. Allergic reactions, jaundice, serious

illness and occasionally death have been associated with the consumption of

home-grown Kombucha tea (9) (10) (11). Kombucha may reduce the absorption of

drugs that are sensitive to the pH level of the stomach (12).

top

---------------------------------

Purported uses

Acne

Atherosclerosis

Cancer treatment

Constipation

Diabetes

Fatigue

GI disorders

Headaches

Health maintenance

Hemorrhoids

HIV and AIDS

Hypertension

Immunostimulation

Osteoarthritis

Stress

top

---------------------------------

Constituents

Alcohol (0.5%)

Acids: acetic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glucuronic acid, hyaluronic

acid, chondroitin sulfate acid.

Bacteria: Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans

Yeasts: Brettanomyces, Zygosaccharomyces and Saccharomyces (1) (2)

top

---------------------------------

Mechanism of ActionPreparation of Kombucha tea yields a slightly carbonated,

acidic, fermented drink. Researchers have demonstrated Kombucha's antimicrobial

activity against a large number of pathogenic microorganisms even at neutral pH

and after denaturation. This suggests that Kombucha contains antimicrobial

compounds other than acetic acid and large proteins (13). In addition, Kombucha

tea has been shown to have high levels of B vitamins (14). Because of the method

of culture, it is easy for Kombucha to become contaminated with other organisms.

Contamination with Anthrax (10) and Aspergillus (14), a fungus that is dangerous

to people with lowered immune systems, have been reported. Green tea can

stimulate the Kombucha fermentation better than black tea, however it is

generally not used (3).

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a glazed

ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

ContraindicationsPatients with suppressed immune systems should not consume

Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment (1).

top

---------------------------------

Adverse ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast infections (12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in 20

people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic conditions (10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have been

associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of lead poisoning

have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a lead-glazed

ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported

from Kombucha as well, including two cases of allergic reaction, one case of

jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain (11). One case of

hepatotoxicity has also been reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2).

top

---------------------------------

Herb-Drug InteractionsKombucha tea is acidic. This may affect the

bioavailability of drugs that depend on the pH levels of the stomach for

dissolution and absorption(12).

top

---------------------------------

Literature Summary and CritiqueA systematic review of clinical evidence found

no clinical trials on humans (8).

top

---------------------------------

References

Mayser P, Fromme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the 'tea

fungus Kombucha'. Mycoses 1995;38:289-95.

Perron AD, JA, Yanofsky NN. Kombucha " mushroom " hepatotoxicity.

Ann.Emerg.Med 1995;26:660-1.

Greenwalt CJ, Steinkraus KH, Ledford RA. Kombucha, the fermented tea:

microbiology, composition, and claimed health effects. J Food Prot.

2000;63:976-81.

Majchrowicz M. Kombucha: a dubious " cure " . GMHC.Treat.Issues 1995;9:10.

Dipti P, Yogesh B, Kain AK, ine T, Anju B, Sairam M et al. Lead induced

oxidative stress: beneficial effects of Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci.

2003;16:276-82.

ine T, Dipti P, Anju B, Kavimani S, Sharma SK, Kain AK et al. Studies on

toxicity, anti-stress and hepato-protective properties of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2001;14:207-13.

Vijayaraghavan R, Singh M, Rao PV, Bhattacharya R, Kumar P, Sugendran K et al.

Subacute (90 days) oral toxicity studies of Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci.

2000;13:293-9.

Ernst E. Kombucha: a systematic review of the clinical evidence.

Forsch.Komplementarmed.Klass.Naturheilkd. 2003;10:85-7.

Unexplained severe illness possibly associated with consumption of Kombucha

tea--Iowa, 1995. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JAMA

1996;275:96-8.

Sadjadi J. Cutaneous anthrax associated with the Kombucha " mushroom " in Iran.

JAMA 1998;280:1567-8.

Srinivasan R, Smolinske S, Greenbaum D. Probable gastrointestinal toxicity of

Kombucha tea: is this beverage healthy or harmful? J Gen.Intern Med

1997;12:643-4.

Kombucha--toxicity alert. Crit Path.AIDS Proj. 1994;31-2.

Sreeramulu G, Zhu Y, Knol W. Kombucha fermentation and its antimicrobial

activity. J Agric.Food Chem. 2000;48:2589-94.

Gamundi R,.Valdivia M. [The Kombucha mushroom: two different opinions].

Sidahora. 1995;34-5.

Phan TG, Estell J, Duggin G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead poisoning from

drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J Aust. 1998;169:644-6.

MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series. 120. 2004. Thomson MICROMEDEX.

---------------------------------

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Sorry, I posted this for the information that KT actually made it to some type

of official medical website, not to argue about use of KT!

KT is great, but some precautions related to preparation and growth conditions

should be used.

