Pharmacovigilance: Tiens Slimming Tea Causes Increased Blood Pressure

Abstract

Imported herbal products that did not go through the official channel of laboratory testing and clinical trials before approval for use have been introduced into the Nigerian pharmaceutical market. Tiens Slimming Tea marketed in Nigeria for the purpose of weight reduction is one of such products. At Oriaifo Medical Centre we observed and treated a case of increased blood pressure associated with the use of Tiens Slimming Tea in June 2003. It occurred in a female patient who had no prior history of hypertension. Ever since we have observed five more cases of increased blood pressure associated with the use of the slimming tea. In this paper we attempt to explain the possible link between the constituents of the slimming tea and increased blood pressure and also provide evidence of other possible harmful effects that may occur with the use of the slimming tea.

Keywords: Pharmacovigilance, hypertension, slimming tea

West African Journal of Pharmacology and Drug Research Vol. 22/23 2007: pp. 39-41