Marina

Heinz <luv2scrap@...> wrote: " Adverse

ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast infections (12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in 20

people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic conditions (10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have been

associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of lead poisoning

have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a lead-glazed

ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported

from Kombucha as well, including two cases of allergic reaction, one case of

jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain (11). One case of

hepatotoxicity has also been reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2). "

-----------------------------------

Okay, so, added all together this is about 30-40 people... and this is why we

shouldn't use it? And yet the media is BOMBARDED with drug ads that all talk

about adverse effects and possible death - and yet no one berates them for using

it! Huh... yet another sign that the world just can't cope with those who want

to be different and - shall I dare say it - take a personal interest in their

own health and do something about it. How rude of us to want to do that. This

information just plain irks me. Can I just ask this simple question? How many of

you have had anthrax or died from KT?..... I thought so.

Info Re: kombucha, from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

Kombucha

var tabs = []; tabs.width = " 180px " ; tabs[tabs.length] = {id: " Professional " ,

label: " Healthcare Professional " }; tabs[tabs.length] = {id: " Consumer " ,

label: " Consumer " }; writeTabs( " herbs " , tabs); function logTab(name, id){new

Image().src = " /mskcc_resources/forms/herbs/log/track_monograph.cfm?LView= " +

((name == " Consumer " )? " CON " : " HC " ) + " & LogTerm=Kombucha & TimeStamp= " + new

Date().getTime()}Healthcare Professional

Consumer

How It Works

Purported Uses

Research Evidence

Warnings

Do Not Take If

Side Effects

Common Name

Clinical Summary

Purported uses

Constituents

Mechanism of Action

Warnings

Contraindications

Adverse Reactions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Literature Summary and Critique

References

How It WorksBottom Line: Kombucha tea has not been shown to be beneficial to

humans. The process of fermenting Kombucha tea encourages contamination and

serious adverse effects have been reported. Contaminated Kombucha tea can be

especially dangerous for people with impaired immune systems including many

patients with cancer or AIDS.

Not a fungus, the Kombucha " mushroom " is a symbiotic culture of yeasts and

bacteria that grows inside a semi-permeable membrane. Kombucha tea is prepared

by fermenting sweetened black tea with Kombucha for seven to ten days. Kombucha

tea, a slightly carbonated and acidic drink, has been used to treat a wide

variety of symptoms and diseases. Kombucha tea has high levels of caffeine,

sugar and B vitamins which may account for some of its purported benefits.

Kombucha has been shown to have wide antibiotic and antioxidant effects in

animals; however few benefits have been shown in humans. Allergic reaction and

sever adverse reactions due to contamination have been reported.

top

---------------------------------

Purported Uses

To treat acne

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat anxiety

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat atherosclerosis (the formation of plaque on the arteries)

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat cancer

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have antioxidant effects; however no

studies support this use in humans.

To treat constipation

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat diabetes

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat fatigue

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat gallbladder disease

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat headaches

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To maintain overall health

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat hemorrhoids

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat AIDS

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To lower blood pressure

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To stimulate the immune system

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have immune stimulating activity;

however there is no evidence to support this use in humans.

To treat arthritis

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat stress

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

top

---------------------------------

Research EvidenceNo clinical studies of Kombucha in humans have been found in

published literature.

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike

approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific

standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may

be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or

effectiveness.

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a glazed ceramic

pot.

top

---------------------------------

Do Not Take IfIf your immune system is suppressed, you should avoid Kombucha

beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment.

top

---------------------------------

Side Effects

Stomach problems

Yeast infections

Anthrax contamination

Allergic reaction

Jaundice

Head and neck pain

Impairment of liver function

top

---------------------------------

Common NameChampagne of Life, Manchurian Fungus, Manchurian mushroom, Tea

Fungus, Kargasok Tea, Haipao, Fungus Japanicus, Combucha, Kwassan, Spumonto,

T'Chai from the Sea, Tschambucco

top

---------------------------------

Clinical SummaryPrepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a symbiotic

culture of yeasts and bacteria, Kombucha tea has been used to treat a wide

variety of symptoms as well as certain diseases such as cancer, AIDS and

diabetes (3). The high caffeine and sugar content of the tea may account for

increased energy some users have reported following consumption of the product

(4). Animal studies have shown potent antioxidant, immunostimulating (5), and

hepato-protective (6) effects with limited toxicity (7), however clinical

studies in humans are lacking (8). Because of the method of preparation,

Kombucha can easily become contaminated. Allergic reactions, jaundice, serious

illness and occasionally death have been associated with the consumption of

home-grown Kombucha tea (9) (10) (11). Kombucha may reduce the absorption of

drugs that are sensitive to the pH level of the stomach (12).

top

---------------------------------

Purported uses

Acne

Atherosclerosis

Cancer treatment

Constipation

Diabetes

Fatigue

GI disorders

Headaches

Health maintenance

Hemorrhoids

HIV and AIDS

Hypertension

Immunostimulation

Osteoarthritis

Stress

top

---------------------------------

Constituents

Alcohol (0.5%)

Acids: acetic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glucuronic acid, hyaluronic

acid, chondroitin sulfate acid.

Bacteria: Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans

Yeasts: Brettanomyces, Zygosaccharomyces and Saccharomyces (1) (2)

top

---------------------------------

Mechanism of ActionPreparation of Kombucha tea yields a slightly carbonated,

acidic, fermented drink. Researchers have demonstrated Kombucha's antimicrobial

activity against a large number of pathogenic microorganisms even at neutral pH

and after denaturation. This suggests that Kombucha contains antimicrobial

compounds other than acetic acid and large proteins (13). In addition, Kombucha

tea has been shown to have high levels of B vitamins (14). Because of the method

of culture, it is easy for Kombucha to become contaminated with other organisms.

Contamination with Anthrax (10) and Aspergillus (14), a fungus that is dangerous

to people with lowered immune systems, have been reported. Green tea can

stimulate the Kombucha fermentation better than black tea, however it is

generally not used (3).

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a glazed

ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

ContraindicationsPatients with suppressed immune systems should not consume

Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment (1).

top

---------------------------------

Adverse ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast infections (12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in

20 people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic conditions (10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have been

associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of lead poisoning

have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a lead-glazed

ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported

from Kombucha as well, including two cases of allergic reaction, one case of

jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain (11). One case of

hepatotoxicity has also been reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2).

top

---------------------------------

Herb-Drug InteractionsKombucha tea is acidic. This may affect the

bioavailability of drugs that depend on the pH levels of the stomach for

dissolution and absorption(12).

top

---------------------------------

Literature Summary and CritiqueA systematic review of clinical evidence found

no clinical trials on humans (8).

top

---------------------------------

References

Mayser P, Fromme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the 'tea

fungus Kombucha'. Mycoses 1995;38:289-95.

Perron AD, JA, Yanofsky NN. Kombucha " mushroom " hepatotoxicity.

Ann.Emerg.Med 1995;26:660-1.

Greenwalt CJ, Steinkraus KH, Ledford RA. Kombucha, the fermented tea:

microbiology, composition, and claimed health effects. J Food Prot.

2000;63:976-81.

Majchrowicz M. Kombucha: a dubious " cure " . GMHC.Treat.Issues 1995;9:10.

Dipti P, Yogesh B, Kain AK, ine T, Anju B, Sairam M et al. Lead induced

oxidative stress: beneficial effects of Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci.

2003;16:276-82.

ine T, Dipti P, Anju B, Kavimani S, Sharma SK, Kain AK et al. Studies on

toxicity, anti-stress and hepato-protective properties of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2001;14:207-13.

Vijayaraghavan R, Singh M, Rao PV, Bhattacharya R, Kumar P, Sugendran K et

al. Subacute (90 days) oral toxicity studies of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2000;13:293-9.

Ernst E. Kombucha: a systematic review of the clinical evidence.

Forsch.Komplementarmed.Klass.Naturheilkd. 2003;10:85-7.

Unexplained severe illness possibly associated with consumption of Kombucha

tea--Iowa, 1995. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JAMA

1996;275:96-8.

Sadjadi J. Cutaneous anthrax associated with the Kombucha " mushroom " in Iran.

JAMA 1998;280:1567-8.

Srinivasan R, Smolinske S, Greenbaum D. Probable gastrointestinal toxicity of

Kombucha tea: is this beverage healthy or harmful? J Gen.Intern Med

1997;12:643-4.

Kombucha--toxicity alert. Crit Path.AIDS Proj. 1994;31-2.

Sreeramulu G, Zhu Y, Knol W. Kombucha fermentation and its antimicrobial

activity. J Agric.Food Chem. 2000;48:2589-94.

Gamundi R,.Valdivia M. [The Kombucha mushroom: two different opinions].

Sidahora. 1995;34-5.

Phan TG, Estell J, Duggin G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead poisoning from

drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J Aust. 1998;169:644-6.

MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series. 120. 2004. Thomson MICROMEDEX.

---------------------------------

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately they think it's EVIL.....................

Info Re: kombucha, from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

Kombucha

var tabs = []; tabs.width = " 180px " ; tabs[tabs.length] = {id: " Professional " ,

label: " Healthcare Professional " }; tabs[tabs.length] = {id: " Consumer " ,

label: " Consumer " }; writeTabs( " herbs " , tabs); function logTab(name, id){new

Image().src = " /mskcc_resources/forms/herbs/log/track_monograph.cfm?LView= " +

((name == " Consumer " )? " CON " : " HC " ) + " & LogTerm=Kombucha & TimeStamp= " + new

Date().getTime()}Healthcare Professional

Consumer

How It Works

Purported Uses

Research Evidence

Warnings

Do Not Take If

Side Effects

Common Name

Clinical Summary

Purported uses

Constituents

Mechanism of Action

Warnings

Contraindications

Adverse Reactions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Literature Summary and Critique

References

How It WorksBottom Line: Kombucha tea has not been shown to be beneficial to

humans. The process of fermenting Kombucha tea encourages contamination and

serious adverse effects have been reported. Contaminated Kombucha tea can be

especially dangerous for people with impaired immune systems including many

patients with cancer or AIDS.

Not a fungus, the Kombucha " mushroom " is a symbiotic culture of yeasts and

bacteria that grows inside a semi-permeable membrane. Kombucha tea is prepared

by fermenting sweetened black tea with Kombucha for seven to ten days. Kombucha

tea, a slightly carbonated and acidic drink, has been used to treat a wide

variety of symptoms and diseases. Kombucha tea has high levels of caffeine,

sugar and B vitamins which may account for some of its purported benefits.

Kombucha has been shown to have wide antibiotic and antioxidant effects in

animals; however few benefits have been shown in humans. Allergic reaction and

sever adverse reactions due to contamination have been reported.

top

---------------------------------

Purported Uses

To treat acne

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat anxiety

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat atherosclerosis (the formation of plaque on the arteries)

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat cancer

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have antioxidant effects; however no

studies support this use in humans.

To treat constipation

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat diabetes

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat fatigue

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat gallbladder disease

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat headaches

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To maintain overall health

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat hemorrhoids

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat AIDS

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To lower blood pressure

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To stimulate the immune system

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have immune stimulating activity;

however there is no evidence to support this use in humans.

To treat arthritis

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat stress

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

top

---------------------------------

Research EvidenceNo clinical studies of Kombucha in humans have been found in

published literature.

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike

approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific

standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may

be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or

effectiveness.

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a glazed

ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

Do Not Take IfIf your immune system is suppressed, you should avoid Kombucha

beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment.

top

---------------------------------

Side Effects

Stomach problems

Yeast infections

Anthrax contamination

Allergic reaction

Jaundice

Head and neck pain

Impairment of liver function

top

---------------------------------

Common NameChampagne of Life, Manchurian Fungus, Manchurian mushroom, Tea

Fungus, Kargasok Tea, Haipao, Fungus Japanicus, Combucha, Kwassan, Spumonto,

T'Chai from the Sea, Tschambucco

top

---------------------------------

Clinical SummaryPrepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a symbiotic

culture of yeasts and bacteria, Kombucha tea has been used to treat a wide

variety of symptoms as well as certain diseases such as cancer, AIDS and

diabetes (3). The high caffeine and sugar content of the tea may account for

increased energy some users have reported following consumption of the product

(4). Animal studies have shown potent antioxidant, immunostimulating (5), and

hepato-protective (6) effects with limited toxicity (7), however clinical

studies in humans are lacking (8). Because of the method of preparation,

Kombucha can easily become contaminated. Allergic reactions, jaundice, serious

illness and occasionally death have been associated with the consumption of

home-grown Kombucha tea (9) (10) (11). Kombucha may reduce the absorption of

drugs that are sensitive to the pH level of the stomach (12).

top

---------------------------------

Purported uses

Acne

Atherosclerosis

Cancer treatment

Constipation

Diabetes

Fatigue

GI disorders

Headaches

Health maintenance

Hemorrhoids

HIV and AIDS

Hypertension

Immunostimulation

Osteoarthritis

Stress

top

---------------------------------

Constituents

Alcohol (0.5%)

Acids: acetic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glucuronic acid, hyaluronic

acid, chondroitin sulfate acid.

Bacteria: Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans

Yeasts: Brettanomyces, Zygosaccharomyces and Saccharomyces (1) (2)

top

---------------------------------

Mechanism of ActionPreparation of Kombucha tea yields a slightly carbonated,

acidic, fermented drink. Researchers have demonstrated Kombucha's antimicrobial

activity against a large number of pathogenic microorganisms even at neutral pH

and after denaturation. This suggests that Kombucha contains antimicrobial

compounds other than acetic acid and large proteins (13). In addition, Kombucha

tea has been shown to have high levels of B vitamins (14). Because of the method

of culture, it is easy for Kombucha to become contaminated with other organisms.

Contamination with Anthrax (10) and Aspergillus (14), a fungus that is dangerous

to people with lowered immune systems, have been reported. Green tea can

stimulate the Kombucha fermentation better than black tea, however it is

generally not used (3).

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a glazed

ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

ContraindicationsPatients with suppressed immune systems should not consume

Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment (1).

top

---------------------------------

Adverse ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast infections (12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in 20

people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic conditions (10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have been

associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of lead poisoning

have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a lead-glazed

ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported

from Kombucha as well, including two cases of allergic reaction, one case of

jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain (11). One case of

hepatotoxicity has also been reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2).

top

---------------------------------

Herb-Drug InteractionsKombucha tea is acidic. This may affect the

bioavailability of drugs that depend on the pH levels of the stomach for

dissolution and absorption(12).

top

---------------------------------

Literature Summary and CritiqueA systematic review of clinical evidence found

no clinical trials on humans (8).

top

---------------------------------

References

Mayser P, Fromme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the 'tea

fungus Kombucha'. Mycoses 1995;38:289-95.

Perron AD, JA, Yanofsky NN. Kombucha " mushroom " hepatotoxicity.

Ann.Emerg.Med 1995;26:660-1.

Greenwalt CJ, Steinkraus KH, Ledford RA. Kombucha, the fermented tea:

microbiology, composition, and claimed health effects. J Food Prot.

2000;63:976-81.

Majchrowicz M. Kombucha: a dubious " cure " . GMHC.Treat.Issues 1995;9:10.

Dipti P, Yogesh B, Kain AK, ine T, Anju B, Sairam M et al. Lead induced

oxidative stress: beneficial effects of Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci.

2003;16:276-82.

ine T, Dipti P, Anju B, Kavimani S, Sharma SK, Kain AK et al. Studies on

toxicity, anti-stress and hepato-protective properties of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2001;14:207-13.

Vijayaraghavan R, Singh M, Rao PV, Bhattacharya R, Kumar P, Sugendran K et al.

Subacute (90 days) oral toxicity studies of Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci.

2000;13:293-9.

Ernst E. Kombucha: a systematic review of the clinical evidence.

Forsch.Komplementarmed.Klass.Naturheilkd. 2003;10:85-7.

Unexplained severe illness possibly associated with consumption of Kombucha

tea--Iowa, 1995. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JAMA

1996;275:96-8.

Sadjadi J. Cutaneous anthrax associated with the Kombucha " mushroom " in Iran.

JAMA 1998;280:1567-8.

Srinivasan R, Smolinske S, Greenbaum D. Probable gastrointestinal toxicity of

Kombucha tea: is this beverage healthy or harmful? J Gen.Intern Med

1997;12:643-4.

Kombucha--toxicity alert. Crit Path.AIDS Proj. 1994;31-2.

Sreeramulu G, Zhu Y, Knol W. Kombucha fermentation and its antimicrobial

activity. J Agric.Food Chem. 2000;48:2589-94.

Gamundi R,.Valdivia M. [The Kombucha mushroom: two different opinions].

Sidahora. 1995;34-5.

Phan TG, Estell J, Duggin G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead poisoning from

drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J Aust. 1998;169:644-6.

MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series. 120. 2004. Thomson MICROMEDEX.

---------------------------------

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

At 10:35 PM 1/20/2008, you wrote:

>Sorry, I posted this for the information that KT actually made it to

>some type of official medical website, not to argue about use of KT!

>

>KT is great, but some precautions related to preparation and growth

>conditions should be used.

>Marina

Thanks, Marina. It would have been helpful if you had added an

explanation along with the post.

Have you ever read thoroughly the side effects of aspirin? If one

read them the same way and realized that people have developed

bleeding ulcers and died from overdose, one probably would never take

aspirin. I think the key is abuse. Too much of anything(even

chocolate!) is no good.

M

[Guest guest]

,

Actually I am not taking aspirin at all, since I am very sensitive to its action

- whole body starts developing bruises after taking even low doses of aspirin

for a few days.

KT, however, has vitamins, enzymes etc in it. If someone makes generalization

that KT is evil, that is the same as saying that yogurt/kefir is evil - the same

concept.

I grew up in Russia (according some sources - the origin of KT), and our family

used KT from time to time. I personally didn't noticed any changes in my

wellbeing from drinking KT, but I was a healthy child. I liked the taste.

Nevertheless, I generally believe, that something what people had used for

generations as preventive (vitamins and enzymes) or as remedy for some

illnesses (vitamins and enzymes and what ever other macrobiotics) can't be

discounted by any medical professionals.

I heard from US MDs that weather doesn't affect people (actually it is well

accepted in Russia that weather does affect people, and how can it be different?

- we are part of Nature and are affected by Nature), I heard from US MDs that

our vision can't be damaged by reading in the dusk - I personally know it's not

true and can give scientific explanation of it. I also know that medical

professionals as a class want us to be not very healthy - just imagine if people

will stop getting sick - all medical professionals will loose their income. I

am sure Medical Lobby will institute some sort of program to make us sick or

involuntarily undergo some " preventive " treatments ... in that hypothetical

situation.

So I am not surprised that KT is not considered to be a good thing.

But my impression of the MSC web information was and still is that KT is

helping to some people, it was not tested by FDA, some random trials (not all of

them are design properly is any case) didn't prove anything, but didn't disprove

anything also. But it has vitamins and other macrobiotics. Also it has warning

regarding proper maintenance of culture. If you look at the whole site - you

would see that most of the herbal remedies are measured the same way and again

every year scientists discover new drugs from nature's sources.

I also agree with you that one case of death doesn't prove anything - who knows

that the real reason of death was.

Marina

Marcella <lindamarcella@...> wrote:

At 10:35 PM 1/20/2008, you wrote:

>Sorry, I posted this for the information that KT actually made it to

>some type of official medical website, not to argue about use of KT!

>

>KT is great, but some precautions related to preparation and growth

>conditions should be used.

>Marina

Thanks, Marina. It would have been helpful if you had added an

explanation along with the post.

Have you ever read thoroughly the side effects of aspirin? If one

read them the same way and realized that people have developed

bleeding ulcers and died from overdose, one probably would never take

aspirin. I think the key is abuse. Too much of anything(even

chocolate!) is no good.

M

[Guest guest]

Who let this one slip under the wire??????????

Nn. England.

Info Re: kombucha, from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

Kombucha

var tabs = []; tabs.width = " 180px " ; tabs[tabs.length] =

{id: " Professional " , label: " Healthcare Professional " }; tabs[tabs.length] =

{id: " Consumer " , label: " Consumer " }; writeTabs( " herbs " , tabs); function

logTab(name, id){new Image().src =

" /mskcc_resources/forms/herbs/log/track_monograph.cfm?LView= " + ((name ==

" Consumer " )? " CON " : " HC " ) +

" & LogTerm=Kombucha & TimeStamp= " + new Date().getTime()}Healthcare Professional

Consumer

How It Works

Purported Uses

Research Evidence

Warnings

Do Not Take If

Side Effects

Common Name

Clinical Summary

Purported uses

Constituents

Mechanism of Action

Warnings

Contraindications

Adverse Reactions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Literature Summary and Critique

References

How It WorksBottom Line: Kombucha tea has not been shown to be

beneficial to humans. The process of fermenting Kombucha tea encourages

contamination and serious adverse effects have been reported. Contaminated

Kombucha tea can be especially dangerous for people with impaired immune

systems including many patients with cancer or AIDS.

Not a fungus, the Kombucha " mushroom " is a symbiotic culture of yeasts

and bacteria that grows inside a semi-permeable membrane. Kombucha tea

is prepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with Kombucha for seven

to ten days. Kombucha tea, a slightly carbonated and acidic drink, has

been used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and diseases. Kombucha tea

has high levels of caffeine, sugar and B vitamins which may account

for some of its purported benefits. Kombucha has been shown to have wide

antibiotic and antioxidant effects in animals; however few benefits

have been shown in humans. Allergic reaction and sever adverse reactions

due to contamination have been reported.

top

---------------------------------

Purported Uses

To treat acne

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat anxiety

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat atherosclerosis (the formation of plaque on the arteries)

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat cancer

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have antioxidant effects; however

no studies support this use in humans.

To treat constipation

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat diabetes

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat fatigue

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat gallbladder disease

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat headaches

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To maintain overall health

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat hemorrhoids

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat AIDS

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To lower blood pressure

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To stimulate the immune system

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have immune stimulating activity;

however there is no evidence to support this use in humans.

To treat arthritis

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat stress

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

top

---------------------------------

Research EvidenceNo clinical studies of Kombucha in humans have been

found in published literature.

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement.

Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured

under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the

labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been

tested for safety or effectiveness.

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a

glazed ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

Do Not Take IfIf your immune system is suppressed, you should avoid

Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment.

top

---------------------------------

Side Effects

Stomach problems

Yeast infections

Anthrax contamination

Allergic reaction

Jaundice

Head and neck pain

Impairment of liver function

top

---------------------------------

Common NameChampagne of Life, Manchurian Fungus, Manchurian mushroom,

Tea Fungus, Kargasok Tea, Haipao, Fungus Japanicus, Combucha, Kwassan,

Spumonto, T'Chai from the Sea, Tschambucco

top

---------------------------------

Clinical SummaryPrepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a

symbiotic culture of yeasts and bacteria, Kombucha tea has been used to

treat a wide variety of symptoms as well as certain diseases such as

cancer, AIDS and diabetes (3). The high caffeine and sugar content of the tea

may account for increased energy some users have reported following

consumption of the product (4). Animal studies have shown potent

antioxidant, immunostimulating (5), and hepato-protective (6) effects with

limited toxicity (7), however clinical studies in humans are lacking (8).

Because of the method of preparation, Kombucha can easily become

contaminated. Allergic reactions, jaundice, serious illness and occasionally

death have been associated with the consumption of home-grown Kombucha

tea (9) (10) (11). Kombucha may reduce the absorption of drugs that are

sensitive to the pH level of the stomach (12).

top

---------------------------------

Purported uses

Acne

Atherosclerosis

Cancer treatment

Constipation

Diabetes

Fatigue

GI disorders

Headaches

Health maintenance

Hemorrhoids

HIV and AIDS

Hypertension

Immunostimulation

Osteoarthritis

Stress

top

---------------------------------

Constituents

Alcohol (0.5%)

Acids: acetic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glucuronic acid,

hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate acid.

Bacteria: Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans

Yeasts: Brettanomyces, Zygosaccharomyces and Saccharomyces (1) (2)

top

---------------------------------

Mechanism of ActionPreparation of Kombucha tea yields a slightly

carbonated, acidic, fermented drink. Researchers have demonstrated Kombucha's

antimicrobial activity against a large number of pathogenic

microorganisms even at neutral pH and after denaturation. This suggests that

Kombucha contains antimicrobial compounds other than acetic acid and large

proteins (13). In addition, Kombucha tea has been shown to have high

levels of B vitamins (14). Because of the method of culture, it is easy

for Kombucha to become contaminated with other organisms. Contamination

with Anthrax (10) and Aspergillus (14), a fungus that is dangerous to

people with lowered immune systems, have been reported. Green tea can

stimulate the Kombucha fermentation better than black tea, however it is

generally not used (3).

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a

glazed ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

ContraindicationsPatients with suppressed immune systems should not

consume Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment (1).

top

---------------------------------

Adverse ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast infections

(12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous

anthrax in 20 people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic conditions

(10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have

been associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of lead

poisoning have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed in

a lead-glazed ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal toxicity

have been reported from Kombucha as well, including two cases of

allergic reaction, one case of jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting,

head and neck pain (11). One case of hepatotoxicity has also been

reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2).

top

---------------------------------

Herb-Drug InteractionsKombucha tea is acidic. This may affect the

bioavailability of drugs that depend on the pH levels of the stomach for

dissolution and absorption(12).

top

---------------------------------

Literature Summary and CritiqueA systematic review of clinical evidence

found no clinical trials on humans (8).

top

---------------------------------

References

Mayser P, Fromme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of

the 'tea fungus Kombucha'. Mycoses 1995;38:289-95.

Perron AD, JA, Yanofsky NN. Kombucha " mushroom "

hepatotoxicity. Ann.Emerg.Med 1995;26:660-1.

Greenwalt CJ, Steinkraus KH, Ledford RA. Kombucha, the fermented

tea: microbiology, composition, and claimed health effects. J Food Prot.

2000;63:976-81.

Majchrowicz M. Kombucha: a dubious " cure " . GMHC.Treat.Issues

1995;9:10.

Dipti P, Yogesh B, Kain AK, ine T, Anju B, Sairam M et al. Lead

induced oxidative stress: beneficial effects of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2003;16:276-82.

ine T, Dipti P, Anju B, Kavimani S, Sharma SK, Kain AK et al.

Studies on toxicity, anti-stress and hepato-protective properties of

Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2001;14:207-13.

Vijayaraghavan R, Singh M, Rao PV, Bhattacharya R, Kumar P,

Sugendran K et al. Subacute (90 days) oral toxicity studies of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2000;13:293-9.

Ernst E. Kombucha: a systematic review of the clinical evidence.

Forsch.Komplementarmed.Klass.Naturheilkd. 2003;10:85-7.

Unexplained severe illness possibly associated with consumption of

Kombucha tea--Iowa, 1995. From the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. JAMA 1996;275:96-8.

Sadjadi J. Cutaneous anthrax associated with the Kombucha " mushroom "

in Iran. JAMA 1998;280:1567-8.

Srinivasan R, Smolinske S, Greenbaum D. Probable gastrointestinal

toxicity of Kombucha tea: is this beverage healthy or harmful? J

Gen.Intern Med 1997;12:643-4.

Kombucha--toxicity alert. Crit Path.AIDS Proj. 1994;31-2.

Sreeramulu G, Zhu Y, Knol W. Kombucha fermentation and its

antimicrobial activity. J Agric.Food Chem. 2000;48:2589-94.

Gamundi R,.Valdivia M. [The Kombucha mushroom: two different

opinions]. Sidahora. 1995;34-5.

Phan TG, Estell J, Duggin G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead

poisoning from drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J Aust.

1998;169:644-6.

MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series. 120. 2004. Thomson MICROMEDEX.

---------------------------------

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

ho·ni soit qui mal y pense

Nn. England.

Info Re: kombucha, from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

website http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69274.cfm

Kombucha

var tabs = []; tabs.width = " 180px " ; tabs[tabs.length] =

{id: " Professional " , label: " Healthcare Professional " }; tabs[tabs.length] =

{id: " Consumer " , label: " Consumer " }; writeTabs( " herbs " , tabs); function

logTab(name, id){new Image().src =

" /mskcc_resources/forms/herbs/log/track_monograph.cfm?LView= " + ((name ==

" Consumer " )? " CON " : " HC " ) +

" & LogTerm=Kombucha & TimeStamp= " + new Date().getTime()}Healthcare Professional

Consumer

How It Works

Purported Uses

Research Evidence

Warnings

Do Not Take If

Side Effects

Common Name

Clinical Summary

Purported uses

Constituents

Mechanism of Action

Warnings

Contraindications

Adverse Reactions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Literature Summary and Critique

References

How It WorksBottom Line: Kombucha tea has not been shown to be

beneficial to humans. The process of fermenting Kombucha tea encourages

contamination and serious adverse effects have been reported. Contaminated

Kombucha tea can be especially dangerous for people with impaired immune

systems including many patients with cancer or AIDS.

Not a fungus, the Kombucha " mushroom " is a symbiotic culture of

yeasts and bacteria that grows inside a semi-permeable membrane. Kombucha

tea is prepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with Kombucha for seven

to ten days. Kombucha tea, a slightly carbonated and acidic drink, has

been used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and diseases. Kombucha

tea has high levels of caffeine, sugar and B vitamins which may account

for some of its purported benefits. Kombucha has been shown to have

wide antibiotic and antioxidant effects in animals; however few benefits

have been shown in humans. Allergic reaction and sever adverse reactions

due to contamination have been reported.

top

---------------------------------

Purported Uses

To treat acne

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat anxiety

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat atherosclerosis (the formation of plaque on the arteries)

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat cancer

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have antioxidant effects;

however no studies support this use in humans.

To treat constipation

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat diabetes

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat fatigue

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat gallbladder disease

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat headaches

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To maintain overall health

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat hemorrhoids

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat AIDS

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To lower blood pressure

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To stimulate the immune system

Animal studies have shown Kombucha to have immune stimulating

activity; however there is no evidence to support this use in humans.

To treat arthritis

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

To treat stress

No scientific evidence supports this use in humans.

top

---------------------------------

Research EvidenceNo clinical studies of Kombucha in humans have been

found in published literature.

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement.

Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured

under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the

labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been

tested for safety or effectiveness.

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a

glazed ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

Do Not Take IfIf your immune system is suppressed, you should avoid

Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment.

top

---------------------------------

Side Effects

Stomach problems

Yeast infections

Anthrax contamination

Allergic reaction

Jaundice

Head and neck pain

Impairment of liver function

top

---------------------------------

Common NameChampagne of Life, Manchurian Fungus, Manchurian mushroom,

Tea Fungus, Kargasok Tea, Haipao, Fungus Japanicus, Combucha, Kwassan,

Spumonto, T'Chai from the Sea, Tschambucco

top

---------------------------------

Clinical SummaryPrepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a

symbiotic culture of yeasts and bacteria, Kombucha tea has been used to

treat a wide variety of symptoms as well as certain diseases such as

cancer, AIDS and diabetes (3). The high caffeine and sugar content of the

tea may account for increased energy some users have reported following

consumption of the product (4). Animal studies have shown potent

antioxidant, immunostimulating (5), and hepato-protective (6) effects with

limited toxicity (7), however clinical studies in humans are lacking (8).

Because of the method of preparation, Kombucha can easily become

contaminated. Allergic reactions, jaundice, serious illness and occasionally

death have been associated with the consumption of home-grown Kombucha

tea (9) (10) (11). Kombucha may reduce the absorption of drugs that

are sensitive to the pH level of the stomach (12).

top

---------------------------------

Purported uses

Acne

Atherosclerosis

Cancer treatment

Constipation

Diabetes

Fatigue

GI disorders

Headaches

Health maintenance

Hemorrhoids

HIV and AIDS

Hypertension

Immunostimulation

Osteoarthritis

Stress

top

---------------------------------

Constituents

Alcohol (0.5%)

Acids: acetic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, glucuronic acid,

hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate acid.

Bacteria: Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans

Yeasts: Brettanomyces, Zygosaccharomyces and Saccharomyces (1) (2)

top

---------------------------------

Mechanism of ActionPreparation of Kombucha tea yields a slightly

carbonated, acidic, fermented drink. Researchers have demonstrated

Kombucha's antimicrobial activity against a large number of pathogenic

microorganisms even at neutral pH and after denaturation. This suggests that

Kombucha contains antimicrobial compounds other than acetic acid and

large proteins (13). In addition, Kombucha tea has been shown to have high

levels of B vitamins (14). Because of the method of culture, it is easy

for Kombucha to become contaminated with other organisms.

Contamination with Anthrax (10) and Aspergillus (14), a fungus that is

dangerous to

people with lowered immune systems, have been reported. Green tea can

stimulate the Kombucha fermentation better than black tea, however it

is generally not used (3).

top

---------------------------------

Warnings

Growing Kombucha in unsanitary conditions has lead to contamination.

Lead poisoning has been associated with Kombucha tea brewed in a

glazed ceramic pot.

top

---------------------------------

ContraindicationsPatients with suppressed immune systems should not

consume Kombucha beverages produced in an uncontrolled environment (1).

top

---------------------------------

Adverse ReactionsReported (Oral): stomach problems and yeast

infections (12).

Case Report (Topical): A case report of an outbreak of cutaneous

anthrax in 20 people who had applied Kombucha grown in unhygienic

conditions (10).

Case Report (Oral): Case reports of severe illness and death (9) have

been associated with the consumption of Kombucha tea. Two cases of

lead poisoning have been reported following drinking Kombucha tea brewed

in a lead-glazed ceramic pot (15). Four cases of gastrointestinal

toxicity have been reported from Kombucha as well, including two cases of

allergic reaction, one case of jaundice and one case of nausea, vomiting,

head and neck pain (11). One case of hepatotoxicity has also been

reported following Kombucha tea consumption (2).

top

---------------------------------

Herb-Drug InteractionsKombucha tea is acidic. This may affect the

bioavailability of drugs that depend on the pH levels of the stomach for

dissolution and absorption(12).

top

---------------------------------

Literature Summary and CritiqueA systematic review of clinical

evidence found no clinical trials on humans (8).

top

---------------------------------

References

Mayser P, Fromme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the

'tea fungus Kombucha'. Mycoses 1995;38:289-95.

Perron AD, JA, Yanofsky NN. Kombucha " mushroom "

hepatotoxicity. Ann.Emerg.Med 1995;26:660-1.

Greenwalt CJ, Steinkraus KH, Ledford RA. Kombucha, the fermented tea:

microbiology, composition, and claimed health effects. J Food Prot.

2000;63:976-81.

Majchrowicz M. Kombucha: a dubious " cure " . GMHC.Treat.Issues

1995;9:10.

Dipti P, Yogesh B, Kain AK, ine T, Anju B, Sairam M et al. Lead

induced oxidative stress: beneficial effects of Kombucha tea.

Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2003;16:276-82.

ine T, Dipti P, Anju B, Kavimani S, Sharma SK, Kain AK et al.

Studies on toxicity, anti-stress and hepato-protective properties of

Kombucha tea. Biomed.Environ.Sci. 2001;14:207-13.

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[Guest guest]

Marina - I hope you aren't talking about my EVIL comment... I was totally

joking!! I do not think kombucha is evil or I wouldn't be here!